Hi - I have a leak coming from the front of my catalytic converter, basically coming from under the heat shield surround the cat. I've tried plugging it with putty but this doesn't work. Can this be welded, or is it better to have a new cat. converter installed? If so, can anyone recommend an inexpensive replacement brand?

Also, I am getting a bad o2 sensor reading on the check engine readout. I don't know if this is related to the leak or if I should just bite the bullet and replace everything. Suggestions?

Thanks,

John

Hi,

You'll have to check to see what type of end you have on your cat.-the end that bolts to the header pipe. It is either a spin flange or a fixed flange. Report back with the info, because it can be a bit confusing as far as what parts are needed.

partsgeek.com has pretty good prices on cat. conv.

Travis

Thanks for the responses. I believe the flange is a fixed, triangular-ish shape. When ordering a cat, I assume I also need to order the gasket that goes between the flange ends. What about the bolts?

The car (93 240 wagon) has 240,000 miles and I think this is the original cat. converter. It runs great - the gas mileage has slipped a bit to maybe 22 mpg - I use to get 26. If the 02 sensor were bad, wouldn't my mileage be alot worse?

Thanks!

LEGALLY, according to the epa, a convertor cannot be repaired, it must be replaced. you make the choice and then ask someone to weld it. they're on the hook or the fine, not you.

yes, the o2 might be acting funny because of the exhaust leak. fix the leak first, pull the fuse for the ecu. this clears the code and resets the adaptation, ie, what the ecu learned and changed while the o2 was acting funny. if the code comes back, then do the diagnosis. never assume a code for a part, especially an o2 sensor, means the part is bad. good luck, chuck.