Does a catalytic converter usually die after 100, 000 miles?

I have an 87 Jeep Wrangler. The last time I took it for inspection, it didn't pass emissions. The mechanic said he had to make some adjustments to get it to pass. My suspension for it not passing is a bad catalytic converter. My other reasons for suspecting this is that the exhaust always smells and it can't maintain a constant idol speed. Should I just get a new catalytic converter?|||The Converter is a device that eats and what it eats is excessive fuel and hydro carbons. Just like anything else, if you over feed it it will eventually die. A poor running engine creates excessive waste and the converter eats this waste. the longer you go with a poor running car the more likely that you will kill the converter. You control its life expectancy so be nice to your car and keep it properly tuned.|||Yes,especially at the age and mileage of the vehicle.


Mine burns oil and i have to change the converter every time i go to the emissions test.


go get a universal converter installed at an exhaust shop.


they are inexpensive and do the job.


And put in some new spark plugs and wires.


change the oil and filter too.and the airfilter and pcv valve while your at it.|||Probably. Since its a metal part under the car, it's getting direct exposure to the elements. It could have rusted out or been damaged.





But, smelly exhaust and the idle stuff might be a sign that something with your injection system, or carb as the case might be, is amiss.





Or just move to a state with no emissions!|||Both answers are great, but what ever you do, put a converter on instead of a straight pipe.I tried that and the smell was too, too damn strong.I had to go bad and put a converter. So, no matter what any shop may tell you, the pipe is cheaper, but the converter is better.|||If it's smelling like rotten eggs or sulphur it's time to replace it, all converters don't wear out at 100,000 miles, some last 200,000 miles before they go bad, also have your oxygen sensor checked.|||Your lucky,my catalytic converter died after 30,000 miles on an 04 plate car.