Where is the catalyst ?

Hi, I'm no expert and have never owned a Landrover so hopefully you guys can help. A friend has just bought an 03 plate Freelander TD4 2.0D 5 door Kalahara, and it makes a really oily smell from the exhaust and generally around the car when running. He's had a couple of garages have a quick look at it and one of them said that he thought the catalyst have been cut out. Does anyone know where the cat should be so we can look. The exhaust down pipe joins to a long straight section that joins the mid muffler box but we've seen pictures that show something should be in this pipe, possibly the cat. Also the engine seems to have a fine mist of oil over the top of all the plastic covers, so I'm thinking this is more likely the problem. He's only had it a couple of days so I think he should take it back for a refund. What do you experts think ?

first of all you need to pop over to the introduce yourself section and introduce yourself
second of all the cat is in the exhaust at the front u can't really miss it so has probably had a de cat this is fine on the older l series engine but im not sure about on a td4
best bet is to do a forum search and look for answers

Removing the CAT will not make it smell oily, might fail the MOT as non standard.
Check the oil seperator/ filter breater from the cam cover. Not sure on that engine but it may be inside the cam cover.
If it was purchaed fom a dealer, take it back.

Also the engine seems to have a fine mist of oil over the top of all the plastic covers

Click to expand...

check the crankcase breather system
if it has a clogged up bog-roll type filter .. replace the filter asap
or better .. replace it with the bmw oil separator

check the front cover offside-front-bolt is tightened down
if not .. that particular bolt will leak oil
( the other cover bolts don't leak oil )
http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f9/oil-leaking-td4-engine-bay-183638.html

check the intercooler hoses for splits / holes ..
they also can spray some oil mist ..
( although a leak in the turbo - intercooler hoses
( normally includes some black smoke from the exhaust ..

check that the oil filter cap isn't leaking as it usually drips onto the alternator .. not good ..
goes without saying the oil-filler cap should be checked .. though .. never heard of problems with that ..

Thanks guys. Sorry for not introducing myself.