Mercedes Benz Catalytic Converter

Can I use an aftermarket converter to replace a defective converter on my California-registered Mercedes Benz that has OBD II?

Yes. Just make sure the replacement is approved for use on your Mercedes Benz by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). To be more specific, check the specs and information on the converter to find out if it 's listed for replacement on a specific make and model of vehicle with a particular engine size. This info should be available on the application catalog of the device 's manufacturer. The catalytic converter should also possess the E.O. number and various important markings on its body. For example, AirTek, Inc. got D-280-80, D-280-79, D-280-77, and D-280-73 as the E.O. numbers issued for its converter line by CARB.

Can a good catalytic converter or pre-catalysts be removed from a Mercedes Benz?

If the converter is good or functioning, you 're not allowed to remove it from your Mercedes Benz (or any other vehicle make and model). Any technician who 's caught doing this will be considered doing a violation that could cost him a $2,500 fine for every time he does it. Even DIY motorists will be subjected to fines if they remove their operational converter. In turn, pre-catalysts shouldn 't be removed either unless they 're defective. They should be treated like any other converter. Eliminating your pre-cat is only allowed when the main and pre-cat converters have gone bad. Otherwise, you 'll also be fined for removing it.

Can I replace two converters with one aftermarket converter or install duel exhausts on my Mercedes?

One aftermarket converter can replace two converters provided that the replacement unit has been approved by CARB and it 's used according to the instructions of the aftermarket convert manufacturer. However, installing duel catalysts or exhaust on your Mercedes Benz is a no-no. Your vehicle should instead have a dual catalyst or exhaust configuration included by design. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you can 't upgrade to a dual to replace your existing catalytic converter unless you were to dual an exhaust system behind said converter (which is the loophole most vehicle customizers use to get the customization they want without breaking the law).

Can I replace a two-way converter with a three-way converter?

Yes, you can. However, you should make sure the three-way converter has been tested for your catalyst type by the manufacturer, which is in compliance with the aftermarket converter procedures outlined by EPA. Don 't forget to do the following. Incidentally, a two-way converter is called as such because it handles two simultaneous tasks, which is the oxidation of hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water and oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Meanwhile, a three-way converter is responsible for simultaneously oxidizing unburnt hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water, oxidizing carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, and reducing nitrogen oxides to oxygen and nitrogen.

How do you determine what universal converter to use?

Aftermarket universal converter installation (for the sake of replacing a bad converter) entails meeting the emission requirements of your Mercedes Benz. Thusly, these devices cannot be chosen based on their size alone. You should look up the catalog of the website selling you the converter or ask for the papers of the converter from a brick-and-mortar seller in order to find the recommended universal converter for your vehicle that has the right loading. There should be some universal converter specifications guidelines included with every aftermarket converter purchase. Otherwise, that converter is not worth your time.