Son's 97 A4 2.8L Quattro... Making rattling noise when revving engine, I think I traced it to the catalytic converters, it seems like marbles rolling around in them. Has anyone seen this? I assume the guts have rotted and broken apart? No check engine light, at least not yet...

 

That happened on my 99. When I replaced a broken flex pipe on that side I put a flashlight I. - no catalyst left. It was pulverized and blew out the back of the car.

 

What would a fix for this amount to? Replace cats? Or is there a way to rebuild them.. etc?

 

If someone has a picture or link to what this exhaust looks like I would appreciate it. I see some places list (I assume) universal cats for this car, but I am wondering if the pipe assemblies can be removed to allow them to be attached.

 

Arghh. I am confused. Living in New York state, I am not sure if the car has Calif or Fed emissions... I know NY adopted Calif standards at some point. Is there some sticker that can be deciphered to tell me?
I see a lot of parts online that say they can not be sold or used in California, but does that mean NY also? I don't want to buy cats that say they are for 49 state use, but have the car's computer be unhappy if they don't meet the Calif standard (if that is what I have).

 

cats run anywhere from 60-200 a piece, just hollow them out and pay someone to weld them back on, or do it yourself with some jb weld and a saw. something is making them blow btw it doesn't just happen like that.

 

Yes, after further looking at this car (not mine, my step-sons), there seems to be larger issues here. Coolant is being lost, with white smoke from the exhaust. Not only is the rattling coming from the exhaust, but also inside the engine. CEL code 0102 also. I am wondering if he broke a valve or something and blew the head gasket also.. I am taking it to a shop tomorrow, but I fear this may be very bad.