Tips Needed for Catalytic Converter Removal and Installation (2 Viewers)

[route11]

Hi Guys,
Recently I found out one of the O2 sensor is hanging loose underneath and the converter cover is also hanging the by only one bolt. I figure it is probably time to replace the sensor and the converter. It seems all the bolts are rusted very badly. Any tips of removing them? Saw the bolt off? Those bolts at the top seems to be very difficult to reach. If I saw them off, will the remaining pipe good enough to receive new converter?
Please share your thoughts.
Anything could be helpful.
Thanks a lot.

 

[FredBear]

What year LC do you have?
Might be a good time to replace w/ the magnaflow 23120 setup. I recently did this to tackle an exhaust leak & clogged convertor. The ID of this unit is slightly larger than stock, which I think is good. It is bolt on easy also. I soaked the rusted bolts w/ Kroil for a few days and they busted off pretty easy w/ my cordless impact gun. If this doesnt work you can try heat treatment via mapp gas. However, I've also found that your local maw/pop exhaust shops can tackle these jobs pretty cheaply. If you decide to saw the pipe off you may need to have a new flange welded on regardless. Your convertor may still be good. Mine were rather clogged as my engine does burn some oil as I'm closing in on 200K miles. Rusted old exhaust bolts can be a scary thing to look at.

 

[route11]

Thanks a lot for all the details. It's very helpful. I got a 94 FZJ80 with 167,000miles. As of now, I suppose I need to replace the front pipes with the magnaflow 23120 setup. I guess I need to check if that is compliance with New Jersey's regulation. Also, I don't know if I need to put back heat shield as original. I will do more search of the magnaflow 23120 to see if I could find out more.

What year LC do you have?
Might be a good time to replace w/ the magnaflow 23120 setup. I recently did this to tackle an exhaust leak & clogged convertor. The ID of this unit is slightly larger than stock, which I think is good. It is bolt on easy also. I soaked the rusted bolts w/ Kroil for a few days and they busted off pretty easy w/ my cordless impact gun. If this doesnt work you can try heat treatment via mapp gas. However, I've also found that your local maw/pop exhaust shops can tackle these jobs pretty cheaply. If you decide to saw the pipe off you may need to have a new flange welded on regardless. Your convertor may still be good. Mine were rather clogged as my engine does burn some oil as I'm closing in on 200K miles. Rusted old exhaust bolts can be a scary thing to look at.

 

[Heckraiser]

I used a sawzall directly on the bolts at the flange. I never had the heat shield to begin with, so obviously didn't put it back when I installed my magnaflows. They use donut gaskets, so if you mangle up the flange a little bit with your saw blade, it won't affect the seal. Or if you order a direct replacement product like the magnaflows, you'll get new everything, so you can mangle the flanges to your hearts delight.

 

[route11]

Thanks. I think I am going to try home made penetration oil first (50/50 ATF/Acetone). It is said better than Kroil. If that does not work, then I will try mapp gas, if that does not work neither, I will have to buy a sawzall to cut it down. Hopefully all these will put an end to the problem. Also it looks to me for 93/94 LC80, it's better to stick with two Cat so no messing up the two oxygen sensor.

I used a sawzall directly on the bolts at the flange. I never had the heat shield to begin with, so obviously didn't put it back when I installed my magnaflows. They use donut gaskets, so if you mangle up the flange a little bit with your saw blade, it won't affect the seal. Or if you order a direct replacement product like the magnaflows, you'll get new everything, so you can mangle the flanges to your hearts delight.