Catalytic converter mishap

[Silverdoc]

Hey guys, I need some help with my Jetta, it's a 2006 petrol 2.0 automatic car, I bought it used few months ago, 2weeks ago I had the orange exhaust warning lights on, there was nothing wrong with the car, running very smooth, it was due for service anyway, I took it to a reputable VW mechanic, he did a minor service, checked the light, told me there was nothing wrong, the lights were on simple because my battery was weak and needing to be changed, he barged the battery for rand the lights went off.
I took the car it's not running smooth at all, loud noise from the engine, feels like its on a leash, not smooth with an occasional clunk sound every now and then.
2days later it stopped completely, the engine starts, but the moment I engage a gear, the RPM does rise, the car shakes and the engine stops.

Had it towed to back to the mechanic, he had a look, called me later saying that the catalytic converter has melted completely, he never saw s.thing like it before, long story short, it needs a replacement, he tried some I'd the second hand dealers, couldn't find a used one, my only option is to have one imported from Singapore, a total bill of about 3500 dollars.

This is an insane price, it's third of the car price, I don't really know what to do, I,m wandering, could this have been an issue with the car before I bought it and I didn't notice, having said that, the car was running perfect until I had it serviced. Could it have been the catalytic converter right from the start and the mechanic missed it? Would it have been salvageable then? Is it worth paying that much money to have it changed? I really don't know what to do? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks a lot guys

[rgvlee]

I don't know the difference between the units, but my 03 Polo had the catalytic converter go just outside of warranty. The genuine VW replacement was in the thousands, the aftermarket one was a few hundred so you know which one I had fitted. I've never owned a car that has had one go within such a short space of time.

[noone]

you should be able to replace with an aftermarket one and a spacer.

I have both of these ready for my car, but not going to happen, so can provide to you at cost (something like $200 to you, express).

Its one of these:MagnaFlow Catalytic Converters - 49-STATE & CANADA Catalytic Converters For Trucks, Suv's, American Muscle, Diesel, & Sport Compact Vehicles

This was bought for my car, so need someone to chime in if 2.5" is suitable. The spacer is the 42DD exhaust spacer O2 Sensor Spacer

Good luck.

[Paul_OH]

Surely this is a secondhand unit available from a wrecker or someone on here selling a GTI exhaust following an upgrade. $3,500 for new is just crazy - there is much better alternatives than that.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f24/mk5-gti-golf-genuine-original-exhaust-system-downpipe-rear-mufler-80732.html

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f24/fs-stock-turbo-back-gti-mk6-exhaust-bargain-price-74325.html

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f24/mkv-gti-exhaust-side-skirts-68755.html

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f24/mkvi-gti-exhaust-71963.html

[Silverdoc]

Thanks a lot guys, my mechanic cannot find any used parts, don't know what to do

[martinijosh]

Re: Catalytic converter mishap

Take it to an EXHAUST shop and get a new metal core cat converter, shouldn't be more than 400 including labour

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[wai]

Surely this is a secondhand unit available from a wrecker or someone on here selling a GTI exhaust following an upgrade. $3,500 for new is just crazy - there is much better alternatives than that.

Unfortunately when certain components are effectively mandated and there is little competition, ANY price can be charged. The thing is that VW do not make these and so getting a "genuine" VW component is likely to cost you more. I'm waiting for the day when some tyre company allows a car manufacturer to re-brand tyres with the manufacturer's logo. Can you imagine how much they will charge for them?

[bazzle]

My slk Merc did the same thing.
I had an exh place fit a High Flow PAIR (that model had 2 in parallel) Cost $600
Went better too. Work was done in an hour.
Dont be afraid to go to an exh shop, its what they do. They have all the tools and parts etc to do it right.

Bazzle

[Silverdoc]

Thank you guys for the input,

My mechanic told me yesterday that the main Cat has melted, needs to be changed along with the manifold, couldn't find a second hand one in Australia, quote for parts from VW is 4000$ + labour.
Don't know what to do

My slk Merc did the same thing.
I had an exh place fit a High Flow PAIR (that model had 2 in parallel) Cost $600
Went better too. Work was done in an hour.
Dont be afraid to go to an exh shop, its what they do. They have all the tools and parts etc to do it right.

Bazzle

Thanks a lot Bazzle, so you think I should go to an exhaust shop not a mechanic!!

[bazzle]

Thats why they exist

[Andypants]

Catalytic converter mishap

Silverdoc, mate I'm not sure why you are dealing with this mechanic, any reasonable mechanic would have quoted you on the genuine and then referred you to an exhaust shop who would do it for you for a fraction of the price. Seriously an aftermarket cat should cost no more than $500 fitted.

[Cristian G]

Catalytic converter mishap

Thanks a lot Bazzle, so you think I should go to an exhaust shop not a mechanic!!

Silverdoc, go to the exhaust shop. A few years ago I had a BMW compact that just stopped, got towed to the dealer under BMW Assist. After a week of stuffing around by the dealer (including replacing the ECU) they found the cat had collapsed and melted, hence the car would not run on.
Said dealer wanted $2800 to replace the cat.
An exhaust shop one street away charged $450, fitted with a high flow ceramic cat, problem solved in under an hour.
I never had a problem for the two years after that I owned the car for.
Go aftermarket, it will do the job, and save you money.

[Lucas_R]

Silverdoc, mate I'm not sure why you are dealing with this mechanic, any reasonable mechanic would have quoted you on the genuine and then referred you to an exhaust shop who would do it for you for a fraction of the price. Seriously an aftermarket cat should cost no more than $500 fitted.

Exactly. What this guy said ^.

[martinijosh]

Re: Catalytic converter mishap

Note to the above, avoid ceramic cats unless you like rattling noises under revs

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