How to Remove an Eclipse Catalytic Converter
by Dan Ferrell
A damaged catalytic converter not only reduces engine performance on your Mitsubishi Eclipse, if the unit becomes clogged, but hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and even oxides of nitrogen are released into the atmosphere if the converter breaks apart. These steps will guide you to remove the catalytic converter on your vehicle so you can replace it, whether you have a second or third generation Eclipse. Let's go.
Getting Started
Step 1
Park your vehicle in a safe and level place. Raise the front using a jack and support it safely on jack stands.
Step 2
Inspect the exhaust bolts at the exhaust pipe, catalytic converter, mounting brackets and center exhaust pipe. Soak bolts and clamp joints with rust dissolving solution at least half an hour before you begin the job to help them loosen up if necessary.
Step 3
Make sure the exhaust system is cool to the touch before you start working on it. Temperatures reach over 1000 F on the exhaust system and it takes time to cool down.
Second Generation 2.0L Non-Turbo, Turbo and 2.4L Federal and California Models
Step 1
Put on your goggles and disconnect the front exhaust pipe from the exhaust manifold using a ratchet and socket or wrench. A breaker bar may be useful if the bolts are too tight.
Step 2
Disconnect the exhaust pipe from the catalytic converter.
Step 3
Detach the exhaust heat shield from the catalytic converter; dismount the converter from its mounting bracket and remove the converter unit form the vehicle.
Third Generation 2.4L and 3.0L
Step 1
Disconnect the front exhaust pipe from the exhaust manifold if you have a 2.4L model. Detach the catalytic converter form the back pipe and disconnect the front exhaust pipe from the two hangers in front of the converter unit. Remove the exhaust pipe and catalytic converter from the vehicle as a unit.
Step 2
Disconnect the front exhaust pipe from the two warm-up three-way catalytic converters if you have a 3.0L model. Disconnect the catalytic converter form the rear exhaust pipe.
Step 3
Detach the front exhaust pipe from the two side hangers in front of the catalytic converter and remove the front exhaust pipe and converter as a single unit from the vehicle.
Tips
- If you need special tools like exhaust pipe expanders to install the new catalytic converter unit, you can rent them at most auto parts stores.
Things You'll Need
- Jack and two jack stands Rust dissolving solution Goggles Ratchet and socket set Wrench set Breaker bar
Warnings
- Never work on the exhaust system of a vehicle that has just been driven. The exhaust system may reach temperatures of 1500 F and can seriously burn your skin if you come in contact with it. If any of the exhaust bolts breaks as you try to remove it, you will have to use a bolt extractor, but most likely you will have to cut the pipes apart using a hacksaw. An oxy-acetylene cutting torch does a fast job, but you risk causing a fire if enough heat reaches the fuel lines or tank.
Writer Bio
Since 2003 Dan Ferrell has contributed general and consumer-oriented news to television and the Web. His work has appeared in Texas, New Mexico and Miami and on various websites. Ferrell is a certified automation and control technician from the Advanced Technology Center in El Paso, Texas.
