I have never seen a factory recommendation for replacing the catalytic converter on any vehicle at some particular mileage.  My understanding is that on a well maintained vehicle, they are supposed to last the life of the vehicle.  Certainly the price would make it seem so.  Of course, most of our vans have gone beyond the originally expected life of the vehicle.  I have been told by supposed experts that catalytic converters only fail if there are other problems with the vehicle causing it to run poorly for an extended period of time (mainly running rich), or if contaminated fuel is used (such as leaded fuel in Latin America).

DMc

---- Tom Hargrave <thargrav@HIWAAY.NET> wrote:
> They go until they fail and they fail in one of two ways, they plug up or
> the catalyst gets contaminated.
>
>
> Tom
> www.towercooler.com
> www.stir-plate.com
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf Of
> John Rodgers
> Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2011 3:55 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Expected Life of a Cat Converter??
>
>   Anyone know the answer?
>
> Is the cat converter one of those things like an O2 sensor - to stay on
> the game, it needs replacing every 60K, good or bad. Or - Do you just
> run it until  it gives trouble.
>
> I definitely believe in preventive maintenance, and I have 12 years on
> my current cat since new- can't really say mileage. Over 130K, though.
> The cats are pricey.
>
> What say "The List?"
>
> --
> John Rodgers
> Clayartist and Moldmaker
> 88'GL VW Bus Driver
> Chelsea, AL
> Http://www.moldhaus.com

--
David McNeely