So, whilst removing my exhaust system to upgrade I noticed my left side secondary cat completely melted. In shock I decided to endoscope my down pipe to find bank 2 primary cat melted. Picture looked like reactor 4 of Chernobyl.
What is the primary reason for both primary and secondary to melt.
I took the car for a test drive before buying it, no CEL on dash and ran fine. It still idles fine even now. I haven't driven it after picking up as its my time attack car so loads to do.
Does any one know if bank 2 primary cat can be removed without removing the engine.
The primary cat doesn't look quite the same as on the internet. There is a 3 bolt flange right at the end of the cat. You can actually remove part of the down pipe at the side of the gear box.

This is the secondary cat

 

This is the primary cat. Picture grainy but damage visable.

 

My down pipes are like this.

 

Most likely misfires..which are hard on cats...

 

most probably.
The astonishing thing is no CEL at all.
I have taken the down pipe off to look at the pre cat/primary and I can see all the way through bank 2 with both O2 sensors clear as day.
Why no CEL? Could the previous owner have had the post cat O2 sensors nullified/deleted?

Is it possible to test the CEL to ensure the bulb hasnt been removed/broken/disconnected. ?

Thanks
Frank

 

The misfires may have been in the past. The PO could have remedied the condition? As for now the cats still flow.. amazingly as per your driving experience.

Disconect a MAF sensor or the likes to see if the CEL illuminates.

 

Im amazed as well. I wonder if the PO had a tune and deleted the post cat. i will , as you say tray and force the car to throw a cel. Normally these cars dont need an excuse to thow one :'(
Im trying to remove the primary cat atm. Nuts on turbo to cat seized tight.