catalytic converter 156 jts

[clsport]

Hi

Sorry if this has been asked before or if I ask some obvious questions its my 1st time owning an alfa.

I bought a 156 JTS manual sedan earlier this year. it only had 70000 Kms on the clock and i couldn't resist it.

The car has been great till 6 weeks ago when the warning lamp on the dash appeared 'go to the dealer'. I took it to Pursang in Brunswick and was told its the catalytic converter. They put a cleaner through the system and said if the message returns then it will need to be replaced. For 6 weeks its been fine till last night when I got the message again 'go to the dealer'. Pursang said it could be $1800 to replace. I don't drive the car much (I've done 3000kms in 5 months) and the guy i bought it off had it in storage for 2 years till I bought it. On both occasions once I got the message the car really ran like a dog.

My questions are:

- How long is the catalytic converter meant to last?
- I've only ever put Premium 98 in the car. I changed from Shell after Pursang suggested I change fuel. (I tried both caltex and BP)
- Has anyone else had a problem and changed a converter. I don't wanna change the converter to only find it was something else

Any suggestions would be helpful

[Mick A]

A second hand converter is much cheaper than a new one and the obvious cost effective route to take.

These are readily available, Pursang will certainly be able to source one for you.

Unfortunately they do seem to shit themselves, especially after the car has had a faulty coil pack or and run rough or on 3 cylinders. The excessive heat generated destroys the cat.

They are part of the exhaust manifold, hence why so expensive.

-Mick

[carlo rossi]

cut it off pull the guts out and then return to original position
its like magic

[Mick A]

Also illegal.

[Domenic]

From memory the JTS car have oxygen sensors before and after the catalytic convertor.
So it'd be pointless doing as Carlos Rossi mentioned as it would throw up more error codes for the owner.

[carlo rossi]

agreed it is illegal
however a non functioning cat is also illegal and any cat over 50K kms does not  really pass anyway
ps  this has been done recently to a porsche 928  have not heard of a problem except an extra 50 hp at the wheels ( it is a v8 )as long as the sensors are put back
it but if im wrong
throw in a second hand one no cost option
the later is simpler try and get a very low mileage cat or I believe they have cheap new ones now that dont have the same flow issues ( not Alfa Genuine)
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MAGNAFLOW-HIGH-FLOW-2-25-INCH-STAINLESS-STEEL-CATALYTIC-CONVERTER-54305-/221731024560