It is said that a true thief just cannot help himself. If his scheme is unveiled he will either figure out a new one or he will figure out a way to change or “improve” on his current scheme.

We won’t make any direct accusations, but it is without a doubt that the same “scheme bags” that were pushing out acid washed units before, have some new tricks up their sleeves.

If you are reading this, then you probably have read the other stories and know some of the basics to look out for.

1. Acid washing sometimes will leave a smell / odor.

2. Washing will leave the catalyst with a higher than normal moisture content – some units look as though water / fluid is still coming out and the unit will feel heavier than normal.

3. Washing will sometimes leave the inside of the converter extremely clean – no exhaust system residue (carbon build up) on the inside area of the converter.

4. Sometimes it will have a green residue (oxidation like) at the edge of the catalyst where it touches the metal of the converter hull.

5. External appearance of the converter is not normal. The outside of the converter hull is streaked with a tarnished appearance. This is not a normal rusted look like you would have with units from areas where road salts and de-icing materials are used in cold climates which cause all over rusting of the unit. The unit sometimes will look corroded like automobile battery terminals do when not maintained – having a greenish / white coloration.

Unfortunately these “scheme bags” have “improved” their scheme. Here are some of the new tricks to look out for:

1. They are replacing the shield and the bolts after acid washing the unit. The shield bolts, and converter body should rust, wear, and age at the same rate. If it looks “off” it probably is!

2. They are spray painting inside the ends of the converters to make it look like there is carbon build up. Although looks can be deceiving, this is an easy one to test, simply wipe your glove inside the end of the pipe; true carbon residue will come off and have a chalky or powdery texture.

3. They are using different methods of cutting the ends. Some will be un-bolted, shear cut, or saws-all cut. As a buyer you are aware of a normal consistency, if something looks out of proportion make sure to double check.

4. They are de-canning some of the acid washed units and mixing the catalyst in with other loose material. The material may look darker than normal. It will be more likely to “clump” together. If you do not have an XRF machine, loose material purchases should be limited to a minimum: 10#, 20# whatever level of risk you are comfortable with.

Some of the most common acid washed units being circulated right now are:

Camry’s
Hot-dogs
Jeeps

These “scheme bags” are pushing the acid washed units thru smaller collectors, sometimes as few as ten or twenty units at a time. Obviously, the main objective here is to not draw attention to themselves, and to try to find someone that will keep taking them without suspicion. The smaller collectors may or may not be aware of what they are involved in, so even if it is someone you know or are used to dealing with you must be on the lookout with every buy!

At this time we are aware of at least three semi loads of these washed converters being circulated around the West Coast and some up into Canada.

If you are offered any of these units I urge you to confiscate the units, contact the authorities, and see to it that the units are destroyed.

Please see the photos above for some of the latest examples of washed cats.