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Subject: Catalytic Converter cleaner

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Bill Domey



06/08/2010 8:19 AM Alert 

Has any one used any type of catalytic converter cleaner?. I saw it at a parts store and it claims that it can clean the catalytic converters  so it will pass emissions 

Andy Berglund



06/08/2010 10:39 AM Alert 
I have my doubts. I can't imagine how it would work, really. Have you not replaced your cats yet?

I am loving the Gilmore Girls-Scott Williams
Bill Domey



06/08/2010 11:20 AM Alert 

Not yet, All the shops around here say they will put new cats on but won't guarantee the vehicle will pass. Going thru a second divorce and have child support with each. Very limited budget.

Craig Miller
Title Sponsor


06/08/2010 2:55 PM Alert 
I can understand that. What if the problem isn't the cats? What if you have a bad O2 sensor or something else. They replace the cats, and it fails because of something else, then they are on the hook. I don't think you'll ever find someone that will guarantee your car will pass an emissions test after they work on it.




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Bill Domey



06/08/2010 3:33 PM Alert 

I talked to a place in Texas that all they do is sell catalytic converters. He told me to get a full diagnoses to see if it might be my o2 sensors or another sensor. He thinks the garage that I went to is being very hasty with the catalytic converter as the problem.

Craig Miller
Title Sponsor


06/08/2010 4:33 PM Alert 
Bill,

If I recall correctly, you didn't have the specific codes last time I asked. Go down to your local auto parts store and have the pull the codes. The codes will provide more information that will help determine if you have a faulty O2 sensor or poor emissions. They'll also tell you if there is something else wrong with the engine.

The exhaust is typically laid out like this:

Engine-------------o2 sensor----------cat------------o2 sensor

The computer in the car, compares the pre-cat and post-cat o2 sensor data to determine if you have an emission problem. The codes will tell you if the o2 sensors are shorted out, have values out of range, etc. Once you know what the specific code is, then we can collectively help you diagnose what the specific problem might be.

When the car has been sitting for a while, and the cats are nice and cold, if you shake em do they sound all crumbly? Have you lost any power? Those are two signs that the cats are bad.

Get those codes pulled. Nobody here can help without em.

Craig

My Overland Adventure Blog
Bill Domey



06/08/2010 6:04 PM Alert 

Craig that code is P0430, I do have a loss of power. I tried to shake the cats but they wouldn't budge.

Craig Miller
Title Sponsor


06/08/2010 7:22 PM Alert 

Any other codes, or just that one?

This particular code means that the catalytic converter on Bank 2 isn't working properly. Bank 2 is the side of the motor opposite from where cylinder #1 is.

This is typically one of three things:
- Bad cat
- Bad O2 sensor
- An exhaust leak

I'm not a professional, but if it were my truck I would:
0. Figure out where cylinder #1 is, then inspect the opposite side of the motor...
1. Verify that there are no exhaust leaks anywhere: At the engine, engine/manifold connection, manifold/y-pipe connection, in the Y pipe/cats, at the exhaust/cat connection, etc.
2. If you don't find any leaks, then I would verify the O2 sensors by:
  a.  swapping the pre-cat O2 sensor with the one on the bank 1 side of the motor.  Then, recheck the codes.  If the code followed the sensor then it is the sensor and not the cats.

  b.  Rinse and repeate a, with the post cat O2 sensor.

3.  If you don't find any leaks and the codes don't follow the pre-cat or post-cat O2 sensors to the opposite bank when you switch them, then I'd assume it is the cats and have someone replace them.

Not sure about your truck, but this is all work that can easily be done by someone with a Land Rover Discovery.  The O2 sensors typically connect with a plug, maybe attach to a wiring harness to keep them away from the hot enging, and usually screw into the exhaust.  A set of wrenches is usually all that is needed to remove them.

Craig


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Andy Berglund



06/08/2010 7:24 PM Alert 
Well wait, what happens next, Craig?
anyhoo, instead of shaking the cats, try rapping them genty with a mallet or hammer. A rattle suggests a broken down cat.

I am loving the Gilmore Girls-Scott Williams
Craig Miller
Title Sponsor


06/08/2010 7:26 PM Alert 

LOL.. I accidentally hit submit before I finished. Should be fixed now. 

 


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Bill Domey



06/09/2010 4:28 AM Alert 

Thank you for the help, I will see if I have any leaks anywhere and I'll check the o2 sensors. Its time to change them anyways.  

Craig Miller
Title Sponsor


06/09/2010 7:49 AM Alert 
I wouldn't change an O2 sensor unless you are getting a code indicating it is bad, or after experimenting with moving them determine that the current code is following one of the sensors.

Craig

My Overland Adventure Blog
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