So I had to etest my 96 accord and it failed miserably. I think I need a new cat.

There are a bunch on ebay for around $120.
Ive excluded the high flow ones, I assume they dont clean the emissions since they are meant for performance.
But there are other aftermarket ones, has anyone installed one of these and had it pass ontarios emissions test? Or other smog test??




ebay.com/itm/Catalytic-Converter-POWDERCOATED-SILVER-NEW-SINGLE-CL-/370532262981?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &fits=Year%3A1996%7CModel%3AAccord&vxp=mtr&hash=it em564571a445

 

Peronally before going for the cat, what were the numbers?

It could just need the egr port cleaning? See the Common DIY Threads for a write up.

 

you can run a high flow cat. Just make sure it is C.A.R.B legal...if not you will fail. Anything part you install MUST be C.A.R.B legal or you will fail your test every time

 

thanks ill try to clean the egr lines too.
i just replaced the egr solenoid unit as i was getting a P403 error code. seems the swap has fixed that.

as for the numbers, the car failed on everything, not just NOx which i read would be caused by a clogged egr line, what do you guys think?

HC ppm limit-62 reading-97
CO% limit-0.35 reading-0.36
NO ppm limit-467 reading-478

i still have to jack the car up and inspect the cat, i dont know if its original one or not.

im also going to replace all the spark plugs, since thats a cheap partial fix.

 

Yea but not by much. When was the last full tune up done?

 

For a 49-state car, Amazon has a direct fit Walker for $138 & free shipping, and Walker has a $40 rebate for it, so < $100.

 

well the cat is still good!
I went under the car and checked the temperature before and after the cat, it was 80C entering, and 140C exiting. Certainly looks like its fine.

I decided to clean the EGR ports, pulled the fuel rail off, open the egr port cover, and holy shiet, it was completely clogged. All 4 ports. after scrapping out the carbon buildup with a screw driver and some carb cleaner, put it all back, looking new.

I also changed all the spark plugs, since they were at least 3 years old. Also changed the oil, it was due.

Went and got it re-tested, passed!

Heres the new numbers:
HC ppm - 44
CO% - 0.13
NO ppm - 86

Just goes to show a little cleaning out the egr system has amazing results, and dont take the word of the emissions dude that you need a new catalytic converter!!

 

Thumbs up to you!!!! Way less than $100 and you are good to go.