As some may know. I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 5.2/318 motor. My question would be if replacing the convertor with a new one is needed since the truck is going on 23 yrs. I was thinking the other day about how much it has to be restricting flow for the years of use. My thinking would be to get a new one and have it replaced to save on some cost. I have done a lot of work to this truck in the last year or so and it has become my daily driver after sitting for a few years. As of today. the truck has 164,000 miles on it. The truck is running fine. I don't know if a convertor can really be cleaned with anything other then being replaced? What's your thoughts?

 

If there aren't any issues I wouldn't mess with it, depending on where you live you might open an expensive can of worms there. Converters don't become more restrictive unless there is a severe engine problem that dumps unburnt fuel or oil down the exhaust causing the converter to get so hot that the material holding the actual catalytic materials melts.

 

Ok, That makes sense. I'm not having any known issues but was a thought since the year of the truck. Thanks for the response. I was also looking into doing a timing change since to my knowledge it has never been replaced. I should have done it when I had the motor torn down but limited income was the issue at the time. I have a 4 day weekend coming up during turkey day so that would work out for me. I'm currently watching some videos on doing it since this would be my first time changing one. Some people dread doing these types of jobs but I actually don't mind them. I'm sure I will be in here with some questions. wish me luck but Thanks again on the convertor question.

 

Actually, doing the timing set really isn't that bad of a job...... If you haven't changed your water pump yet, that would be a perfect time to do so, since it has to come off anyway.

 

Yeah, the timing set is surprisingly easy. I still have a '00 sitting here where I need to do that. It only needs a water pump but I'm doing the timing set also and preventively fighting off the inevitable coolant leaks from timing cover.

I agree if the cat ain't broke don't fix it..

We did have a '98 where the cat broke apart. The remaining honey comb turned 90 degrees and blocked the outlet of the cat. The truck would not have run at all but for a tiny pinhole at rear of cat which allowed it to whistle (literally) and you couldn't get much over 30mph

 

Sorry daughter kept me busy. I believe the water pump was replaced some time back when I did all that work. I will do a lot of research before I attempt. I will be just cautious on my first time.