I,m being told that I need a new catalitic converter because I use 89
octage instead of 87, does that make sense????

what car? engine, etc

2002 Jeep 3.7 V6

that catalytic converter has something to do with emissions. i have a
Saturn, and that catlytic converter is the beginning of my problems. as
the mechanic explained it, the catalytic converter might be the one
responsible for water in my gas tank. then, it might be chevron gas, fyi
out there for u that use it. then, it might be the fact it might be a
Saturn. it could be alot of things, and stay tuned. when, i find out
what it is, i will tell u out there, all u that want to know why i have
water in my gas tank.
but i have been using 87 octane 2, so i would like to know who told u
that......

then no , you should be able to use whatever octane, within reason of
course, dont put jet fuel in the thing =P

but the higher the octane the hotter and cleaner it burns, there is
nothing saying you shouldnt use 89 or 91 ,93 in this model year.

quite simple.ALL catalatic converters plug up with age.OCTANE level has
NOTHING i repeat NOTHING to do with it.it is caused due to carbon build
up.that is what a catalatic converter does.it acts like a filter.it
keeps the carbon inside of itself.carbon particles are classified as an
environmental hazzard.end of class.

Okay, the guy said he has to replace the convertor, remove and clean the
tank and a new fuel filter, his quote is $700.00, does this sound fair ?

Hello ????

A catalytic converter actually doesn't store anything. It is more like
an afterburner for unburnt hydrocarbons. It has either a honeycomb
matrix or beads (catalyst)in it that heat up with exhaust gases which in
turn burn up unused fuel and air. Some vehicles actually have a belt
driven pump to add air to help it burn hotter and cleaner.
Water in your fuel tank and your cat have absolutely nothing to do with
each other.
Octane ratings are a number that represents the anti- knock qualities of
the fuel. It doesn't neccessarily mean it will burn hotter or cleaner.
If you have a lower compression ratio, your engine won't benefit from
higher octane fuel. If you do however have higher compression you often
have to run a high octane fuel otherwise performance will suffer and a
possibility of engine damage.
On computer controlled engines the ignition timing is constantly
varied(retarded or advanced) to provide an optimum burn depending on
load, speed, temp, etc. The more advance you run, the more power and
better mileage.
What's the mileage on your Jeep? Are there any other engine related
problems? Some cats are expensive! Why does your mech. want to remove
the fuel tank? Your fuel filter isn't inside your tank. Your cat may be
plugged but it has nothing to do with 89 octane fuel. Usually it's a
problem with your engine using too much fuel or burning oil.

Right, he mentioned that honeycomb thing, the reason he wants to remove
it is to clean out all of the gulk that in there.
When I start the engine it idles fine, but when I accelerate a cloud
of black stinking smoke comes out and it stalls out, in has 163421
miles.

Sounds like a fuel related issue. Has done a computer diagnostic on yuor
Jeep? Did he pull up any trouble codes? Your computer will store codes
for problems it sees. It could be as simple as a thermostat or an
Oxygen(O2) sensor. It could be a lot of things as with a computer
controlled vehicle eveythings interrelated. If one thing fails, your
computer will compensate so you can still drive.
Cleaning a catalytic con. is iffy. It can work sometimes but without
fixing your fuel issue it will happen again anyway. Cats will only burn
a certain amount of unspent fuel before they become overloaded and you
have an issue with them becoming plugged.
If your mech. hasn't performed a dianostic check, have him do so. There
will be a trouble code stored. Black smoke is unburnt fuel particulate.
The stalling is likely because your engine can't breathe and it's
choking itself out due to the plugged cat.
I would also suggest buying a manual (Haynes, Chilton)from Pep Boys or
somewhere like that. They're usually about 20 bucks. Just so you can
read through it and have an understanding of what's going on. A little
education can save you a lot of money. I hate to say it but there are a
lot of "mechanics" out there that don't know and are sometimes guessing
as to what the real problem actually is.

make sure you watch what your he does...the honey comb part is worth
alot becasue it holds minerals that are worth enough money that they are
the most stolen item from a car these days. just make sure he doesn't
do any funny stuff...try taking it to the dealer they are more expensive
but wont screw you over.

People have given you lots of good advice here. I agree that I don't see
how the difference between 89 and 87 octane would cause your problem.

have you bought gas when station was getting a delivery

(stirs up bottom of tank)

tank left close to mt condinsates more than one kept near full most of
the time

and good be the brand but doubtfull

Two different topics here.

Cat convertor; these will plug up. However at the milage you posted it
should not have. Before I replaced it I would be cking for other
problems. Has the car been using oil, if it is burning oil, this would
plug a convertor over time. This would mean serious engine work. I
would be getting a second opinion, before making any decisions.

Duffy's water problem. It has been told to me in 2 different manners.
Water in gas tank; engines with fuel injection run at higher heat levels
& are constantly returning warm fuel to the tank. This will make the
inside of a tank sweat, lower gas level, more sweating. High humidity
in your area, more sweating.
Answer, in the midwest we have ethanol, an alcohol mixed w/gas available
at the pump. Certain types of alcohol will trap the water molecules &
carry them thru to burn. A product called HEET or any type of "gas line
antifreeze" will help. Draining & pulling the gas tank will make no
difference. Fuel filter on most vechiles is in the gas tank & is
notbibg more than a strainer. Replaceing it will do no good unless fuel
pressure is below standard.

Water coming out tail pipe, this is normal condensation. Unless the
engine is using coolant water. If you are not having to add water to
the radiator, don't worry, no problem.

Opinion: There have been such a TECHNOLOGY change in the past 10-15 yrs
with fuels, oils, & the entire transportation industry. If something
doesn't sound right, GET ANOTHER OPINION. Both of these problems need
more questions answered before I'd spend a dime on repairs. Some of
them very basic.
Oil usage,water usage, if your not adding any, how can it be loseing it.
If you are adding oil/water where is it going.
Both answers could be serious & if so; is the car worth extensive engine
repairs. Before putting any money into repairs, I WOULD WANT ANSWERS.

A life time of working on everything from VW's to heavy equipment, Dad
owned a shop, I was partners in 1 & owned 1 for 18 yrs. Sold it & it is
still open. Have seen to many times, people should have gotten another
opinion before making decisions. Further questions e-mail me & I'd be
glad to tell you what to look for. Simple questions that need answered
BEFORE spending big DOLLARS.