You could be planning to replace the catalytic converter of your Ford F-150 and scrap it. But are you wondering how much you can sell it for? Well, the prices vary depending on several factors. We have done the research to bring you the answer.
Catalytic converters are economically valuable because they contain precious metals, hence the reason their scrap is expensive. The price of a Ford F-150 catalytic converter will average at around $95-$850, but the exact price will depend on several factors, including:
- Serial number of the catalytic converter
- Original or used catalytic converter
- Content of the precious metals
- Condition of the catalytic converter
- Model year
Continue reading to learn more about the factors that determine catalytic converter scrap prices. Included are the prices of various F-150 model years. Also, we'll compare the converter prices of the Ford F-150 with other Ford trucks and other vehicles.
Catalytic
How Much Is Ford F-150 Catalytic Converter Scrap?
Before we delve into how much a catalytic converter for a Ford F-150 costs, let's first understand what a catalytic converter is. A catalytic converter acts as a catalyst that transforms harmful emissions produced by the engine into a safe gas, like steam.
It works by breaking up the harmful gas molecules and changing them into Catalyticsafe gas before it is released into the air. A Ford F-150 has two catalytic converters, one at the front and the other at the back.
Catalytic Converters are highly valued due to their rare metals, including rhodium, palladium, and platinum. The illustration below shows these precious metals are in the honeycomb.
Factors That Determine The Price Of A Catalytic Converter
The Ford F-150 catalytic converter scrap value is around $850. But, before selling your catalytic converter, it is important to understand the factors that determine the price. They include:
Serial Number Of The Catalytic Converter
You can determine the value of a catalytic converter scrap by its serial number. Carefully look for the serial number on the converter, which will be a combination of numbers and letters.
Some only have three digits, while others are between 10 and 12 digits. Once you know this number, you are in a better position to negotiate a higher price with a scrap metal dealer.
Enter this number into an online database such as Converter Database to get the price. You may have to pay a monthly subscription fee for this service. However, you could search for free by looking up only one item per day. Alternatively, you could go to an experienced scrap dealer who can tell you the price.
Below is a video that explains how to check the serial number on a Ford truck:
Original Or Used Catalytic Converter
Generally, the lifespan of catalytic converters is 200,000 miles. Original converters installed during manufacturing are more expensive than used ones.
Content Of The Precious Metals
Since trucks produce more exhaust fumes, their catalytic converters have more precious metals. This is because they have to filter the high amount of harmful gases produced. Therefore, the more precious metals, the higher the price is for a converter.
Condition Of The Catalytic Converter
An old rusty catalytic converter usually fetches less, especially if the body has holes. The metals are inside the honeycomb, and thus if it is in bad condition, it may cost less.
Model Year
The Ford truck catalytic converter scrap price depends on the model and year of manufacture. However, the model year is not the only factor when pricing a converter.
The mix and amount of these metals are also a factor. The price of precious metals keeps changing in response to the fluctuating demand for these metals in the world market.
The following paragraph discusses the catalytic converter prices of different model years of the Ford F-150.
Sample Catalytic Converter Prices For Ford F-150 According To Model Year
To begin with, the two catalytic converters on an F-150 have a price range that changes depending on its model year. The price of 1988 model costs $95, while the 2001 model costs $850. In addition, a 1997 Ford F-150 catalytic converter scrap costs $563, while that of a 2005 model costs $549.
Tips For Selling Your Ford F-150 Catalytic Converter Scrap
If you have sold cat scrap before, you probably know where to sell it. But you could feel lost if it is your first time. So, how do you go about selling scrap?
Where Can You Sell A Ford F-150 Catalytic Converter For Scrap?
The first place that comes to mind when you want to sell your catalytic converter scrap is the scrap yard. Other options include an auto shop or garage. You could also sell to an independent buyer who understands scrap.
However, be careful when selling to scrap yards. Some may not have the resources or knowledge on grading and correct pricing, which means you could end up selling it for less than it is worth.
Even so, you cannot completely rule them out. You can know they are serious buyers if they ask you for the serial number. Since you already know the serial number, both of you will be on the same page. Thus, an agreement on a fair price is possible.
But what if you cannot see the serial number? Use steel wool to scrub off any rust that is covering the numbers. And, if there is no number, a reputable dealer can still tell how much the catalytic scrap is worth.
Do Other Vehicles Have The Same Catalytic Converter Value As Ford F-150?
How much is a ford F-150 catalytic converter worth compared to that of other vehicles? As mentioned earlier, the average price of a scrap Ford F-150 catalytic converter is $850. Let's compare this price to that of a few other vehicles.
The most expensive catalytic converter scrap is that of a Ferrari according to data from the year 2020. One converter goes for $3,770.
The price for a 2000 Silverado costs around $400, while that of a Toyota is between $75 and $700, depending on the model. And, on average, a Chevy Silverado cat scrap will cost $1,167.
Are Catalytic Converter Prices Going Up Or Down?
In recent years, the price of precious metals in the catalytic converter has risen. By 2021, rhodium was at $14,500 per ounce, palladium at $2,336 per ounce, and platinum at $1,061 per ounce. In 2022, rhodium is fetching a whopping $20,000 per ounce, palladium costs $2,938 an ounce, and platinum at $1,128 per ounce.
Theft of these metals has increased with the increase in prices. In 2019, there were 3,389 catalytic converter thefts, and by 2020, the thefts had risen to 14,433.
What Metals Are In A Ford F-150 Catalytic Converter?
The metals in a catalytic converter, including that of a Ford F-150, are rhodium, palladium, and platinum. They have varying content levels in each converter.
Rhodium
This metal has a silver-white color and is rarer than palladium and platinum. Generally, the content is between 3 to 4 grams or 3 to 8 grams in a large vehicle like the Ford F-150 truck.
Palladium
This metal is also silver-white. Its content in a converter is between 2 to 7 grams.
Platinum
Platinum is white with a tiny hint of yellow. It is not as rare as the other two metals and is the least expensive of the three metals. The content of platinum in a converter is between 3 and 7 grams.
How To Remove A Catalytic Converter From A Ford F-150?
You can remove the catalytic converter by following the basic steps below:
- Wear your pair of goggles.
- Jack up your vehicle and crawl underneath.
- Tap the converter on each side with a hammer to remove as much debris as possible. It will help you locate the nuts.
- Loosen the bolts and nuts by turning counterclockwise using a socket wrench.
- Pull the converter gently towards you.
Price Comparison Of Ford F-150 Catalytic Converters Scrap Price With Other Ford Trucks
The price of a Ford 5.4 catalytic converter scrap ranges between $200 and $700. However, this depends on the year and condition of the converter. Some used ones are still in good condition, while others may be damaged.
A Ford E350 catalytic converter costs between $200 and $500. The price of a used Ford F-250 costs around $200.
Ford diesel catalytic converter scrap does not cost much. For example, the catalytic converters for the 2003 to 2007 diesel models cost between $5 and $10 each.
In Closing
You can sell your used Ford F-150 catalytic converter scrap for a high price because it contains precious metals. However, this depends on several factors mentioned in this post, such as the serial number.
Though the prices fluctuate depending on the demand for cat scrap, the prices have been gradually increasing in recent years, with various places to sell your catalytic converter scrap. Research well to get the best possible price.
Below are more of our previous posts on catalytic converters:
How To Find Catalytic Converter Scrap Value By Serial Number
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