Non-turbo E300 catalytic convertor - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

michakaveli · #1 02-08-2004, 07:24 PM

I am curious to learning about the effects, other than it's illegal, of how these diesels would run without a catalytic convertor in them. I assume there would be a reduction in backpressure with a straight pipe in it's place?

Any adverse affects? Pro's / Con's...

#2 02-08-2004, 07:45 PM

If they have any kind of sensor it will barf a code. Some company makes an O2 sensor "emulator" that plugs in the place of GM models. Being diesel, I don't know if one will work for it.

dieseldiehard · #3 02-08-2004, 07:55 PM

No sensor on my 87 300D turbo cat. (OM603)
I doubt that a sensor is necessary on these type diesels as there is no brain necessary for dynamically adjusting the fuel/air ratio (but later TDI might be a different story!)
I doubt if there would be much HP improvement.
DDH

michakaveli · #4 02-08-2004, 07:58 PM

I'm not looking for performance gains neccesarily... I want to make sure there would be no negative aspects regarding performance

#5 02-08-2004, 08:04 PM

Aything that removes an exhaust restriction on a Diesel will improve performance and fuel economy. The only thing some may not like is being slightly louder.

dieseldiehard · #6 02-08-2004, 08:07 PM

Do you have a trap oxidizer in the '85? I own a 1985 Federal version 300TD, and went to some trouble to get it because it did not have the CA trap that was famous that year for plugging up and causing loss of power. I doubt if there is any leagality question here (in CA) as no vehicle inspections take place, as in other states, that is to say on diesels.
I have wondered about my '87 and whether I would replace the Cat if it did start rattling. If it does make a lot of noises like Cats used on gassers, I probably will have it bypassed with a straight pipe and not worry about doing so.
DDH

slowmoe · #7 02-08-2004, 09:16 PM

Do you know need to replace it?

I was thinking the same thing a few months ago after I noticed some rust on my cat. The thought of spending a few hundred bucks on something that is not "needed" rubs me the wrong way. Let us know what you decide to do. Thanks.

michakaveli · #8 02-08-2004, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by slowmoe
Do you know need to replace it?

I was thinking the same thing a few months ago after I noticed some rust on my cat. The thought of spending a few hundred bucks on something that is not "needed" rubs me the wrong way. Let us know what you decide to do. Thanks.

Funny, the back of mine is rusting too which is why I thought of the straight. I won't do it now... I like to leave things till it gets warmer, unless I have to. Plus I just passed my emissions testing 3 weeks ago :-)