How much is a catalytic converter at a junkyard?

Category: automotive auto parts
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A: Catalytic converters have value because they contain platinum, rhodium and palladium. The average price for a used converter ranges from about $5 to $100, Of course, it depends on its size and the market prices when you go to sell it, but yours may be about the middle of that range.



Regarding this, how much is a catalytic converter worth at a junkyard?

Catalytic Converters

Metal/Material Current Price
Large Breadloaf Cat Larger sized cat. VIEW METAL DETAILS $149-$279/each
Foreign Lite These cats are in between small foreign catalaytic converters and foreign pre cats. VIEW METAL DETAILS $48-$75/each
Small Domestic Cat VIEW METAL DETAILS $68-$101/each

Also, what vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters? The next most expensive catalytic converter is a bit closer to home. The Dodge Ram 2500 comes in at $3,460.00. The Ford F250 (similar to the Dodge 2500 in terms of towing and strength) is a mere $2,804.

Also to know is, how much do you get for a used catalytic converter?

Assuming none of the inside honeycomb was missing and assuming that the recovery goes perfectly, maybe you get 0.5 ounces of platinum out of it, which multiply by $100 per ounce would equal $50. Now you may think that that cat is now worth $50, but you are not taking a few things into account.

Is it legal to buy a used catalytic converter?

It's not illegal per se, but there are requirements for what kind of used converters you can use. EPA considers it a violation of the policy to install a used converter from a salvage yard or sell it for reuse unless it has been properly tested and labeled.

39 Related Question Answers Found

How much is a Ford catalytic converter worth?

Those big Ford cats are worth about $65-$110 depending on the scrap yard. Nah, the 460 cats are usually worth over $50 because they're gigantic.

Why are catalytic converters being stolen?

Thieves are attracted to the platinum, palladium, and rhodium found in catalytic converters in low amounts. “They often target sport utility vehicles (SUVs) because their ground clearance is sufficient for the thief to gain access to the converter without having to deploy a jack.

How can I protect my catalytic converter from being stolen?

What Can I Do to Protect My Car's Catalytic Converter?
  1. When possible, park in well-lit areas and close to building entrances.
  2. If you have a garage at your house, park your car inside and keep the garage door shut.
  3. Have the catalytic converter welded to your car's frame, which may make it harder to steal.

Do catalytic converter cleaners work?

Catalytic converter cleaner removes the carbon build up in your engine and exhaust system. So, the answer is, yes, catalytic converter cleaner works every time you use it to break down carbon deposits. Using it regularly will help clear out those stubborn deposits and prevent new carbon build up from forming.

Do catalytic converters get stolen?

Catalytic Converter theft has become popular because of their value, relative ease to steal (unbolt or cut out), and their lack of identifying markings. Catalytic Converters are located under a vehicle on the exhaust pipe before the muffler(s). Thieves take the stolen Catalytic Converters to metal recyclers.

How can I make money with a catalytic converter?

How to Make Money Selling Catalytic Converters
  1. Visit the website Ebay.com. Search "scrap catalytic converter" to obtain the latest listings of converters for sale on Ebay.
  2. Contact five auto mechanics within a 1 mile radius of your home/office.
  3. Visit two salvage yards in your area that pay for scrap.
  4. Photograph the converters for sale on Ebay.

Why are Prius catalytic converters being stolen?

Hybrid cars, such as the Prius, are targeted by thieves because they have two power sources – an electric motor and a petrol or diesel engine – so their catalytic converters are used less frequently to process pollutants. A catalytic converter contains palladium, platinum and rhodium.

How do you get palladium out of a catalytic converter?

Extracting Platinum from Catalytic Converters
  1. Remove the catalytic converter found under the vehicle's chassis.
  2. Use a cutting torch or flame cutter to split open the catalytic converter.
  3. Expose the ceramic honeycomb and nudge it out of the case.

How much is the platinum in a catalytic converter worth?

Depending on the age and type of vehicle, the PGMs in a catalytic converter can be worth anywhere from $200 to a rare $1,000 or more. The newer and/or smaller cars being closer to $200. The larger, older vehicles could have catalytic converters worth $600 and up.

What do you do with old catalytic converters?

The fact that they contain valuable metals means catalytic converters are great candidates for recycling. But do not rush to pull yours out when you go to sell or scrap your car. The easiest way to recycle one is to leave it in the car and left the experts recycle it.

How much gold is in a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converters contain Platinum, Rhodium and Palladium. However, there is no gold in catalytic converters. Content will vary significantly depending on the vehicle model, but on average the ceramic weight is approximately just less than 1 kg, and the precious metal content is between 0,2% and 0,5%.

How much is a school bus catalytic converter worth?

The stolen converters are valued at about $890 each, for a total cost of about $3,560. According to the report, the buses were in a fenced area, but an employee may have left the front gate unlocked.

What makes a catalytic converter worth money?

The reason there is a price difference is because of the precious metals inside. There are many precious metals that clean the air that passes through the catalytic converter and those metals is what makes it worth money.

How do you extract platinum from a catalytic converter?

To remove the platinum coating on the catalyst pieces, the catalyst pieces must be removed from the converter. This is done simply by turning up the catalytic converter lengthwise and pounding on one end with a blunt instrument until the catalyst pieces start to fall out of the lower, open end of the converter.

What are the 3 most leading failures of a catalytic converter?

Check out these three common causes of catalytic converter problems.
  • Unburned Fuel. Heat can be damaging to almost any engine component, so it's no surprise that it's one of the most common causes of catalytic converter failure.
  • Coolant Leaks.
  • Oil Consumption.

How much my car is worth?

The result is a clear picture of what your car is worth, or how much you should pay. You may pay less for a car with an accident, or more for a car without one. Only CARFAX gives you the VIN-specific price for every used car based on its history.

How do I stop thieves from stealing my catalytic converter?

Preventing Catalytic Converter Theft. Always park in well-lit areas when possible. If you have a personal garage, keep your car in the garage with the door closed when the vehicle is not in use. Park close to a building entrance or to the nearest access road when parking in a public lot.