I just replaced my catalytic converter after spending many hours with a hammer and torch. Anyway, I ended up cutting the air tube from the old cat because I couldnt get it unhooked from the tube coming from the engine. Why should/shouldnt I reconnect this hose, can I just block it off? I did put a new cat on so should I block off the hole in it also?

 

That tube is there to help get the cat hot when you start the car. Without it, the cat can become too hot and fail, and you'd have wasted your money on a new cat. I'd put the tube back on.

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West Coast GM Shootout 2001!
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Not needed at all ,cat or no cat. Don't plug the tube though, makes the pump noisy ( backpressure )

 

Ok, now who do I believe?? If its purpose is to just heat up the cat I think the exhaust will do that just fine. Anyone else??

 

If it comes right down to hooking it up, why not. It will definatly help mother nature and the birds and bees and sh:t...

And then you wouldn't have to ask the ?.

If you don't want to hook it up, don't plug it. You don't need it, but it helps emmisions..

If your car is running right on the money it won't hurt the cat (meeeoww)

If it's running rich it might save the cat from meltdown.

 

Thanks for everyones help. I took it to a shop this morning to hook it up since I dont have any welding tools. Thanks again.

 

The air pump system sends air to the exhaust manifolds during engine warm-up. After the engine is warm, the air pump system sends air to the converter