Do catalytic converter need a break in period?

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General Schvantzkoph - 17 Feb 2005 20:54 GMT

I'm getting my catalytic converter replaced tomorrow. I'm overdue for
inspection (my sticker expired in Jan) so I need to have the car inspected
ASAP before I get a ticket. Do new catalytic converters need any sort of
break in period before they are fully functional or can I drive right from
the repair shop to the inspection station immediately?

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TNKEV - 17 Feb 2005 21:10 GMT

> I'm getting my catalytic converter replaced tomorrow. I'm overdue for
> inspection (my sticker expired in Jan) so I need to have the car inspected
> ASAP before I get a ticket. Do new catalytic converters need any sort of
> break in period before they are fully functional or can I drive right from
> the repair shop to the inspection station immediately?

The converter doesnt need a break in period,if you have a check engine light
on then you will not pass emissions until it is cleared.
I suggest going to emissions anyway before changing the cat because
when you fail they give you a 30 day grace period to get your vehicle
repaired that would put your mind at ease about getting a ticket.
p.s. if you have to have your check engine light reset it may take a couple
days for monitors to reset.

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Art - 18 Feb 2005 17:48 GMT

Good advice. Even changing a muffler shortly before inspections can cause
problems from my experience.

>> I'm getting my catalytic converter replaced tomorrow. I'm overdue for
>> inspection (my sticker expired in Jan) so I need to have the car
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> couple
> days for monitors to reset.

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Bill the two - 18 Feb 2005 01:55 GMT

I'd drive around for a few minutes (20 or so) just to make sure everything
is up to opperating temperature, because cat converters work best at higher
temperatures (regardless of if it's new or not) so if the inspection
stations on the other side of town you should be fine.

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General Schvantzkoph - 18 Feb 2005 13:44 GMT

>> I'm getting my catalytic converter replaced tomorrow. I'm overdue for
>> inspection (my sticker expired in Jan) so I need to have the car inspected
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> temperatures (regardless of if it's new or not) so if the inspection
> stations on the other side of town you should be fine.

The 20 minute drive is required before any inspection, they won't do it
unless the engine has been running at least that long. I was wondering if
a longer period was required with a brand new converter.

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