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Old 02-19-2021, 12:17 PM   #1
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Mexican repair shop nightmare???

Okay here’s the story... I’m wondering if I should be worried or not.... wondering what you all think...

So I Have a 2002 v10 e350 with 120kmiles on it.

I am down in Baja and needed to fix my sway bar and control arms.

Took it to the nearest shop.

They did the job. Albeit pretty janky... I.e cutting the control arm bolts and welding them back... guess they didn’t have the right hardware.

My exhaust was also loose. Meaning the brackets that hold the whole exhaust system up had broken in a few places. I asked him to fix this also.... also it had been dipping a little water which I hadn’t noticed and the dude pointed it out. I asked him in my crappy Spanish to fix the brackets that hold the exhaust on.

When I came back to the shop to pick up the van. He had cut out my Catalytic Converter and replaced it with one that seemed handmade ... the weld seams looked like that....

He said he can sell the one he cutout for $120 so he would knock $40 off the repair price. Which he asking $180 for total for (replacing the gromets on the sway bar, fixing the control arm connections, which were done badly before, and replacing the catalytic converter...

Here is what he cutout and what he replaced with.

What do you guys think!!?

These guys trying to steal my Catalytic Converter and charge me for it? ?!

Also anyone know how can I test if the converter they added to see if it is actually doing anything or if it is just a fake?

Thanks for anyone’s help!!
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Old 02-19-2021, 12:48 PM   #2
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My opinion, but you went from broken brackets to your catalytic converter being cut out, he can sell it for $120 and will give you $40? Doesn’t make sense and if you have to pass emissions in the US, good luck. Sounds like he is just making profit off of you.
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Old 02-19-2021, 01:09 PM   #3
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IMO the most important question is it safe to drive? The emissions questions will be more expensive to fix down the road, but as long as you aren't getting a Check Engine Light from the cat issue, that part shouldn't affect your safety, just your wallet.


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Old 02-19-2021, 01:29 PM   #4
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Curiosity had me blow up the pictures to get an idea of the welds your referenced, But also noticed something else: It may just be the lighting in the 2nd Picture, but looks like you're missing a considerable amount of tread on the drivers rear tire??? Only bring this up as it could be a safety concern if you're not aware.
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Old 02-19-2021, 01:40 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by marret View Post
My opinion, but you went from broken brackets to you catalytic converter being cut out, he can sell it for $120 and will give you $40? Doesn’t make sense and if you have to pass emissions in the US, good luck. Sounds like he is just making profit off of you.
Yep. Thanks for the insight. Looks like I got husseled 😑
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Old 02-19-2021, 01:42 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BroncoHauler View Post
IMO the most important question is it safe to drive? The emissions questions will be more expensive to fix down the road, but as long as you aren't getting a Check Engine Light from the cat issue, that part shouldn't affect your safety, just your wallet.


Herb
Thanks

Yes I forgot to mention that.

. Luckily it’s not on so far.

Any idea how I maybe able to tell if it is having a negative impact on the engine besides the light ?
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Old 02-19-2021, 01:42 PM   #7
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Agreed, I'd be willing to bet that it's a semi float and it's toast.
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Old 02-19-2021, 01:48 PM   #8
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thanks for looking out. Drivers rear still pretty good think. Less than a year, about 20kmiles on a brand new K02 .
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Old 02-19-2021, 01:51 PM   #9
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Agreed, I'd be willing to bet that it's a semi float and it's toast.
!?

What are you referring to? The tire? The weld? ...
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Old 02-19-2021, 01:54 PM   #10
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Close up on tires

Here is a close up the drivers rear.
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