I know the flex pipe is a number one issue however, even when searching "catalytic converter" all that pops up is the flex pipe issues. If one has the life cycle for the catalytic converter, its lost in the noise of 500+ flex posts.

My vehicle has 220k miles on it. I figure it may be getting close to time to replace the converter. I'd rather do that bolt in fix that do the flex pipe only to have to do the whole thing again in 6 months. I've put 150k on it in 2 years.

 

Don't worry about it until you get a P0420 code or flunk emissions inspection. Most of the "life expectancy" numbers I have seen are for the old breed of cat somewhere in the 150K range.

No need to prophylactically change either out until they fail.

 

If the catalytic converter flexpipe fails just replace the whole pipe, much easier, five bolts, two O2 sensors and done.

 

so new ones have an unknown range? I have almost 100k more than the "old breed" could take. Do the new ones go 300? Twice the old ones? I'm only 9 months from that number

 

Modern ones last until they fail. The Federal government mandates a 10 year warranty. We have heard of very few replacements; maybe 4-5.

The metals they use in the modern cats doesn't leach like the old platinum ones did. Mostly the failure is caused by contamination; oil, silicone, metal from the oil etc.

 

Green coolant killed the one in my C1500. Head gasket leak.

 

Codes
P0317
P2270


So its not throwing bad converter. I assume those are because almost nothing is making it down the pipe.

---
as for extra wear on the converter. I did go almost 100k with codes
p0010
p0011
on.
finally fixed the right thing. I was stupid, and listened to the parts store and changed the sensor instead of the solonoid

 

Are you sure it's not P0137? If it's P0137, both codes point to the HO2S2(or circuit, connector, etc.)

https://www.obd-codes.com/p0137

https://www.obd-codes.com/p2270

 

I think we need to start all over; this has nothing to do with the life span of the cat.

p2270 means that either too much air is in the system or the wiring to the #2 O2 sensor is bad or the #2 O2 sensor is bad or the fuse is blown.

When I had it it was a result of a bad (brand new) O2 sensor.

 

yes 137.

as for knowing if there is a problem with the o2 sensor or wiring, I'll look at it again and figure it out when i fix the exhaust. I know that is a problem, and i know those sensors are past that flex tube.