Catalytic Converter Question??

[onlywoody]

On my 90 GW there is a metal tubing that comes out the side of the catalyic converter. Well, I noticed that about 1 foot of the tubing has been cut and a rubber tubing replaced that section. THAT RUBBER TUBING IS CRUMBLING APART!! And it just came out of the shop for carb problems and oil change , I'm surprised they didn't notice it.
What exactly was this metal tubing?? THANKS TO ALL. I tried looking in Haynes repair manuel. NO LUCK.

[89grand]

It connects the air pump to the catalytic converter. I had a new converter installed almost 2 years ago and they connected the air pipe to the converter with rubber hose. It still looks good. I'd just have the hose replaced with another new hose.

[onlywoody]

THANK YOU 89grand!!!!!!!

[89grand]

You're welcome. Any muffler shop should have the correct hose to do the job. I guess I should have said that it connects the air line from the air pump to the converter instead of saying connects the air pump to the converter, but I think you knew what I meant.

[89grand]

It actually wont hurt anything being disconnected but it's there for emissions.

[onlywoody]

so i'm guessing it wouldn't effect gas mileage???

[89grand]

No, not at all. That's not the reason you're getting $hitty mileage, they all do no matter how well they're tuned up.

[onlywoody]

Yes I forgot, They're FLYING BRICKS!!!!

[Cecil14]

If you don't have a visual inspection for emissions I would ditch the air pump and get a newer style cat. The newer cats don't need the pump or the pipes and are WAY more efficient than the old style ones.

Anthony

[onlywoody]

Cecil14, What do you think I'm looking at $$? And what brand?

[89grand]

If you don't need a new cat just get a piece of hose.

[Cecil14]

If yours is still working I wouldn't mess with it, that was meant as a replacement plan. Should've mentioned that. Anyway, I've seen some universal type cats go for around $60 or so. Check with some places like Jegs and summit, they probably have something. Can't think of any special brands off the top of my head. Check with a good muffler shop near you, they should be able to supply you with prices and options.

Anthony

[onlywoody]

I'll bring it in to shop , will check to see if cat is still good!!!

[marcd]

Just so you know - I don't think that is regular hose, given how hot cats get. Most auto shops carry replacement kits that use hi-temp silicone hose. I got mine for about $10 or $20 bucks. I don't think regular rubber hose will last too long near the cat.

[onlywoody]

Thanks for tip Marc,
Hey what color is wag? mine is getting the restor on Monday. Factory dark blue and new panels!!!

[onlywoody]

I also noticed the belt on the air pump is off. NO BELT! What would be the reason for the previous owner to remove the belt fro the air pump? What purpose does the air pump have??????????

[GirlsLoveDirt]

Pumps fresh air into the cat. I took a baseball bat to mine ...

[710 Burner]

One of the reasons for air injection is to reduce the rotten egg smell (so why doesn't it work for ricers?) If you have no belt, it does not matter if the tube is connected or not. Is this an inspection problem for you? If not, then the option Cecil14 mentions may be perfect.

[Cecil14]

As mentioned the air pump pumps clean air into the exhaust to help it burn cleaner and reduce emissions. May want to check your pump before you bother getting the line fixed. Spin the pump by hand to make sure that it's not froze up. If it still works fine and your cat is still good I would get a belt and a hose and hook everything back up. If otherwise I would go for the newer cat and remove the extra parts (tubes, pump, etc.).

Anthony

[Merc69]

What hoses...what CAT...what extra junk :D

[skid2964]

Originally posted by Merc69:
What hoses...what CAT...what extra junk :D Are southern states the only ones that do not require all this smog stuff? We dont get inspected for emissions! All they want to know is if your blinkers and horn are working. I always rip all that crap out(smog stuff, not horn and blinkers :D ). I will have much of it up for grabs soon if anyone needs it!

[ February 20, 2004, 08:24 PM: Message edited by: skid2964 ]

[Cecil14]

No, michigan does not have any real smog laws - YET. They are coming, bet on it. The one real misconception EVERYONE has is that cats are bad. Do some research people. Newer cats are about as restrictive as mandrel bent 3" pipe. 99% of the people on this site would see NO drop in power from the adition of a GOOD cat. And they DO help keep the environment clean contrary to popular belief. smile.gif

Honestly, if you are going to spend into the thousands of dollars on tires/wheels, why not drop ~$100 on a cat? Funds permitting I will be installing cats on my rigs.

Anthony

[Ernzo]

Originally posted by Cecil14:
If you don't have a visual inspection for emissions I would ditch the air pump and get a newer style cat. The newer cats don't need the pump or the pipes and are WAY more efficient than the old style ones.

AnthonyBut...But... what if we want to keep everything 'original'?

hehehe

Seriously, I agree. Just remember to block the air system from the diverter valve.

[89grand]

When I first got mine it didn't have a cat at all for some reason, but when I had one put on I didn't notice any power drop at all. If there was any it wasn't noticeable.