I have a 98' silverado (4.3L v6) that seems to wear out catalytic converters about every two years. I have replaced it twice, and do not wish to do it again, but I will fail emissions if I dont. The truck has almost 110k miles on it, and everybody tells me that they shouldnt go bad this quickly. I was wondering if anyone knew of an underlying cause for a problem like this? Any help or advice would be great.

 

what do you mean by your cat going bad?

 

The check engine light comes on, and my code reader tells me that my emissions are below threshold. I replaced the cat, and it fixes the problem. I have done this 2 times now, in less than 110k miles, and everybody tells me that burning through 3 cats that quick is not normal.

 

well they are definitely right. lol. are you putting on aftermarket or oem?

 

What state are you from? I take it its a real strict state if you are worried about emissions. I am from Ohio and I just took my cat off! I would say you have a very unusual problem..couldnt help you there.

 

That is a little fast on the cat. Are you burning oil at all?

 

It hasnt been burning any extra oil, and I check it fairly regularly. So far I have been using aftermarket cats cause the oem ones cost about 3 times more. Do you think an oem cat would last longer? I am told they are supposed to last 100k-150k. Im guessing that the original cat lasted about 50k. I am in Georgia, and the rules are pretty strict. If I dont get this thing to pass emissions, I face a rather large fine potientially.

 

o im really sorry to hear that..sorry cant help..hope you get it fixed!!

 

what brand of cats are you using? i agree on the oem cats. mine cost 800. and it went out after 90k.