Hi folks,

Looking for some guidance. I have a 1996 Explorer (not sure if it makes a difference but is Eddie Bauer edition). Has about 180000 miles on it, couple dents, but in all runs pretty good. Had a check engine light go off, about the same time it started running pretty rough. Took it in and was told the catalytic converter needed replacement (said it was a dual), along with the oxygen sensor and some of the spark plugs/wires. I was given a cost of about $1100 and change to fix. I cant really say I completely trust the garage, I dont think they would be dishonest, but I do think that they mark up their parts quite a bit. I am really on the fence as to whether I should have it fixed or should consider something newer. Blue book has its value to a dealer at $1400 for fair, and $1800 for good condition.

I have read around this website a lot the past few years and have gotten some good knowledge from its community, so I was hoping for some feedback both in terms of the price that was given to me and the value of having it fixed. I love the car, its always treated me right, and hate to see it go, but want to be practical. Any advice or feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

zann

 

Welcome to FTE zann,

1100 is high, but in the ballpark for the repairs, cats are expensive.

Take it to another shop for another estimate.

Most people on FTE do this type of repairs in our own driveways and

garages, not saying you should do it, so get more estimates in the mean time.

At 180,000 miles, I am sure there are other things to do too.

1100.00 and you still own the truck.

 

I assume there is a different procedure for bolt in versus weld in installations. Probably a cost difference for parts also. I am going through the same cat replacement process with my 94 Explorer - 140000 miles. The cat is a bolt in installation and I have priced the parts at Rockauto, Autozone and Advance Auto. Prices run fairly close amongst suppliers for Walker parts.

Cat - 15737 = $268.99
Gasket - 31372 = $11.69
Gasket - 31545 = $8.49
Bolt Kit - 36129 = $10.33
Total = $299.50

I replaced the O2 sensors some time ago, got them from Rockauto for about $64 each, the local Ford dealer wanted about $116 each. Lesson learned do not source parts from Ford dealers.

 

You may well need a new cat, but my guess is the cat is a victim, not the cause of your problems. A plugged cat should not cause it to run rough, it should only cause a generalized decrease in power.

How did the tech come to the conclusion that you need spark plug wires? Not questioning the competence of the tech, but all to often that is a quick fix guess at addressing a random misfire. I would have him pull and inspect the plugs, they may tell a better story of what is happening. Misfires can damage your converter, and if not corrected, can quickly destroy the new replacement.

 

Touche!.. concur 100% .. Philip

 

On 9/15 the 17 year old catalytic converter was replaced on my 94 Explorer. The new converter was boxed with the front and rear gaskets so I returned the gaskets I had purchased to Advance Auto Parts. The money I spent was very reasonable compared to catalytic converter replacement prices quoted by others. The labor rate was a bit higher than expected because the original converter had studs in the front flange and the rear flange bolt heads had rusted to a rounded condition. Front flange studs and rear bolts had to be cut to remove the original converter.

The vehicle runs much smoother and the exhaust smell is gone. I reset the computer just in case it needed to relearn the new relationship of readings from the O2 sensors.

Wagner Cat - 15737 = $268.99
Wagner Bolt Kit - 36129 = $10.33
Parts Total = $279.32
Mechanics Labor - $158.37
Total Cost = $437.69

 

Thanks for the report... Philip

 

You say it runs smoother, but is it completely smooth. I still think you have a misfire or incomplete combustion. A new cat can mask the smell, but it is not designed to handle that. I still think you need to do more troubleshooting and find the cause of the failure, otherwise you are gonna find yourself replacing the cat again.

 

I think I should post the reason I replaced the converter. As I stated in my previous post it was 17 years old. But, the main reason for replacement was noise. It had developed a fairly significant rattle at idle and low rpm. I didn't want to take the chance small particles would someday clog the exhaust flow and cause me grief alongside some busy major highway. I realize there are other reasons for converters to fail but mine was purely due to age.

 

Mr. KhanTyranitar: After I submitted my previous post, I finally realized you are apparently addressing ZANN's first post in this thread. I think you have myself and ZANN confused. I was not addressing any performance problems with my posts. I was merely giving feed back on expenses and effects related to converter replacement.