Catalytic Converter Failure

Tiny
VERITASSCHOOLS
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD ESCAPE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • 146,000 MILES
We took our 2003 Ford Escape in for a slight oil leak (4 tiny drops on the garage floor) Mechanics said they found a cracked oil pan and some gaskets wearing out. They replaced that and performed a tune up since the engine was open. They said the engine was missing after the repair. We picked it up and it was very rough riding. Within a few miles of driving it died. Now we are told that 2 catalytic converters melted and that was the problem to begin with and not their problem. They refuse to fix it. The engine was not riding rough nor was there an engine light on until after the repair. Could they have done something to cause this problem with the catalytic converters?
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Sunday, January 23rd, 2011 AT 11:58 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,606 POSTS
If it wasn't running that way to begin with then something else is wrong. I would take it to another repiar shop to see what it is and if the previous mechanics won't fix it thengive them a chance to compensate you if they did something to screw it up. Converters dont' normally melt like that but rough running can be cause by many things. Fuel pump/filter, plug wires orany other tpe of engine problem. The previous lmechanics SHOULD have looked at it if it wasn't doing that before as well as find the cause
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Monday, January 24th, 2011 AT 12:25 AM
Tiny
VERITASSCHOOLS
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  • 2 POSTS
To clarify: is any part of the repair they executed related to the catalytic converters melting? Or could this have been some weird coincidence?
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Monday, January 24th, 2011 AT 3:29 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,606 POSTS
It could be coincidennce, but if they incorrectly hooked up wires or something it may have possibly done this. KAnd I tdepends what gaskets they replaced. If they replaced intake /haead gaskets then it may not be coincidence. As they won'tfix it anyhow then take it to another shop and see what is exactly wrong with it. Normally converters won't cause an engine to run rough, usually they just have bery low power as they are plugged, not melted. If it's an oil pan gasket then it still needs to be seen to see if wires are screwed up under there. If there is the other shop will certainly tell you then you should have recourse for any damage.
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Monday, January 24th, 2011 AT 4:12 PM

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