Eeek! That can't be right?

[poorpeet]

After an epic struggle I have managed to remove the near side manifold in order to replace the gaskets
Thing is the cat ( I guess it's the pre cat?) is loose
You can see where it has been sliding forward & hitting the lambda sensor lug.
It must have been like it for a while but the car passed the MOT less than 50 miles ago so its not having an adaverse effect.
How is it held in place normally? What can I do? Do you care?

[GreenV8S]

Take it right out if you can (brute force may be required), it can't be doing any good and may eventually break up and block the main cat.

[poorpeet]

Won't removing it cause problems at the next MOT?
It hasn't broken up it's just a loose sliding fit.

[GreenV8S]

No, the main cat is all you need to get through the MOT.

[poorpeet]

OK I'll buy that. Two questions, why was it fitted in the first place? & is it an actual catalyst? The reason I ask is that the matrix seems to be some kind of expanded metal where as all the cats I have come across had ceramic.

[GreenV8S]

The pre-cats are catalysts. I understand they're necessary to improve the emissions during the cold start tests that are run when the car undergoes type approval. They are redundant once the engine has warmed up, so you can get through an MOT without them.

[poorpeet]

Sir, you are a God!
Thanks for the advice.

Pete