Trading in truck without catalytic convertor

[Retiredguy2]

No it doesn't. The ECM will still feed extra fuel into the motor to heat the converter contents that are no longer there. Don't try to talk about lowering flow restrictions, etc. That's why we ran tests (unless your's got plugged because the beads melted). This notion is just like the one that says you get better mileage with your tailgate down. Coast down tests by companies (as in when I worked there) and the EPA show this is false. You can get better mileage by modifying the hood and fenders. Best improvement comes from removing the brake pedal.

Reason I asked that query is because I was trying to figure out just why anybody would remove the converter in the first place. Lots of hits on Google say it will increase power, improve mpg, sound better, etc. If not so why remove the converter in the first place? To sell it and make money?

 

[truckdiagnostics]

Replacement costs. Same reason why dealership is asking the guy for the $1000.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I just replaced 2 of the catalytic converters on a honda, cost for parts was about $400 for two of them.

 

[AGRIMAN]

Reason I asked that query is because I was trying to figure out just why anybody would remove the converter in the first place. Lots of hits on Google say it will increase power, improve mpg, sound better, etc. If not so why remove the converter in the first place? To sell it and make money?

We do it as part of a upgrade which includes more than just removing the cat. Personally, I do like the sound.

 

[Green Power]

Reason I asked that query is because I was trying to figure out just why anybody would remove the converter in the first place. Lots of hits on Google say it will increase power, improve mpg, sound better, etc. If not so why remove the converter in the first place? To sell it and make money?

To prevent wheat stubble fires.

 

[jrclark]

Dealer will most definitely eat this one. I've had a similar circumstance and it stopped after one phone call. He owes the mm nothing after the purchase is official.

 

[RickB]

No idea who will be found responsible in a particular case, however "The CAA (Clean Air Act) prohibits anyone from tampering with an emission control device on a motor vehicle by removing it or making it inoperable prior to or after the sale or delivery to the buyer." referenced from: Air Enforcement | Enforcement | US EPA

People need to realize that the government is taking the entire pollution control thing very seriously and stop messing with their vehicle emissions equipment. They made it illegal to do so several years ago and the fines for non-compliance are considerable.

They are also making manufacturers provide a considerable long warranty on the catalytic converters, but they can't warranty something that has been removed. Somebody did a no-no, same as when people put loud pipes on a motorcycle and trash the original exhaust system, that is a very unwise thing to do and some day it is going to catch up with them. You know what they say about ignorance of the law is no excuse, I think that either your friend may have a problem, or the previous owner does.

That's why it's important to know the state law regarding transfer of vehicles. It doesn't make any difference what "papers" were signed if the contract is incomplete. (A value given for a value received.) It may become a "no-contract" and thus non-binding.

Check the law! That's all I'm saying. It may be that the dealer doesn't have a leg to stand on but the guy better check before cutting off negotiations. Being a smart-arse never wins.

I'm with these guys.

Too many legalities here that all the bluster & puffery doesn't account for. We are not talking about bald tires or a weak transmission. The discussion is about components and a system that is highly regulated under Federal law.

 

[LD1]

Too many legalities here that all the bluster & puffery doesn't account for. We are not talking about bald tires or a weak transmission. The discussion is about components and a system that is highly regulated under Federal law.

The EGR is no different. Part of the emissions system. Yet guys remove them all the time. How do they trade things in?

Cannot find anything in the law. State or otherwise. Been looking, so I am basically asking about other cases.

This certainly aint the only truck or vehicle that had a cat fall off or get stolen....owner dont want to pay $$$$ for a new one and installs a straight pipe. Yet this is the first time I have heard of a dealer trying to back charge for it.

There is no doubt that "IF" the dealer would have ran the code and noticed the missing cat PRIOR to the deal, they would have just lowered the trade in value, explained why, and replaced the cat. Which makes me think its not illegal, just that they missed it. And now have that feeling that alot do when they get a fast one pulled on them by a used car dealer.

 

[CCWKen]

Then it's simple. Tell the dealer to go pound salt and see what happens. Either nothing at all will happen or the wrath of the entire legal team of the dealer will make his life miserable. You're asking for legal advice from a bunch of tractor drivers and backyard mechanics that are used to doing what they want regardless of the law. Don't ask a criminal if it's okay to rob a bank!

A 15-minute visit/talk with an attorney could save months of grief.

 

[davesl708]

You might want to have your friend go to epa.ohio.gov
There are Federal and state laws against anyone tampering with emission systems.

The dealer could report the tampering to the state and have your friend on the hook for tampering with an emission system.