Rhaspy Cat

["Grant Lenahan" <glenahan@notes.cc.bellcore.com>]

Peter sez:

>>I've been hearing this raspy noise sounding like a loose heat shield
coming from my exhaust system for a while and decided to look at it this
weekend. Turns out that it seems to coming from inside the catalytic
converter and can even be heard at idle if you are outside the car.
Also, if you hit the side of the converter with your hand with the
engine not running, you can hear what seems to be something loose in
there.

Anybody ever seen anything like this before? Does it mean I need a new
converter? Seems strange because the car only has 40K miles on it.

TIA.
Peter<<

Peter:

I have one doing the same thing -- albeit at 107k.
Mine began rattling about 20k ago, then sent relatively quiet.
Now its coming back.

Here's the scoop:  a cat is a honeycomb of surface area inside a metal case.
The honeycomb is breaking down (strange for 40k) and litterally rattling around
inside the chamber.  The major worry is that the loose pieces will lodge and 
block your exhaust.

You don't say what model car you have, but my 90q20v has one costly cat -- thus 
I have
done nothing (yet).  KLet me know if you find either a good aftermarket source 
or a 
rebuilder.

BTW- the federal government insists that the emissions hgardware be warranted 
for 50k
on older models, 100k on newer.  Either way, you may have a new feline coming 
your way.
Document it and move fast!!

Grant