Catalytic Converter

My 1992 940GL failed the Maryland emissions test.
To correct the problem, I took it to three separate
"Volvo specialists," including my local dealership.
All three told me the catalytic converter needs to be
replaced and quoted me between $800 and $1100 for the
part alone.

However, when I do a search on-line for an OEM part,
the prices go for around $200 dollars. This makes
me think that OEM parts are significantly different
from genuine volvo parts.

However, according to what I've heard, and this site
in particular:

http://www.alloemvolvoparts.com/oem_vs_aftermarket.html

It says OEM parts are effectively the same as genuine
parts. Could the markup really be that high?

Thanks,
- Ray

P.S. How could I tell if my catalytic converter needs
an EGR valve?

 

post the readings they gave you.

 

I put a new cat converter on my '89 240 wagon about 2 years ago. As I
recall, it cost around $70 at AutoZone or PepBoys, and the job probably took
me an hour or two to do. Have passed our Georgia emissions test twice with
no problem, and car running well. Don't see why yours should be so
expensive!

 

:
:> My 1992 940GL failed the Maryland emissions test.
:
: post the readings they gave you.

State Limit My Car
Hydrocarbons: 1.0000 GPM 1.1500 GPM
Carbon Monoxide: 20.0000 GPM 9.2548 GPM
Oxides of Nitrogen: 2.2000 GPM 4.0865 GPM

This was a re-test on a particularly hot day. My
first test only failed the NOx test at ~3.5000 GPM.

- Ray

 

I have used a gasoline additive called RXP and have had wonderful results.

 

Firstly OEM means Original Equipment Manufacture which is to say that the item
is made by the same firm as makes the one fitted to your car by the makers.

I am puzzled by your reference to EGR valve. This item has nothing to do with
the catalytic converter. If it is fitted to your car there will be a stainless
steel pipe fitted to the exhaust manifold which ends in a stainless steel valve
unit at the inlet manifold. This is required on California cars. If the EGR
system gives trouble (as it will) your emissions can fail.

Get the catalytic converter yourself making sure that it is the right one for
your car and either fit it yourself or take it to your tyre, exhaust and battery
man who will be pleased to fit it for you at less cost than a dealer.

: My 1992 940GL failed the Maryland emissions test.
: To correct the problem, I took it to three separate
: "Volvo specialists," including my local dealership.
: All three told me the catalytic converter needs to be
: replaced and quoted me between $800 and $1100 for the
: part alone.
:
: However, when I do a search on-line for an OEM part,
: the prices go for around $200 dollars. This makes
: me think that OEM parts are significantly different
: from genuine volvo parts.
:
: However, according to what I've heard, and this site
: in particular:
:
: http://www.alloemvolvoparts.com/oem_vs_aftermarket.html
:
: It says OEM parts are effectively the same as genuine
: parts. Could the markup really be that high?
:
: Thanks,
: - Ray
:
: P.S. How could I tell if my catalytic converter needs
: an EGR valve?

 

Bet your ass!! They are just waiting for people who think a cat con has
an EGR. Bill

 

W.C. Fields (in a movie) sees a man working on a car at the side of a
rodway. He leans over, knowingly looks into the engine compartment and
says, "Must be the wheelbase."

__ __
Randy & \ \/ /alerie's
\__/olvo
'93 960 Estate

 

: I am puzzled by your reference to EGR valve. This item has nothing to do with
: the catalytic converter. If it is fitted to your car there will be a stainless
: steel pipe fitted to the exhaust manifold which ends in a stainless steel valve
: unit at the inlet manifold. This is required on California cars. If the EGR
: system gives trouble (as it will) your emissions can fail.

In looking for an OEM catalytic converter for my car, there seemed to
be two versions: one with an EGR valve and one without. I wasn't sure
which one I should purchase. I guess I need to check under my car to
find out for sure.

At any rate, it seems the general consensus of the group is that OEM
parts are every bit as good as genuine Volvo parts. Even though they
cost 80% less.

Thanks!
- Ray

 

Cars without the egr valve were 49 state cars, those with were
California cars. The cheap converters will not pass California emissions
specs. Since you're in MD there's no problem.

Bob

 

BTW, I can get you a Bosal unit for $150.00. My shop is in Sterling, VA.
Email off group for particulars if you're interested.

Bob

 

Try changing the oil and filter. On high milage cars the gas fumes go past
the piston rings into the crankcase. It contaminates the oil causing higher
emmisions. Give it a try and retest it.

 

That worked for me a few years ago on an old 240.

Taff........

www.sounds-pa.com | www.thecomputerworkshop.com

 

AFAIK Catalytic Converters do not have EGR valves. Unless the mechanic is using
the term Catalytic Converter to indicate the model car you have. If you don't
reside in California you don't need EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) anyway.

Cheers, Peter.

: That worked for me a few years ago on an old 240.
:
: Taff........
:
: On Mon, 5 Jul 2004 19:18:35 -0400, "Rod Gray" <>
: wrote:
:
: >Try changing the oil and filter. On high milage cars the gas fumes go past
: >the piston rings into the crankcase. It contaminates the oil causing higher
: >emmisions. Give it a try and retest it.
: >
: >: >> My 1992 940GL failed the Maryland emissions test.
: >> To correct the problem, I took it to three separate
: >> "Volvo specialists," including my local dealership.
: >> All three told me the catalytic converter needs to be
: >> replaced and quoted me between $800 and $1100 for the
: >> part alone.
: >>
: >> However, when I do a search on-line for an OEM part,
: >> the prices go for around $200 dollars. This makes
: >> me think that OEM parts are significantly different
: >> from genuine volvo parts.
: >>
: >> However, according to what I've heard, and this site
: >> in particular:
: >>
: >> http://www.alloemvolvoparts.com/oem_vs_aftermarket.html
: >>
: >> It says OEM parts are effectively the same as genuine
: >> parts. Could the markup really be that high?
: >>
: >> Thanks,
: >> - Ray
: >>
: >> P.S. How could I tell if my catalytic converter needs
: >> an EGR valve?
: >
:
:
:
:
: www.sounds-pa.com | www.thecomputerworkshop.com

 

I have used a gasoline additive called RXP and have had wonderful results.
This stuff cleans the bejeezers out of the valves and fuel system.It has
made me a believer three times!Bob

 

OEM parts are just fine, Volvo (and any other premium marque) puts a
tremendous markup on parts.