Catalyzing and exhasting question! (560 SEL 1989)
 

Well, the center muffler went, and as I was starting to work on the exhaust I noticed that the heat shrouding around the lower catalyst was rusted and loose. I now realize where the noise comes from when I go over bumps.

So the question is: I know the catalyst is still good, I pass emissions without a problem. The part is not cheap. So what do I do? Cut away the old shroud and hope for the best? Learn how to weld? (That's even more expensive than a new converter!) Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks!

I assume you're talking about this piece:
http://i.imgur.com/RHuv3l.jpg

New ones are $200 it looks like.

What I'd do is just get a piece of aluminum or some other metal of the same thickness as that piece, beat it into shape, use pop rivets and repair it up. If you do it right it should be alright. No need to get into welding.

Thaks for the reply!
 

Thanks for replying.

The part I am talking about is actually part of the catalyctic converter. The is a thin metal shroud surrounding the entire converter, and a length of pipe leading down to it. The part of on the pipe is a pipe/tube surrounding the pipe. Both of those metal "shrouds" as I call them, are lose, while the converter itself is fine. These shrouds are part of the converter, i.e. originally welded in place with the pipe & the converter as one part.

I discussed the issue with a moderator on this board who is a friend of mine. Most likely these are heat shields trying to keep excess heat from entering the compartment, and also trying to keep leaves from getting on fire if you parked on them and kept the engine running. I.e. removal is an option, just don't park on leaves (which we don't anyhow). However, I am now coming to the conclusion that with a simple exhaust repair kit I might be able to clamp them in place and tighten this up again....

OH! I know what part you're talking about now. Yes, I would clamp it together as you said before. That's the best/cheapest solution.