Failed Catalytic Converter

[goubeaux]

Folks, I'm curious to know If anyone else has seen a CAT fail prematurely, as I have just apparently encountered ?

This is a MagnaFlow 50 State model, with 7k miles on it, where the Catalyst broke free inside.

Wouldn't this logically be considered a defect ? Or should I just -stop whining and suck it up and shell out another $1300 ?

Thanks !

[4Gears4Tires]

Dunno why you'd ask here instead of contacting them immediately and just ask for a replacement. It's 5 year/50k miles.

https://www.magnaflow.com/pages/warranty
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'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition

[goubeaux]

I'm asking here because GoWesty, who I bought it from, told me it is beyond warranty and they will not pursue it.

I get it, going directly to the manufacturer might be my only option, I appreciate that info though.

I was hoping GoWesty would do my bidding for me since they said " They have my Back" on their website - but maybe I'm being naive.

[zerotofifty]

50 state?

The california magnaflow I got is stainless body, not rusty.

A maladjusted motor running rich can kill a cat fast. make sure tune is good.

always replace the Oxygen sensor when getting a new cat, cheap insurance to assure a worn out sensor dont ruin a pricey cat.
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Give peace a chance. No American war with Russia!

[E1]

I would definitely call Magnaflow. Our 48-state Magnaflow did not rust, but did lose its guts pretty quickly when running rich from clogged injectors.

The other option’s reply is not surprising, unless you indeed have been running rich in which case I can understand it.

Did they offer a deal on a replacement?

How long have you had it?

How long before you need to pass emissions?
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[zerotofifty]

Id straight pipe it in order to get the problem sorted out, dont just put a new cat on there without first fixing the rich running issue. The only other thing might be it died from impact damage which got it clogged and over heated which ruined it BUT would have given very noticeable engine issues,

My guess you will find it running rich.

see what your oxygen sensor is reading, then replace with new sensor and monitor it signal also, compair the signals. make sure temp sensor readings are rights, particularly the water temp make sure no intake leaks, exhaust leaks both of which can trick Oxygen sensor into enriching mixture. check fuel pressure, injectors for leaks, spray pattern make sure sparks are good on all cylinders airfilter clean?
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Give peace a chance. No American war with Russia!

[E1]

Exactly what I was eluding to in asking when it next needs to pass emissions.

If you have to pay to replace, I’d attempt an emissions test asap if it’s running well. When ours failed, again from running rich but for well over a year, I pulled everything apart and noticed the converter was dead empty. Emissions was a year off so left it empty, it ran waaaaay better and got better mileage by a good bit.

If in Denver I’d have just replaced it, but it all made me wonder if the environmental gain actually lives in less CO, or using less gas. Our footprint is so incredibly tiny, I lived with any guilt I’d have had if still in the city.

I’d test as is just for giggles. It may well pass if it runs well, on CO even our crappy-running first van was like 30% of the legal limits, with clogged injector(s).
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[goubeaux]

[E1]

Good. Thanks.

Check your sparks plugs, if cocoa brown tell that to Magnaflow. Put on your negotiator’s cap, be nice, and they should be reasonable.

If they offer nothing, ask them if they can sell one at cost, or half-price if that’s less than cost, or you’ll buy other brands for the next XX years.

They also might not like the kind of press seen right here, right now, and every time anyone sees this thread.

Win-win.

I don’t think there’s any substantive risk in doing an emissions test at a center as is. Or at a mechanic’s, no risk there is likely. It may pass as it is right now, with either cat. $1,300 is nutty.

Ours is registered as a historic vehicle for five years, it’s a 48-state cat but we’ll run as is and see what happens. CO just went to the 50-state, we may well register elsewhere before paying probably $1,500 in 2026. Not made of money to burn.

That’s ridiculous to pay full-price after 7,000 miles, your fault or not.

VanAgain gets nearly all our business. Some things cost a little more, but they care a helluva lot more. Our money is our vote.

Good luck.
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[zerotofifty]

[E1]

A replacement at cost would have been appropriate.

But that’s mostly me — competing fairly instead of sucking a monopoly dry. No way would some vendors wanna double-profit after 7,000 miles, longtime customers are worth it — and all that silly, last-century, customer’s always right nonsense.

I wonder if the vendor bothered to make suggestions on how to check so another doesn’t tank. Or is that too much, too?

A cost replacement from any manufacturer is fair to ask. But I do agree with knowing it’s not as rich as a malt. Just because this genre often treats its customers like open wallets doesn’t mean we should defend it.

You do you.
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[zerotofifty]

[E1]

I never for one second suggested dishonesty. A pet peeve… honestly!

Was just saying capitalizing, even on a van issue to make double the profit, is crap behavior. Trust needs showing to customers, too.

Worthy discussion, Thanks.
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[zerotofifty]

[E1]

No worries here, Bud, apologies as well. It’s good to clarify and I really respect your saying all that!

Sometimes things get misinterpreted, especially in text, by us all.

I do get testy at some vendors. I’ve met all the western ones, several times, and really miss Peter in Santa Cruz. I also make sure to counter with bragging about the great ones, word of mouth is the best ally for all us V-Dubbers — as in any business. To me, one’s pointless without the other.

It is different when one’s livelihood if not survival depends on the honor of others. If I did a thread on all we’ve witnessed, I’d probably be thought a liar. So I don’t, ‘cause that’s the last thing I am.

By the way, the Missus’ birthday is tomorrow and we just picked up t-bones. And know there’s zero chance of cooking them poorly.

Thanks for being real, Bud. Beer sometime, Mehopes.
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[goubeaux]

Thanks for those thoughtful and helpful responses.

This is not about trying to scam and get something for free, rather to understand what might have gone wrong, and Yes learn from it.
I'm the first to admit if I made a mistake, but I'm also not one to just take "No and or go away" for an answer, without asking a few questions and or investigating a bit, especially IF I paid good money and read the instructions and warranty.

We're all aware by now that there are too many poorly manufactured components being "shoveled" out the door that are "half baked". We're also doing our share of testing for a few entities by buying their parts to help determine if/when they fail. No better example than the software industry. I don't necessarily have a problem with this IF it is up front and/or there is some give and take.

I'm happy to hear that Peter at VolksCafe in Santa Cruz ( the original name ) was mentioned here. What a special guy he was !
He went out of his way to make sure his customers felt appreciated, and more than once he helped me out of a bind.

[E1]

Very good, and Thanks.

I guess the remaining wonder is if you’re running rich. Have you checked the plugs? It’s critical to know this, for others if nothing else.

All the best.
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[goubeaux]

I'm going to dig into it, hopefully tomorrow. I will pull and inspect the plugs, then take it from there.

I'll report my findings, and likely have some more questions on some other variables that can cause running rich scenarios.

For now though the hollowed out CAT is my friend !
-sounds like the title to an Edgar Allan Poe poem-

[E1]

I just can’t help it:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O6As2C5xM9w&pp=y...aWRlbyA%3D
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‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[Abscate]

Magnaflows are cheap off market replacements for OE cats, on modern cars any tech worth salt will tell you to stay OE.

When you see the OE part at 1/3 the price of OE, it not market abuse, it’s quality
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.ssS!