question about bad catalytic converter

[Gd-mcm]

My husband drives a 2004 gmc sierra 1500. He's not a mechanic but tries to do whatever maintenance and repairs he can himself. About a month ago we had the transmission rebuilt by a mechanic and since then have had a few problems. It drove ok after we picked it up despite the u joints they forgot to replace, (something my husband had asked them to do), except that it didn't have the power he thought it should have. About two weeks ago he started noticing a noise which has gotten progressively worse, that is the catalytic converter. He changed the oil and checked some stuff a couple of days ago and noticed two things, the oil filter was loose, and there was very little transmission fluid in the truck. I've been researching parts and things for him to replace the cat converter and from what I understand a cat converter doesn't go bad you kill it. Could the transmission fluid or oil have leaked out and clogged the cat con? Also there shouldn't be any reason it doesn't have transmission fluid in it other than the mechanics made a mistake right?

[desbennett004]

Catalytic converter's can go bad and get clogged over time, it wouldn't have anything to do with oil/transmission fluid problems. You can buy replacements, they can be costly. A lot of people cut them out, or empty them and put the empty converter back in to save money. It probably won't pass emissions if you need it to though.

 

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[Gd-mcm]

Another question, could it have anything to do with the oil leaking? He changes the oil himself and has never had any problems or noticed anything different until this time the old filter was loose when he went to take it off. Trying to figure out what made the cat go bad so it doesnt happen again. Also any ideas why an oil filter becomes loose?

 

[Gd-mcm]

You said something else that interested me about cutting the catalytic converter out, if emissions aren't an issue is that possible in a 2004. He had a 99 that had them cut off when he bought it, and I'm sure its not recommended but is it possible without messing up the pressure/engine.