Broken and plugged Catalytic converter fast fix?
Asked by Luca Oct 20, 2015 at 12:25 PM about the 2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5i
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
Hello everyone.
I have a 2005 Subaru Legaycy.
The catalytic converter is completely plugged and broken.
No I want to get a new one but unfortunatly I can't even drive the car to the
repair shop, because its shaking and driving unreliable.
Is there any way to fix it temorary to the point that i can drive at least 10
miles?
Thank you
6 Answers
Rowefast answered 2 years ago
Sure, just cut it out, put a straight pipe in if you want but for 10 miles, take it out...
Chris answered 2 years ago
lol or just cut it out and leave it out for the 10 miles. If you're lucky, it will have a bolted flange on the front of the cat from the downpipe, just unbolt it and take the springs/bolts/nuts off completely. That way it'll leak plenty of air but not be as loud as taking the cat off completely. It will be loud but it should do okay, much better than it is right now. OR just see if the shop will tow you for free/discount since you'll have them do the work. I might add though, if you are capable of taking it out and adding a straight pipe, you might as well buy the CC from rockauto and save a ton of money on the part and labor.
Rowefast answered 2 years ago
The cat, all depends where he lives for emissions whether or not he can delete.
Chris answered 2 years ago
You know, I skimmed your first answer and agreed but wanted to add to it. For some reason, I read your first post as "put a pipe in for 10 miles or just cut it out". My apologies for misunderstanding. But to be clear, I disagree with making long term CC replacement with open pipe. Emissions matter whether you get tested for it or not. I don't recommend deleting/gutting/faking a cat just to pass a visual inspection. I know people do it. The goal here is to stop choking the engine and get it 10 miles to the shop. 10 miles open pipe isn't going to hurt, as you suggested. I also recommended a tow which is better all around. Anyway, that's where I stand and I'm not trolling or pointing fingers. Kind regards,
Rowefast answered 2 years ago
Don't really know what you are getting at, The guy just needed a way to get his car to the shop to have the catalytic converter replaced. I was not implying or saying to put a straight pipe in for permanent fix or altering the original cat. I just answer the questions as I see them. I totally agree with your first answer and thought we were on the same page. I actually like your answer better, by just loosening up the cat at the flange. Also I know I am hard to understand at times, & a little rough on people when they don't get something threw their heads, so just bear with my post at times, I am trying to learn how to communicate better, Thanks
Your Answer
Related Questions
-
Broken and plugged Catalytic converter fast fix? 6 answers
Hello everyone. I have a 2005 Subaru Legaycy. The catalytic converter is completely plugged and broken. No I want to get a new one but unfortunatly I can't even drive the car to the repair shop, bec...
2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5i
-
Maintenance & Repair
-
IACV or Catalytic Converter? 2 answers
How do I know if my idling problem is the IACV (threw that code when hooked to machine) or the catalytic converter that a retired mechanic suggested it could be? I live in an extremely small town wit...
1999 Subaru Legacy 4 Dr L AWD Wagon
-
Maintenance & Repair
-
Losing power when going up hills, check engine light comes on and misfire on cylinder 1 & 2, catalytic converter code comes on too, I'm wondering what is causing the loss of power? 9 answers
Could a failing catalytic converter cause an engine misfire and losing power, shaking, and stalling going up hill? I am wondering if the air/fuel mix injected into cylinders is off due to failed cat c...
1996 Subaru Legacy 4 Dr L Wagon
-
Maintenance & Repair
-
Do I need to replace my catalytic converter?? 10 answers
I have a 2001 Subaru Legacy GT Limited with 160,000 miles on it. Recently, my check engine light came on so I took it to the shop. The mechanic said my catalytic converter need to be replaced, whi...
2001 Subaru Legacy GT Limited
-
Maintenance & Repair
-
The 2 catalytic converters (both on same pipe) on my 2001 Subaru Legacy L were hanging down from one end, scraping pavement. I drove it to shop (1 mile). Shop said pipe broke and I need new converters. I asked if they could just hang converters and pipe back up? Shop said converters were too beat up from scraping on ground. I had family in hospital and no time so I took the shop's word for it, cost of $1,085. Got the old parts back. The converters were not beat up, dented or anything. A mechanic friend said they looked fine (he doesn't work on Subarus but was sure they were fine. Pipe was broken in short area between one converter and the flange that holds it to car. Could shop have welded that? 3 answers
Catalytic converters 2001 Subaru Legacy L replacement
2001 Subaru Legacy L
-
Maintenance & Repair

Looking for a Used Legacy in your area?
CarGurus has 12,875 nationwide Legacy listings starting at $1,240.
Shortcuts
Search Subaru Legacy Questions
Subaru Legacy Experts
-
#1Anthony_60Reputation1,320
-
#2F_O_RReputation830
-
#3TheSubaruGuruBostonReputation820
Related Models For Sale
Used Cars For Sale
Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use.