XJ8/XK8 4.2 catalytic converter failure
XJ8/XK8 4.2 catalytic converter failure
Author
Discussion

andyps

Original Poster:

7,819 posts

308 months

Wednesday 5th September 2012
quotequote all
Has anyone had a catalytic converter failure on a 4.2 XK or XJ? Somoone ran into the back of my car a couple of months ago and since then it hasn't been starting properly - it takes a bit of cranking before it fires, but then runs perfectly.

A diagnostic check shows there is a fault with the cat and gives possible causes as melting or fracture so it seems quite likely to me that the bump, which could easily have hit the end of the exhaust caused a fracture in the cat. Trouble is, my insurance company are saying that it is not related and a cat is a wear and tear item with a 10 year life so as my car is nearly 10 years old there is no link between the accident and the failure. They have had an independent engineer out to look at it and he said that because he has seen cars with more damage at the rear not need a cat he can't see a connection.

Judging by the stock levels held by Jaguar and the lack of any alternative supplier of cats for the car I am guessing that they aren't selling like hot cakes so may not be many failing at 10 years old, but it would be good to have confirmation from any experience anyone has.

Failing that, anyone know of an independent engineer, preferably in Yorkshire, who might give me advice rather than having to refer to the one paid for by my insurance company.

NormanD

3,208 posts

254 months

Wednesday 5th September 2012
quotequote all
They do deteriate over time, the cat crumples up

The bump may have finnished it off

jith

2,752 posts

241 months

Wednesday 5th September 2012
quotequote all
andyps said:
Has anyone had a catalytic converter failure on a 4.2 XK or XJ? Somoone ran into the back of my car a couple of months ago and since then it hasn't been starting properly - it takes a bit of cranking before it fires, but then runs perfectly.

A diagnostic check shows there is a fault with the cat and gives possible causes as melting or fracture so it seems quite likely to me that the bump, which could easily have hit the end of the exhaust caused a fracture in the cat. Trouble is, my insurance company are saying that it is not related and a cat is a wear and tear item with a 10 year life so as my car is nearly 10 years old there is no link between the accident and the failure. They have had an independent engineer out to look at it and he said that because he has seen cars with more damage at the rear not need a cat he can't see a connection.

Judging by the stock levels held by Jaguar and the lack of any alternative supplier of cats for the car I am guessing that they aren't selling like hot cakes so may not be many failing at 10 years old, but it would be good to have confirmation from any experience anyone has.

Failing that, anyone know of an independent engineer, preferably in Yorkshire, who might give me advice rather than having to refer to the one paid for by my insurance company.
Hi Andy, how the hell are you?

The problem with these cats is that they are mounted at right angles to the line of the rest of the exhaust. They are made of cast material and solid mounted to the manifold. There is absolutely no flex in the whole exhaust system, so if you have a shunt from the rear the first thing that will get damaged is the cat, or cats, and sometimes even the manifold. This is due to the leverage on them and the fact that there is no flexible section on the exhaust.

I have replaced several over the years that have been damaged in this manner, even after a minor shunt. The problem is that it doesn't always show up right away, but there is a facility within the claims system to make allowances for latent faults. Don't let the insurance company tell you otherwise.

J

andyps

Original Poster:

7,819 posts

308 months

Wednesday 5th September 2012
quotequote all
jith said:
Hi Andy, how the hell are you?

The problem with these cats is that they are mounted at right angles to the line of the rest of the exhaust. They are made of cast material and solid mounted to the manifold. There is absolutely no flex in the whole exhaust system, so if you have a shunt from the rear the first thing that will get damaged is the cat, or cats, and sometimes even the manifold. This is due to the leverage on them and the fact that there is no flexible section on the exhaust.

I have replaced several over the years that have been damaged in this manner, even after a minor shunt. The problem is that it doesn't always show up right away, but there is a facility within the claims system to make allowances for latent faults. Don't let the insurance company tell you otherwise.

J
I'm great thanks, hope you are too.

If you don't mind, I'll give you a call to discuss this!

andyps

Original Poster:

7,819 posts

308 months

Thursday 20th December 2012
quotequote all
Thought I would give a quick update on this, I am a happy chappy having now received a cheque from the insurers for the cost of a catalytic converter and fitting. A shame it took 5 months to persuade them to agree it, but perseverance paid off in the end!

jith

2,752 posts

241 months

Thursday 20th December 2012
quotequote all
Great stuff Andy. You owe me a drink!

J

andyps

Original Poster:

7,819 posts

308 months

Thursday 20th December 2012
quotequote all
jith said:
Great stuff Andy. You owe me a drink!

J
I do indeed, many thanks for your help, I'll buy it for you when I am next in Scotland.