3rd gen catalytic converter

Has anyone tried an aftermarket catalytic converter ? Engine light shows "catalytic converter running below threshold" so I'm told it needs to be replaced . Since the OE is expensive for California I'm wondering if anyone else has had this issue or used a CARB certified aftermarket that worked ok .

 

I got a letter in the mail about a CAT recall so it was replaced for free? You can get a cat for $89 dollars but….

 

When my CC got stolen I brought it to a muffler shop and had them burn in an aftermarket CARB cert cat for my 1st gen Taco. It works fine, a small drone to it, but it's fine, No problems with passing emissions, and a hell of a lot cheaper - got the whole thing buttoned up with a new O2 sensor bung for ~$1000. I do hear that AM cats may not last as long, but were talking many years and miles so I'm not too concerned.

The ironic thing is I too had issues with the original cat (230k miles) and was about to replace it anyway, so the thieves got themselves a burnt out cat. For the new one I did buy a Cat Cage for it so hopefully the stealing doesn't happen again.

 

Dang that would have been nice haha . How long ago was that ? And do you live in CA ?

 

that's what I was thinking . If it can run and last for 5-10 years I wouldn't be upset at that.

 

20 years I think. I’m in Va. Its been through a dozen emission tests. I’m done.

 

Have the same problem on another make/model in my garage and found this Scotty Kilmer YouTube video about cleaning the cat with a gallon of lacquer thinner in the gas tank that seems to get mixed results, some huge fans and some who say it doesn’t work. I’m gonna try it as it’s worth $20 for a 50-50 chance to not have to replace a cat on a 30 year old car.

https://youtu.be/5icTmYItwiE?si=X7lmCmwFKwrupYHx

 

Oh interesting . Thanks jackstraw . That's for sure the cheaper option to try , especially if it works .