Catalytic Converter

[elitecloud]

ok, i have a 2003 3.4 and i'm throwing a P0420 - Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 1 code.

does that mean i need to get another 02 thing, or just replace the cat, how do i tell if the cat is clogged? is it safe to drive the car till i get the $$??
98k miles, with the stock cat

should i just buy a this (http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/apw_cc/cat_basket.php?catalog=catalytic_converter&makeid=35&year=2003&modelid=684)

or one off ebay, and weld it?
if i get the one off ebay, what diameter do i get?

Thanks!

[Cliff8928]

Yeah, one similar to that would work (link showed a converter for an Ecotec). It sucks that your mileage is that high, the converter is warranted until 80,000. You should replace your oxygen sensors too, their rated lifespan is 100k.

[elitecloud]

one comes with the entire pipe, i'm guessing just unbolt / rebolt...

ebay one is cut / weld.....same diff i suppose....how many oxygen sensors do i need, and which ones, i noticed on a site they have some that have 2 wires, and some with 1

[Cliff8928]

The one with the entire pipe should be easier to install if you're doing it yourself. You have 2 oxygen sensors and they both have 4 wires.

[elitecloud]

i bought this yesterday

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8063181675

i got quotes from 45-50-to the 150's to install it...lolz

[Satsuriku]

i bought this yesterday

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8063181675

i got quotes from 45-50-to the 150's to install it...lolz

ya.....$150.00? rip, off, and thats when you ask....."how do you sleep at night you little pecker?"

[elitecloud]

now i'm debating if i should have my boss weld it on for me or not...he says that he restores cars and stuff and has a welding machine and all but i don't know his work at all...

should i venture out, and let him do it (for an unknown amount..he doesn't drink. so i can't bribe him with beer)..with MY SUPERVISION lol, or take it and have it done professionally





edit : is the car ok to drive for 6 more days? 20 miles a day?

[Cliff8928]

you could theoretically drive it forever like that. As for the installation, are your existing pipes the same size as the converter? That link you posted was for a 2.5", do you already have an aftermarket exhaust? If i remember right, the stock setup is 2". That itself might require someone with an exhaust pipe bender to expand/reduce the pipe size. Around here having a converter installed is around $70 (that price includes the converter too).

[elitecloud]

ugg, i thought it was 2.5 stock piping...great

[steve-o]

time to upgrade :p

[elitecloud]

time to upgrade :p


or just grab 2 of these

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?categorycode=4066A&mfrcode=MRW&mfrpartnumber=548505

and i'll be good till i get the $$ to do a complete exhaust system...

[natedawg9640]

how much ar o2 sensors?

[elitecloud]

ok, this didn't fix it, i paid him $80 to install the cat, and remove the resonator....and the service engine light is still on....

any idea as to what it could be?

[Cliff8928]

the PCM was never reset.

[elitecloud]

disconnect the battery for 20 mins?

[AGT]

Turn the car to the on position without starting it. turn off. disconnect negative for 15-30 seconds. reconnect.

[elitecloud]

all fixed, no more dummy light yay!

thanks all!