QuestionQUESTION: Howard,
First, thanks for answering these questions, and quite frankly, helping me become a better mechanic. I have worked on Audi, BMW, Volvo, Saab, Land Rover and many domestic makes, but this Jaguar is a unique machine and I have learned quite a bit in the past two weeks. Now, considering the clogged exhaust, my local exhaust shop only shows a recommendation in their books for the second cat converter, but isn't there a cat just after the oxygen sensor? Would you have any experience with maybe installing straight pipe in place of the first, then replacing the second? I have to pass state emissions testing of H.C 1.20 and CO 220. Is this something you can advise on to any point?
Thanks again,
Michael
ANSWER: You are a repair shop and need to check the laws first as back in the 70s I remember BLM telling us at a dealership that it was a minor offence for an owner to remove any emission control component but it was a Federal offence for a shop to do it. That was in FL.
Here in TN the emission testing looks at the CATs to see that they are there and checks CO and HC and this last year checks the seal on the gas caps. My own car passed except the gas cap seals even though they sealed, the rubber outside the sealing point was cracked so I had to put in new seals to pass. Not expensive so I didn't push the issue.
The series III XJ-6 when right can pass without the CATs. Your test limits are the same as here except you have them reversed. CO is 1.2 and HC is 220.
It is common to see the first CAT (just at the exhaust manifolds) stopped up from melting. Even a bad plug wire can do that.
I have worked on several Series III cars that still had the first CAT in place but the guts were knocked out of them. I didn't do it so I felt that it was none of my business as I don't think the law said anything about reporting damaged CATs.
I believe you can get aftermarket CATs for less than half of what a dealer wants for one.
Howard
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QUESTION: I'm not a repair shop, this is my personal car, and all the others listed were, too. I do some work for others. I get your point, though. I know they use a mirror on a stick to see a cat converter is in place, but that is about the extent of it other than the fuel tank and sniffer test. I am in TN as well, Chattanooga (Hixson). I had the numbers reversed, sure, I just had them in my head. I'm at the mercy of the exhaust shop as I have no welding equipment or experience. They quoted $312 installed for the second cat, but like I said before, no listing for the first. This is my project/restoration and my wife is limiting my budget going forward until it runs worth a darn and is registered.
Thanks again!
Michael
ANSWER: I would not consider putting in the second CAT until I addressed the first CAT. If the First is melted you can tell that just by removing it (not a hard job) and just hold it up to a light. If it is melted you can easily see it. Then rather than make a straight pipe to take it's place as a test for the second just open the first by driving a drift through it and use it as a test pipe and if the pressure comes down to normal you can then just purchase the front CAT and not the second.
Look up Engel Imports on the net and use their toll free number to check the price of a new first CAT and ask if a aftermarket CAT is available. They are good people to deal with.
Howard
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QUESTION: I'll definitely check Engel out, but the first appears to have been replaced at least once, as it is welded in, with the ugly welds you usually see from hack exhaust shops. I'm in that tough spot of wanting to do things right, but some things I just can't do here, and not wanting to pay more than necessary to get it right, considering I still have trashed floor boards to contend with...
Thanks,
Michael
AnswerOuch! The original was just bolted in. In that case you need to have a muffler shop pull the system down and just cut number one off and confirm it is the bad one and have them weld a generic CAT in place. Generic CATs are only about $120. I would not expect the labor to pull it down and cut and weld to be more than $50 to $75.
keep in mind that a used Accet/oxy welding equipment is no more than that. Another $10 for a welding book and a weeks practice and you will be welding your own pipes. Check TSC in your area for new equipment, and a really good price on refill tank system. You may be surprised at what a new set of torch/hose is and rent tanks from TSC.
Howard
