[born2drv]

OK I have to replace this stupid thing too, I did some searching nothing really helpful, so I'm going to ask here and hope someone knows the answer...

What exactly trips that damn check engine light? Is there a sensor measuring Nox emissions after the cat? Temperatures pre-cat? A/F ratio after cat? Pressure differential to see if the cat is clogged??? What exactly is being measured and where?

I'm asking because there are other high-temp / high-efficiency cats on the market for $300-600 range (depending on size -- bigger size = more platinum/palladium/rhodium, etc and more $$ but works better).... I'm considering removing the entire downpipe from the engine, cutting out the damn honda cat and just welding in a very good aftermarket one, but of course I don't want to do this if it won't do the job. So I want to know what's being measured, where and why so I get the right cat....

Thanks!

 

[Guillermo]

I don't need a new CAT yet, but i've been wondering the exact same thing as you.

 

[Aaron Cake]

There is an O2 sensor after the first cat (and after the 2nd cat on 2001+ models) that measures the difference between the exhuast before and after the cat. If the readings are wonky, the CEL comes on.

I doubt any aftermarket cats will work with the Insight due to the fact that Honda had to specifically design the Insight's cats to deal with the high NOX output of the engine during lean burn...

 

[Insightful Trekker]

See this very recent thread:

CAT and LAF Sensor Replacement
http://www.insightcentral.net/forum/vie ... php?t=5492

From my expereince cheaper in CAT trems usually means less of "the good stuff" and a much shorter servive life.

HTH!

 

[akwehl]

Cat and lean burn

I doubt any aftermarket cats will work with the Insight due to the fact that Honda had to specifically design the Insight's cats to deal with the high NOX output of the engine during lean burn...[/quote]

I thought the cvt did not have lean burn?

 

[Insightful Trekker]

Correct.

A CVT Insight does not have lean burn. But it is ULEV. (S?ULEV)