Hey guys,
I got a small (Quarter sized) hole in my cat. converter yesterday by driving over a large rock. It hit this tab looking thing on the left side of the converter. There were one on each side, now just the right side. I don't know what these were for but when it got hit off it left a hole. I can hear the exhaust partially coming out of the hole, and I was wondering how to patch it up. Has anyone done this before or could tell me how? I don't think anything is wrong with the converter other than that. Later guys, Scott

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Scott Chaffin
Homepage devoted to my 190E:
http://www.scotty-c.com

There is a product called JB Weld that I hear is good for patching holes. I don't have any personal experience with it, but it might work as long as nothing is structurally damaged.

Ali,


Where can I get this JB Weld from? My 190E had the cat changed by some welder. Unfortunately, he did a bad job, and now as I accelerate, I can hear the brittle metal vibrate.


-regards,
Vu

Vu,
JB Weld is available at most auto part stores. Wallmart
might even have it. My new cat vibrates too. I fear that
it is coming apart inside.

Gary

JB Weld is PLASTIC and totally unsuitable for exhaust repair.

A proper repair will be done with a MIG (multiple inert gas)or TIG (tungsten inert gas) welder as a catalytic convertor will be stainless steel.

But, catalysts make very poor skid plates for lowered cars, I would get your installation corrected as I doubt there is any room to spare.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

I would recommend either a replacement or to weld hole shut. In my experience with catalytic converters; because they "re-burn" the gasses passing through them, when they are functioning properly, they develop very high heat approaching or exceeding the temps of gasses leaving the combustion chambers. Because of this the converters are much hotter than most other parts of the exhaust system and probably exceed the limits of muffler repair material. Also due to the large temp swings the converter shell will probably slough the bond with the repair material and repair will fail. Just my thoughts.

Rick

Is the small hole in a place that can be covered by a big mother hose clamp holding a patch material like an old brake disk? That should take the heat.

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'76 240D-Sold
'78 240D-Sold
'85 300 SD, 165K-Sold
'88 300 TE, 165K-Sold
'64 Porsche 356C Cabriolet- under restoration
'86 560SL 124K Miles-Sold
'94 320E Wagon, 74K Miles-128K Miles JUNKED
'06 E350 Wagon, 84K Miles
07 SL550, 14K Miles

Deep six the hose clamp idea.. The heat will cause it to fail rather quickly. Get it welded or replace it. One or the other..

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Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE
No matter what you fix, there will always be something else to fix..
"Warranty" is just another way of postponing the inevitable.