BayStateEX

I've got an '04 EX. In 2010, w/under 70Kmi, I had to replace O2 sensor and ELD, and later that year the alternator--unbelievable to me given that this was supposed to be a Honda. Now today, at 83Kmi, mechanic tells me the Cat needs replacing. Is this a common problem for you other 7th gen Civic owners? Mechanic says it'll be $800. Given that I cannot do it myself, is this too much? Thoughts and advice?

ezone

ELD is common, O2 sensor is common, alternator is kinda rare at that mileage but not unheard of.

Driving with a misfiring engine can kill a cat in a matter of minutes.

EX has the cat under the floor of the car, right?
$800 is too cheap for a factory cat with labor and everything. It's $1150 retail by itself.
So it's probably a price for an aftermarket unit. Who knows how long an aftermarket cat will last? Not me.
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...PIPE+-+MUFFLER


If you don't like the prices of keeping your car going, learn to DIY.

SpdySylvrEX

Man I love your honesty...

I took my CAT off when I put my Turbo in (hint, hint)....and the best part is, there are no for the secondary O2...

anibis

If the previous owner drove the for short distances without getting the car fully warmed up (not just temp gauge warm) it can cause the cat to start clogging up. Given your car has such low mileage this is probably what happened.

The alternator should've lasted longer but you can't expect em all to last 10+ years.

MindBomber

Driving with a faulty 02 sensor can also shorten the lifespan of the catalytic converter, if you drove around for awhile before fixing it. None of the repairs you've listed are unreasonable for the mileage, regardless of whether it's a Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Ford. All mechanical devices are destined to on occasion need repairs or replacements as they age, that's all your experiencing.

If you don't like the cost of repairs, buy a set of tools and a repair manual to save the labour.

A number of people on the forum are using Random Technologies Cats, they work alright, but no as good as OEM. The price is a direct reflection of the amount of precious metals used when they're manufactured.

ezone

The 3 second filter kicked in....I wanted to say "get a bus pass". LOL


UFO technology.

04 Honda Civic

iTrader: (2)

"Given that I cannot do it myself, is this too much? Thoughts and advice? "

Who says you cant do it yourself? You or the mechanic?

SpdySylvrEX

IT really isn't that hard, It's six bolts soaked in PB Blaster for about five minutes, a couple 13MM wrenches, a 7/8 for your O2, and some patience if you bust your knuckle on on something...Other than that, it is fairly easy....

ezone

I don't recall anything on the car that came with 13mm hardware.

The nuts on the cat started life as 14mm wrench size. Rust makes them smaller. Sometimes a cutting utensil (blue wrench) is necessary when working with exhaust. (Doesn't everyone have one of those in their toolbox?)

SpdySylvrEX

, my bad, I never claimed to know everything...

ezone

I sure don't either, and I've forgotten more than most will ever know.
13mm is just not a wrench size that is common on Asian cars.



/If this was a cooking forum, I'd be a total n00b.

SpdySylvrEX

sorry, just noticed this....

Isn't 13 smaller than 14? so, yes, a 13 would be right...

ezone

Yeah, and sometimes I can pound a 12 or an 11 on them too, depends on how bad they are.

Sometimes it takes a cutting torch, that removes them in a hurry. Looks funner too. Showers of sparks and molten steel are cool.

Biscuit

^^^ I love using a plasma torch!! ^^^


Did you ask that mechanic why he thinks your cat needs to be replaced?
The most common killers of cats is running rich, burning oil, and a leaking head gasket.

I love the looks of partially melted cat guts.

Nathan