P0430 Code / Cat Converter

[ntsaint]

My opinion is: if it runs okay and it is not throwing any codes, then it should be fine to drive.

From the information provided, what I would do is clean the MAF and then drive it.

Obviously, I accept no responsibility for any damage that may result to your truck.

If it is really sluggish and sputtering, or running very rich due to backpressure, and dumping unburned fuel onto the already clogged cats, then stop before something catches on fire. You will know this is happening if you step on the gas and the engine just makes a chugging noise and the truck does not accelerate.

Otherwise, I don't think you will damage anything by driving 100 mi round trip, but I could be wrong.

Hope others chime in here.

Sorry my answer is not more conclusive.

You mean I can't blame you if my truck catches fire? Damn. .

Seriously thanks for the input. Very helpful.

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD, and hopefully approved by the NSA.

 

[marshotel]

i guess if it caught on fire then we would have heard about it by now.

how did the LC run over the weekend?

did you ginstall the EMS cats yet?

did it fix the problems?

 

[ntsaint]

i guess if it caught on fire then we would have heard about it by now.

how did the LC run over the weekend?

did you ginstall the EMS cats yet?

did it fix the problems?

Yeah, it made it. But it's not right, runs weak if that makes any sense.

Still waiting on the midpipes, can't get in touch with anyone there either...

 

[FlammableFishie]

runs weak if that makes any sense.

Just sluggish? That makes sense for what you've been describing, hopefully the new midpipes will solve this problem!

Still waiting on the midpipes, can't get in touch with anyone there either...

This seems to happen with EMS from others experiences, I suggest you just keep trying to get a hold of them and they'll notice you eventually. Best of luck!

 

[Moody]

Bumping this back up for a follow up on the mid pipes with single cat. What's your feeling on them at this point? It looks as though I'm needing at least bank 1 but I figure I'll do both sides while I'm at it.

 

[ntsaint]

My feeling is to see if DT can make you some...

 

[white_lx]

Are you sure there are no small leaks in the exhaust?

P0420/P0430 codes are often thrown when there is a small leak. Even when the leak is downstream of the O2 sensor. The LS430 is known for that, and has roughly the same engine.

My LS also throws these codes when traction control is engaged a lot (snow covered roads). The secondary TRAC throttle plate closes, but the main throttle would be open. Hence O/F ratio is off and the computer throws the P0420/P0430 codes thinking there is a catalytic converter problem.

 

[Moody]

My feeling is to see if DT can make you some...

So you wouldn't recommend the EMS?

Are you sure there are no small leaks in the exhaust?

P0420/P0430 codes are often thrown when there is a small leak. Even when the leak is downstream of the O2 sensor. The LS430 is known for that, and has roughly the same engine.

My LS also throws these codes when traction control is engaged a lot (snow covered roads). The secondary TRAC throttle plate closes, but the main throttle would be open. Hence O/F ratio is off and the computer throws the P0420/P0430 codes thinking there is a catalytic converter problem.

I'm not sure there aren't leaks. I have had the code twice now, both right on startup. I just replaced both the upper O2 sensors. Came on again with the P0420 again after about a month.

Is there any easy way to check for leaks? FWIW, 2001 LX 126k

 

[ntsaint]

Is Doug Thorley making mid pipes for 100s? At one point I know they were considering it.

 

[Quick]

Hey I just s

The P0430 means only that too much oxygen was hitting the rear oxygen sensor (the sensor located after the cat). The assumption is that the oxygen should get used up in the catalytic converter if the catalyst is functioning properly.

If the catalyst is covered with gunk, then that could give you the code. A bad rear O2 sensor could also give you the code.

Inversely, the cats could be clogged and you might not get any code.

Does the engine run okay?
Does it idle smoothly when it is hot?
Does it accelerate from idle without hesitation when it is hot?

If the answers to the above questions are "yes" and the light stays off, then I wouldn't worry too much about the factory cats causing damage.

If the cats are clogged you would probably get rough idle and hesitation off the line when the cats are hot.

If it seems to be running okay, the only real danger is that the clogged cat could potentially get very hot; if the engine for some reason dumps a lot of unburned fuel into the clogged cat, it could catch things on fire, but that is unlikely.

I would drive it for a while and see if the code comes back. If no code and the truck is running fine, then I wouldn't worry about it.

That said, the EMS midpipes are nice...

Seems like all my problems (hesitation when accelrated/sluggish) is 'coz of clogged Cats? Since EMS seems to be out of buisness, where can I purchase an exhaust for 100 series now?

Any other alternative? We do not have emissions where we live, if that matters?

Thanks