A catalytic converter is now present in almost all vehicles that are powered by gasoline or diesel engines. Even hybrid vehicles have them because the part of a hybrid powerplant is the fuel-powered engine. Unfortunately, catalytic converters don't live as long as cars, so sometimes, car owners need to replace worn-out cat converters with new ones.
To do this, you will need the serial number to find a suitable cat converter on the market. Also, the number will help you identify the cat and sell it to a scrapyard or to a recycling company at a fair price. Today, we'll tell you why you can't find the serial number on your catalytic converter and what exactly you should do in this case.
Let's get started!
Where should you look to find the serial number on your catalytic converter?
Each cat converter has a metal shell that covers the ceramic part. This metal body is often protected from corrosion and still looks good while the filtering part of the converter may already be broken or clogged. You should search for the serial number in the metal body of the cat converter - the number may be anywhere.
Some companies use small letters and numbers and place them in a very unexpected place while some other manufacturers use huge numbers and locate them right on the most expected spot. So, just look carefully and find the serial number on the body of your catalytic converter.
Still don't see it? Well, there are several reasons why the number is invisible or just absent.
Why is there no serial number on my catalytic converter?
If you haven't found anything even though you've researched every square inch of the converter body, you have a couple of possible explanations for this situation:
1) There is no serial number because your manufacturer just didn't use it on the cat converter. For example, this is the case with some Honda and Toyota converters.
2) There is no serial number because this is an aftermarket cat converter. Some aftermarket cats have serial numbers, some don't.
3) There is no serial number because it was affected by corrosion. Chances are the serial number in your converter was destroyed because of corrosion.
4) The serial number was damaged physically. It may have been damaged on purpose or it was scratched off the converter just because of the contact with some rock or other part of the vehicle.
Now you know that not all catalytic converters will have serial numbers on them. But you still need to identify the converter to buy a new one or to sell your old part for decent money. There are several ways how you can do that.
How can you identify the cat converter without the serial number?
We know at least two ways to identify a used cat and know what to buy instead of it or how much to charge for it. Here are both of them:
1) Weigh in the converter and go to specialized forums. Give information to the forum members: weight, car model, year, and engine type. In most cases, one of the forum members will help you find the exact model or type of catalytic converter that you have in your vehicle.
2) Take pictures of your catalytic converter and send these pictures to the company that buys used cat converters. They will send you the estimated price and you'll be able to ask for the model and some other details about the converter.
The rule of thumb, in this case, is sending pics to recycling companies. These companies usually offer the best prices for your converter. They will identify the cat converter with the help of your pictures and will offer a certain price. After that, you'll be able to sell the part or reject their offer. Anyway, you will not spend a dollar on this and will get the needed information.
How much can you get for an old cat converter?
If you have the OEM catalytic converter from any vehicle, you can sell it to a recycling company and get $60 to $1000 depending on the model. The average price of a scrap catalytic converter (OEM) is $220.
Such a cat converter will have platinum, palladium, and also a little rhodium in it. These are rare and expensive metals. The price of your cat will depend on the weight of these metals that can be extracted from the part and also on the current price of these metals.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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