Skip to the bottom of this post to see a 3rd world solution to a first world problem.
The problem:
Well, this one isn't going to be fun. After nearly missing HIH7 due to a blown fuel pump (apologies to everyone who has had to hear about it, and thanks to those who offered to help) my truck has come home to a possible blown Cat.
The first symptoms were P0420 and P0430 codes throughout the week and coming home from Colorado. I reset those with my OBD II tool.
Interestingly, I also popped two P1441 (Secondary Air Induction stuck on) codes. I had a Hewitt bypass kit sitting in the truck for this occasion that I installed. I will do block off plates when I replace the Cat.
Now I understand that Cat failures are rare in these trucks. A rattle, similar to a diesel truck has developed as of yesterday that points me again toward a Cat failure. I checked for loose plates, heat shields, etc. everything is tight. There is a distinct rattle coming from the Driver's side Cat. This is where things turn expensive. The OEM catalytic converter costs about $1300 from most online dealer parts.
A Magnaflow 49422 catalytic converter is also available for $440. The production cutoff date is 5/01/05. My truck was manufactured in 05/05. Magnaflow says that they have a model in development for later production dates, but of course it isn't available yet.
Where to go from here? I considered a Cat delete, but URD no longer offers an O2 simulator for the 2UZ citing reliability issues. They do offer a dual channel universal kit.
I might opt to order the universal Cat from Amazon and test for compatibility. Any other suggestions before I dive into this expensive mess?
* 8/17 Edit - the $5 fix...
After a drawn out issue with an online vendor over the Benchmark replacement catalytic converter, I had to opt for a solution that would get my truck running again. Using a screwdriver, bucket, and a Shop-Vac, I removed the damaged catalyst element from the passenger converter. Taking my time, I managed to break up only the damaged portion of the element through the open bung and then sift and vacuum out the remaining fragments. This was not my preferred solution, but as a temporary fix it should work. I ensured good flow using the vacuum and am satisfied that I have not clogged the remaining elements. In full disclosure, I plan to save up for replacement OEM or stainless Magnaflow cats when they become available.
The key component is a Help! 42002 Spark Plug Anti-fouler.
The threads match up to the oxygen sensor...
But the O2 sensor obviously doesn't fit the inner bore.
Drill out to the proper diameter, and remember to take a better photo the next time you post.
Offset is now 18mm, these will still clear the body with plenty of room to spare. This pulls the O2 sensor out of the direct exhaust flow and seems to clear the sensor codes. I did this to both cats to balance the signals.
The problem:
Well, this one isn't going to be fun. After nearly missing HIH7 due to a blown fuel pump (apologies to everyone who has had to hear about it, and thanks to those who offered to help) my truck has come home to a possible blown Cat.
The first symptoms were P0420 and P0430 codes throughout the week and coming home from Colorado. I reset those with my OBD II tool.
Interestingly, I also popped two P1441 (Secondary Air Induction stuck on) codes. I had a Hewitt bypass kit sitting in the truck for this occasion that I installed. I will do block off plates when I replace the Cat.
Now I understand that Cat failures are rare in these trucks. A rattle, similar to a diesel truck has developed as of yesterday that points me again toward a Cat failure. I checked for loose plates, heat shields, etc. everything is tight. There is a distinct rattle coming from the Driver's side Cat. This is where things turn expensive. The OEM catalytic converter costs about $1300 from most online dealer parts.
A Magnaflow 49422 catalytic converter is also available for $440. The production cutoff date is 5/01/05. My truck was manufactured in 05/05. Magnaflow says that they have a model in development for later production dates, but of course it isn't available yet.
Where to go from here? I considered a Cat delete, but URD no longer offers an O2 simulator for the 2UZ citing reliability issues. They do offer a dual channel universal kit.
I might opt to order the universal Cat from Amazon and test for compatibility. Any other suggestions before I dive into this expensive mess?
* 8/17 Edit - the $5 fix...
After a drawn out issue with an online vendor over the Benchmark replacement catalytic converter, I had to opt for a solution that would get my truck running again. Using a screwdriver, bucket, and a Shop-Vac, I removed the damaged catalyst element from the passenger converter. Taking my time, I managed to break up only the damaged portion of the element through the open bung and then sift and vacuum out the remaining fragments. This was not my preferred solution, but as a temporary fix it should work. I ensured good flow using the vacuum and am satisfied that I have not clogged the remaining elements. In full disclosure, I plan to save up for replacement OEM or stainless Magnaflow cats when they become available.
The key component is a Help! 42002 Spark Plug Anti-fouler.
The threads match up to the oxygen sensor...
But the O2 sensor obviously doesn't fit the inner bore.
Drill out to the proper diameter, and remember to take a better photo the next time you post.
Offset is now 18mm, these will still clear the body with plenty of room to spare. This pulls the O2 sensor out of the direct exhaust flow and seems to clear the sensor codes. I did this to both cats to balance the signals.
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