Do I need a new Catalytic Converter??

1994 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER
215,000 MILES
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RAYMARQUISE
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1994 Plymouth Voyager
Odometer: 216000 Kilometers
Engine: 3L , 6 cylinder
(engine rebuilt about 4 years ago)

I live in Toronto, Canada where we need an emission test every 2 years.
I did the emission test last year, and passed, but not by much. My mechanic said I would need to change my catalytic converter to pass the test next year. I can afford to change it now, but need a second opinion as to whether changing the catalytic will improve my results compared to
last year. Here are the results from last year:

ASM 2525/CURB IDLE TAILPIPE EMISSIONS RESULTS:

---------ASM 2525 TEST====================== CURB IDLE TEST
--------Limit--- Reading--- Result=====Limit-------- Reading------Result
HC ppm -0054 ----0046 ------PASS=======0200----------0038---------PASS
CO % ---00.30 ---00.03------PASS=======01.00---------00.01--------PASS
NO ppm--757------583--------PASS=======N/A---------- N/A----------N/A
--------RPM -----1988 ------VALID =====RPM ------ ---0781---------VALID
-------Dilution -14,73 -----VALID =====Dilution----- 14,21------- VALID

Can anyone interpret these results??
Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Ray
May 24, 2012 at 1:55 AM
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DRCRANKNWRENCH
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Youi can have other issues besides just passing the emissions test, which you certainly will.
One of the things that happens on cars with your mileage is that the converter collaposes in on itself and it clogs the exhaust path. This will cause problems in an emissions test but more than that the performance will be so bad it will be hard to rev the motor very high. Then you get problems with back pressure and deposits from the exhaust not escaping and that causes issues if you wait to long to fix the exhaust.
I recommend replacing the converter and having the entire exhaust checked for leaks. If you have never done it, you should replace the oxygen sensor. Another good idea is a general tune up and then run a can or two of SEA FOAM fuel system cleaner.
May 24, 2012 at 5:23 AM
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CADIEMAN
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make sure u change the oil and filter before u go.
May 24, 2012 at 6:07 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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As you were told at the other site, those are all passing measurements to there isn't anything to analyze or predict. Wait until you actually fail something.
May 24, 2012 at 9:59 AM
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RAYMARQUISE
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Thanks for the responses. What I want to know is - are my readings caused by a bad Catalytic or something else, like worn piston rings etc.??? I don't want to change the Catalytic if it won't improve my test results.
May 24, 2012 at 2:48 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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Again, you haven't failed anything so you shouldn't be contemplating replacement of anything until you do.
May 24, 2012 at 3:20 PM