I need a new Cat

[Seano]

...but VW don't want me to get it from them!!

The catalytic converter attached to the back of my 2.5TDi ACV engine (2001 build T4) has begun to disintegrate. As previously discussed in another thread this has been going on for a bit but the rattle has got more throaty and is now much easier to locate....it's the cat.

The dealer has just contacted me with a price and (to give him credit) he was very sympathetic and fairly aware that I wasn't going to be thrilled and they were unlikely to do the work. That's because the price quoted is $1500 fitted.....and that's for an exchange. VW want to dead cat back.

Fifteen hundred dollars.......I'll let that sink in a moment. Exchange. Just to make sure you're still thinking.

Has anyone had a better price/experience? I'm thinking that an exhaust specialist might be the go here. I've had a quick Google and found a couple of manufacturers/distributors of diesel cats in Oz so I'm fairly hopeful....but if anyone can recommend a source & price then I'd be grateful.

[Seano]

Have a crack at this

http://www.cats-direct-shop.co.uk/diesel-cat-converter.php?recordID=75

The price for the exact same (non-genuine) part I need....just under 62 UK pounds.

[Silver Caravelle]

http://www.uniqueautoparts.com.au/default/volkswagen

Seano,

You could try this crowd. You might pick up a good second hand CAT for a couple of hundred dollars. Definately would recommend a secondhand OEM as they are much quieter than the non-oem. I have tried both.

Good Luck.

Scott

[Seano]

No joy. There aren't many wrecked late model T4s with the ACV engine that also have less kays than mine....I've tried these guys and ASV for 2nd hand. And I've tired HSY and ASV for new as well.

Basically they aren't common enough to be worth stocking OR simply too much trouble.

So I'm probably going down the road of either getting a new pipe bent up or doing a cut and shut with universal unit (either a Cateran or a Microfresh). The local Carline shoppe is getting a visit this arvo.

[Silver Caravelle]

No joy. There aren't many wrecked late model T4s with the ACV engine that also have less kays than mine....I've tried these guys and ASV for 2nd hand. And I've tired HSY and ASV for new as well.

Basically they aren't common enough to be worth stocking OR simply too much trouble.

So I'm probably going down the road of either getting a new pipe bent up or doing a cut and shut with universal unit (either a Cateran or a Microfresh). The local Carline shoppe is getting a visit this arvo.

Does the T4 2.5 petrol use the same CAT? There are loads of T4 transporters out there and likely many wrecked.

Cheers,

Scott

[Seano]

Nope. Diesel catalytic converters are a very different thing from those used in petrol powered vehicles.

And in the T4 in Oz diesel catalytic converters were only fitted to the ACV engine.

The other problem is that they are worth a bob or three due to the platinum and palladium....so they are easy money for wreckers rather than waiting for a punter to buy one.

[Silver Caravelle]

Nope. Diesel catalytic converters are a very different thing from those used in petrol powered vehicles.

And in the T4 in Oz diesel catalytic converters were only fitted to the ACV engine.

The other problem is that they are worth a bob or three due to the platinum and palladium....so they are easy money for wreckers rather than waiting for a punter to buy one.

OK fair enough. Good luck.

[Seano]

The solution was quite easy in the end. The T4 is at the local Carline exhaust outlet getting a new universal cat fitted. It's a cut and shut job and I've been quoted just $240.

What would anyone like to bet against the possibility that VW are recovering old cats, having the same cut and shut job performed on them and pocketing a thousand dollars in profit every time?

[gerhard]

The solution was quite easy in the end. The T4 is at the local Carline exhaust outlet getting a new universal cat fitted. It's a cut and shut job and I've been quoted just $240.

What would anyone like to bet against the possibility that VW are recovering old cats, having the same cut and shut job performed on them and pocketing a thousand dollars in profit every time?

And risk getting found out and sued - I don't think so.

Dealers mostly don't think outside the square. A savvy dealer might have given you the genuine price, then given you the (noisier) alternative for half the price, and you might have taken the alternative from them. For some people, time is money.

So now you need to find a recycler who will give you something for the precious metals in your old one

[Seano]

The dealer had no interest in the old cat....they were as bemused as me that a) VW wanted it and b) that VW wanted so much money for it....which is why they suggested in independent exhaust shoppe.

So now I have a new cat. And it breathes much better. No more noise either