Hello All,

I have a 1996 850 GLT Wagon, with a 5-speed manual (non-turbo). It has 360,000 miles and the catalytic converter was replaced 175,000 miles ago when it was damaged in a collision. A new Volvo catalytic converter was installed. Recently, the catalytic converter has begun to "rattle" when I start it up and turn it off. I have been advised by my private mechanic I could drive my Volvo like this for years, assuming the noise does not bother me. Apparently, the honeycomb internal construction of the converter has broken and that is the rattling noise I hear. Fortunately I am not experiencing any "Check Engine" lights. The car runs fine.

This Volvo is equipped with an air pump and I have been advised the part # for this catalytic converter is 8602985. Volvo no longer sells this catalytic converter. Until a few moments ago, I thought I had the option of purchasing a new (NOS I guess) Volvo catalytic converter from FCP Euro. It was listed for sale on its website. Unfortunately, I just confirmed it is not available. I could purchase an aftermarket catalytic converter, but I don't like the stories I have heard of constant CELs and eventual failure in a few years. Apparently in comparison to Volvo catalytic converters, the after market brands don't compare. My strategy for the moment is to just continue to drive the car "as is" and hope for the best. I know, there may come a time the converter completely fails, and doing nothing will no longer be an option.

At this juncture I am asking this wonderful community, if anybody can suggest where I could still find for purchase a new Volvo catalytic converter. Maybe there is some "New Old Stock" out there that someone knows about? I suspect it will be the last original Volvo catalytic converter I will ever be able to purchase for this Volvo if one exists. I know, time marches on. Let me express my thanks to all who respond.

Hugh

Hi Hugh,

You asked:
https://www.swedishcarparts.com/models/4-volvo-850-1993-1997/parts/catalytic-converter



That site list 3, the first is for a turbo. The other 2 are N/A maybe, I do not see a flex pipe with them.
--
Keeping it running is better than buying new

Klaus,

I checked the description of the three catalytic converters listed, and none of them had the part number for my catalytic converter that was given to me by the Parts Dept. of my local Volvo dealers; Part # 8602985. I will call the company directly, to confirm the part number. Thank you for your response.

Hugh

When I needed a cat for one of our 740s, I found a foreign auto parts wholesaler - a tiny front office with a counter, no showroom, and fleet of small pickups.

I got a cat that really looked like the stock cat for about one quarter of Volvo's price.

Check to see of there is a wholesale outfit around you.

James,

Do you have a name of this vendor or store that I can "Google"?

Thank you for your response.

Hugh

I have a sneaking suspicion that you could probably find a decade newer V70 for the combined cost of the genuine Volvo converter and having it installed!

Around here (Toronto area) the automotive recyclers are paying top dollar for "retired" cars-- last year I got $1000 Canadian for my 2000 V70. It was still a pretty solid car, but I couldn't justify repair costs exceeding its value to keep it on the road.

I have had decent luck with weld-in Magnaflow cats, but I have never had one done in a Volvo. I think I paid $250 Canadian the last time I had one done, so it isn't a huge gamble, and it might take you to 30 years of ownership on your 850...

Good luck!

Herb,

Thank you for your suggestion about Magnaflow converters. I have had confirmed by my local Volvo parts department that 1994-97 Volvo 850s, non-turbos with air pumps (both sedans & wagons) are suitable catalytic converter donors. Also the 1998 V70 non-turbo with an air pump is also a candidate.

It would be a sad irony, if a catalytic converter "kills" my 850 in the end. I really like the car, it presents well and runs great, plus it is a 5-speed manual which around were I live is "as rare as hen's teeth". I doubt I'll ever find another Volvo wagon with a 5 speed manual. Hope springs eternal. Thank you for you help and advice.

Hugh

I’ve long wondered what would happen if a person just ran four or five stainless steel screws up through the bottom of the cat into the honeycomb to hold it from rattling around.

Chris,

I am a coward! I would be afraid to attempt that remedy. My private mechanic has told me I would be better served putting a used Volvo catalytic converter than installing a new aftermarket unit. Of course, with most of the "available" used catalytic converters in in excess of 20 years old, that too may come with some risk. So I haven't given up on finding a NOS Volvo catalytic converter out there somewhere. After all, "Hope springs eternal".

If you decide to try your experiment with the screws, let me know how it works out. I maybe "right behind you".

I have another 1996 850 GLT wagon (also a manual) the catalytic converter on that one rattled too and was replaced with a new Volvo catalytic converter. I think it happen once I went over 250,000 miles. It was up there in terms of mileage when the rattle started. I still have that 850 too (427,000 miles). The 850 I'm focused on now has 360,000. As you can guess I have a bias for Volvos.

Chris thank you for your response.

Hugh

First of all -- congrats on achieving the mileage you have on your Volvos. Your mechanic's idea of a used cat would be OK if you could get one--it's not legal for yards to sell them as far as I know. One way would be to purchase a broken car (wrecked or some major components need replacement), remove the cat - sell the "parts" car or scrap it. -- Dave

Dave,

Thank you for your reply. The co-owner of the private garage (not the mechanic who recommended finding a used catalytic converter) said the same thing you did: it is illegal to sell a used catalytic converter in CT where I reside. My hope is that prohibition is not nationwide in scope. But there is another practical problem I see in trying to obtain a used catalytic converter aside from being over 20 years old: catalytic converters contain high value metals and have a high salvage value. My concern is (though I have not confirmed this yet) most catalytic converters are immediately scrapped for their value due to their content and are not even available to be sold used. I'm still looking though, and will continue to welcome any suggestions or comments.

Hugh

Hi Hugh,

If you have the Volvo part #: Search on Ebay where you will get after market
and maybe OEM CAT converters. You can also find better bargains sometimes by searching direct with various search engines: startpage.com, duckduckgo.com,
Bing.com, etc. Sometimes the results are unique and cheaper than Amazon, Ebay etc.

When you finally replace the CAT, there are on-line places that will recycle it
and you can get a good price for the old CAT since they want the precious metals.

Happy Motoring, Bill

Bill,

Thank you for your advice and suggestions. I will follow up on them. You have confirmed the value of this forum.

Hugh

Bill,

Thanks for the suggestions and leads. I'm still holding out hope I can avoid purchasing an aftermarket converter, and purchase a original Volvo converter. However, with the passage of 25 years, that may be an unrealistic expectation. I will follow up on your advice. Thank you.

Hugh