A Question for 'CE' Owners.......

[MangoMan]

After some scutiny I have come to the conclusion that my 1990 300ce has NOT got a catalytic converter.

Now, is this a common thing? Or is it not? That is the question.

Not the only question I'm afraid though, what does this mean exactly? Power wise, etc?

Thanks for your time, Bill.

Mine looks like Number 17 in the photo, definately not like the others.

 

[Ian B Walker]

I am pretty sure that yours is non cat. One of the ways to tell without getting dirty is to look on top of your air cleaner under the bonnet. If it has a small hole in the top of it then its non cat because that is where you adjust the fuel mixture. As for results, you should have a few more horsepower in an uncatted vehicle.

 

[MangoMan]

I am pretty sure that yours is non cat. One of the ways to tell without getting dirty is to look on top of your air cleaner under the bonnet. If it has a small hole in the top of it then its non cat because that is where you adjust the fuel mixture. As for results, you should have a few more horsepower in an uncatted vehicle.

Yes, it has got a hole. Thanks Ian .

 

[Rose Chap]

Whilst that diagram doesn't mean a lot to me, I do know that I used to have a 300E saloon (the saloon version of your coupe) built in 1991 and that was the last year - I think - before catalytic convertors became standard.

It was welcome for two reasons. Firstly the car had more power, 188 bhp if I remember correctly. Also, when I needed a new exhaust system from the manifold back it only cost £700 rather than £1300!

 

[219]

Yes , I had an '89 300TE , without the cat . 188bhp was the correct figure , though I think the cat only drops it to 185 so not a huge difference.

One practical difference is you are not restricted to using unleaded fuel . If there is ever a fuel shortage again , you can drive past all the queues and go straight to the 4* pump . If your car did have a cat it would have the plate in the neck of the tank with the small hole that only allows you to use an unleaded pump with its smaller nozzle.

Unfortunately , my 300-24 does have a cat , but if it ever fails , I'll just be converting to a standard exhaust as my car is a 1990 model and not obligated to have it.

 

[Shude]

One practical difference is you are not restricted to using unleaded fuel . If there is ever a fuel shortage again , you can drive past all the queues and go straight to the 4* pump.

During the 2000 fuel crisis I owned a 1989 vauxhall astra and it was one of the first to accept unleaded (not without some complaint, the engine was never happy on that car!). I took great pleasure in filling up with 4* and LRP! Was only any use when the station had the "NO UNLEADED" signs up, remember the pumps are rarely just one fuel type!

 

[david55amg]

It was welcome for two reasons. Firstly the car had more power, 188 bhp if I remember correctly. Also, when I needed a new exhaust system from the manifold back it only cost £700 rather than £1300!

my exhaust went on my 1989 300e. I found one in my local merc spares place, nearly new and it cost me fifty quid. Couldn't bellieve my luck I'm NEVER that lucky!!

 

[janner]

The easiest way to tell is to look inside the petrol flap. Non cat cars say 'leaded or unleaded fuel'. Cat cars say 'unleaded fuel only'.
Without the cat you get more power, better exhaust note and less to go wrong.
Just plant a few trees to clear your conscience.

 

[Vips]

I really don't know. When I had my MOT, they did not test the exhaust emissions as he said that my 1994 CE did not have the CAT. But I'm not convinced as I think I can see something there that looks like #236 in your pics.

 

[big x]

I really don't know. When I had my MOT, they did not test the exhaust emissions as he said that my 1994 CE did not have the CAT. But I'm not convinced as I think I can see something there that looks like #236 in your pics.

Your car does have a cat,unless it's been removed.All cars made from Aug 92 have them by law although many models had them before that.
With the new computer linked MOT it wont pass without some emission figures being entered.

adam

 

[Shude]

Why is this a poll? More people saying it's one or the other does not make it true!

Take it to a workshop or take a photo of the underside of the car!

 

[MangoMan]

It is a 'Poll' because I was just wondering which was more common really. And as the figures quite clearly show, non-Cat is, (more common), which to be honest surprises me.

And yes Janner, mine does say 'Leaded or un-Leaded' inside the fuel flap, which was the main reason for wanting to find out as to whether I had a Cat or not.

Thanks for all your inputs.

Cheers, Bill.