Cat breaking up

[goatherder]

Firstly - hello to one and all. I have been known to post on the 'other' forum but recently have found good response few and far between.

I do also apologise in advance as I arrive hear slightly disgruntled...

My car, a 4200CC (late 2003), is currently with Emblem having its 31K mile service. During the pre-inspection they noted a hairline crack on the main engine oil pipe – having seen a few recently they advised that it needed attention and I decided to leave it with them and get it replaced (rather than risk it cracking). The major service and pipe work takes the cost to about 2K...

I had another call from Emblem this morning saying that they now have the exhaust off and have noticed that one of the cats is starting to break up. Apparently this is an expensive part/section and they are currently getting prices (for new and used parts I believe).

At the moment I am frustrated – I bought the car in March and have driven barely 3K miles. If I go for a new part it sounds like it will be around the 2K mark giving me a bill of around 4K!.. This is just not possible at the moment.

I have contacted the garage from which I bought the car just to let them know my frustration. I also have a gold warranty from them but understand that this kind of work rarely gets covered.

I love the car but can't justify spending so much in so little time.

Anyway, any advice greatly appreciated…

 

[Emtee]

Hi Goatherder, Sorry to hear about your hassles. I had the same thing happen with one of my 4200 cats (not uncommon apparently) and I too had the garage quote for an OEM replacement, which was a scandelous price! (I'd suggest you be sitting down when Emblem come back to you with the price). As my car was bought from and, at that time, serviced by Greypaul Nottingham, they then offered to discount it, however there was no lifetime warranty and no guarantee that the other side wouldn't also go at any moment. Because of this I chose to bite the bullet and go for the Larini's. I bought the pair and yes it cost me, but they're lifetime warranty and a much better piece of engineering.

If you want to keep your costs down, I believe that replacement cats can be welded into the standard section. I'm sure Loz know's where? If Loz is around I'm sure he'll let you know, otherwise I'll have a search when I get home this evening.

 

[Parisien]

This also happened my 2003 4200, it was covered under warranty(?) as car was under 3yrs old...would need to check, yup horrifc cost......am wondering as this is more common than it should be, can it be raised under the "fit for purpose" section of sale of goods act? The expectation is for the cats to last lifetime of car...(?)....if only lasts 4 yrs then get a pro rata contribution from Maserati....thoughts guys.....some one must know a good solicitor?!

Secondly make sure they pressure test engine before anything else is done!!


P

PS Checked, it happened at 5yrs old, 31k service too....!!!!!.....the single cat cost £1880 plus VAT plus fitting (this was paid for by the previous owner......and at same time the actuator went....total bill for that stay at the main dealer.....wait for it.....£5516!!!!!!!!!!!!!........)

 

[ENZ525]

Hi Goathearder,
Really sorry to hear about this,
As the guys have already mentioned, it has happened a few times...
The other thing to bear in mind is that if the cat breaks up, then (sometimes) and I can't quantify when...
the bits are sucked back into the engine and it becomes an even more expensive exercise.
I know that Roberto of Grimaldi Engineering has come accross this situation at least once.
Sorry I cannot offer more appropriate advise to your situation, but can confirm that the Larini replacement cats are
less expensive than OEM, have a lifetime warranty, and are a really well made, I have the sports cats on my QP.
Regards,
Enzo.

 

[lozcb]

Firstly - hello to one and all. I have been known to post on the 'other' forum but recently have found good response few and far between.

I do also apologise in advance as I arrive hear slightly disgruntled...

My car, a 4200CC (late 2003), is currently with Emblem having its 31K mile service. During the pre-inspection they noted a hairline crack on the main engine oil pipe – having seen a few recently they advised that it needed attention and I decided to leave it with them and get it replaced (rather than risk it cracking). The major service and pipe work takes the cost to about 2K...

I had another call from Emblem this morning saying that they now have the exhaust off and have noticed that one of the cats is starting to break up. Apparently this is an expensive part/section and they are currently getting prices (for new and used parts I believe).

At the moment I am frustrated – I bought the car in March and have driven barely 3K miles. If I go for a new part it sounds like it will be around the 2K mark giving me a bill of around 4K!.. This is just not possible at the moment.

I have contacted the garage from which I bought the car just to let them know my frustration. I also have a gold warranty from them but understand that this kind of work rarely gets covered.

I love the car but can’t justify spending so much in so little time.

Anyway, any advice greatly appreciated…

Sorry goatherder to hear your woes, I concur that Lewis( Marcos) recently ha his oil pipe renewed by Emblem , not sure whether they welded it up or fitted a new one , time was pressing as he was due out to meet us in Le Mans , on the Friday , a weld by a reputable welder should be sufficient , many now have the ability to xray the weld afterwards to prove satisfaction , this should cost no more than £50 plus the fitting,

Re gards your cat break up , is resonably common but not an everday event , but can have absolutely critical consequences , bits can get sucked back up into the engine with fatal outcome , starts with a stones rattling sound on start up under the engine where the cats are situated,

New cats around £1200 each but dont fret ,

David at Larini can, if you were to send him your original headers which include the cats , cut a hole out and remove the existing cat material and replace with a new more efficient set and weld them back up , or remove them all together and fit a secondary set of sport cats , the option is yours , removing the primary cats and fitting sports cats is a slightly louder but preferred option , and a **** site cheaper than the OEM option of replacing

Not sure how switched on you are or adept to taking control of your repair , but i would arrange to get the oil pipe welded and fitted by Emblem , and the larini repair by a good local exhaust centre , if you got them to remove the headers and send them away yourself you should easily get two done for under a £1000 fitted , then your bill at Emblem then would just consist of the service and replacing an oil pipe

If you need any help discussing with Larini what you need give me a pm

regards loz

 

[goatherder]

Firstly thanks to everyone for the prompt and informative replies.

Wow, it's not just me then. I’ve had the main oil pipe replaced with an OEM part – just a shame to then find out about the cat. On a positive note at least it was checked and identified as a potential problem.

loz - sounds like a plan. I would need to know the price of getting David to a) replace the cat material with a more efficient set or b) removing them altogether and fit sports cats.

Emblem have the exhaust off and are happy to send the headers/cats – I’ll pm you as I have no idea of how to approach Larini.

 

[lozcb]

Firstly thanks to everyone for the prompt and informative replies.

Wow, it's not just me then. I’ve had the main oil pipe replaced with an OEM part – just a shame to then find out about the cat. On a positive note at least it was checked and identified as a potential problem.

loz - sounds like a plan. I would need to know the price of getting David to a) replace the cat material with a more efficient set or b) removing them altogether and fit sports cats.

Emblem have the exhaust off and are happy to send the headers/cats – I’ll pm you as I have no idea of how to approach Larini.

Have returned your Pm


regards loz

 

[DaveT]

Re gards your cat break up , is resonably common but not an everday event , but can have absolutely critical consequences , bits can get sucked back up into the engine with fatal outcome , starts with a stones rattling sound on start up under the engine where the cats are situated,

Loz

I get a bit of a "tinny" rattle at low revs under acceleration. More noticable when cold but still there once it warms up. Is this the same as you are referring to?

if so, I may need to add that to my Larini considerations.

Cheers

Dave

 

[lozcb]

Loz

I get a bit of a "tinny" rattle at low revs under acceleration. More noticable when cold but still there once it warms up. Is this the same as you are referring to?

if so, I may need to add that to my Larini considerations.

Cheers

Dave

David, try and get someone to start the car whilst you have your head as close to the cats as possible , that way its easily noticable where the rattling is coming from , but sound like it could be ,

Yes Larini can remedy that , i should hear back today hopefully


regards loz

 

[Parisien]

Loz

I get a bit of a "tinny" rattle at low revs under acceleration. More noticable when cold but still there once it warms up. Is this the same as you are referring to?

if so, I may need to add that to my Larini considerations.

Cheers



Dave

Dave, I know the rear exhaust heat shield rattles/very tinny sound on mine idling, when hot.....check if theres on e on the front section doing the same ( or it could be the back one)!?


P

 

[DaveT]

Dave, I know the rear exhaust heat shield rattles/very tinny sound on mine idling, when hot.....check if theres on e on the front section doing the same ( or it could be the back one)!?


P

Thanks Parisien.

I'm not too sure where it's coming from so Geoff at Shiltech will have the pleasure of getting his Sherlock Holmes hat on soon.

 

[goatherder]

Hi - just a quick update. I have ordered the Larini cat as this looks to be the most sensible choice overall. I wanted the car to have the best possible part and from recent conversations it looks far superior to the original cat. The more I have looked into this the more I think it is an essential upgrade for any Maserati owner. On the downside my car will be in the garage for another 1-2 weeks while Larini make my part and forward it on to Emblem to attach.

This makes this one very expensive visit and it has been hard to get another 2.5K together! However, assuming that the cost of ownership starts to decrease I hope to be able to keep and enjoy the car for many years to come.

It also looks like the right-hand cat is fine so it will be going on eBay - must be worth something!

 

[ENZ525]

Good to hear Goathearder, It will be worth the wait!
I was a little concerned that the sports cats might affect the emissions readings at MOT time,
but am happy to say that mine sailed through in March, so no reason why you should have any concerns there either,
Regards,
Enzo.

 

[goatherder]

That's good to hear Enzo - looks like the cat/sensors are configured to work well with the car. David at Larini said he would also talk with Emblem to make sure it's setup correctly.

 

[Emtee]

Glad to hear you're on the way to sorting your car Goatherder. I know the Larini's are real chokers, but it's money well spent. Your car will thank you!

 

[lozcb]

Glad to hear you're on the way to sorting your car Goatherder. I know the Larini's are real chokers, but it's money well spent. Your car will thank you!

Good to help out mate , bit of a patient wait but it will be worth it


regards loz

 

[ENZ525]

That's good to hear Enzo - looks like the cat/sensors are configured to work well with the car. David at Larini said he would also talk with Emblem to make sure it's setup correctly.

Yeah, David is really good, you will be well looked after,
Emblem have a really good reputation as well from what I have been reading over the past few months,
so I don't think you could be in better hands,
Regards,
Enzo.

 

[JAGPURR]

Hi Goatherder I have sent you a PM
Keith

 

[urbanmaser]

Loz you told me once upon a time that cat problems are very rare or does that just apply to the Gransport? ........Goatherder sorry to here of your problems and I sincerely hope it won't end up ruining your Maserati experience. Listen to Loz and the other guys. They are all pains in the rear end but when it comes to their cars they truly know their stuff

 

[Parisien]

Well, theres now three listed that we know of UM......plus at not many miles....wonder how common really?


P