Is it safe to bang on catalytic converter with a mallot?

[89ARIES]

I was told I could test my catalytic converter to see if it is working by banging on it with a mallot. I am told not to do that as it is ceramic. Is there any way to test
if my cat is plugged or needs a replacement? I am told a rattling noise means its bad.

[Pete in NH]

Guy,

Do not bang on that converter with a mallet. Yes, it is made of a ceramic material . If it is already rattling it is likely in pieces internally and bad. At your car's mileage I doubt if it is still in one piece. On your muffler question, other than noise ahole in the muffler wilkl not effect the running of the car. It may actually make it run a little better since it will lower the back pressure the engine sees. On a car with 200 k miles and the original exhaust system I would replace the whole thing form the catalytic converter on back.

By the way I read your post on replacing the front struts, you really should have the front end re-aligned. I'm concerned that one side is an inch higher than the other. You really should consider that there are many issues with the car that i think make it unsafe to be on the road. You seem like a nice guy, I'd really hate to hear you were hurt or killed in that car but i really think it's going to come to that one day.

[thenewportblues2]

Hey Guy,

I love your enthusiasm for K-cars (all older cars)! I think you need to see your ride as a restoration project. It sounds like it needs a major overhaul in every system.

[Butch]

Banging on it is the same as hitting a potholes in the road, soooo..... hitting will tell you that it's coming apart. But they can go bad ( worn out ) without them coming apart. Your last smog inspection will tell you the how good you cat is. A vaccum gauge can be used to see if the cat and or muffler is plugged up too.