Catalytic Convertor
 

Hi All,

I appreciate all the good advice I have gotten from this forum. I have another issue with my car. My Check Engine Light came on and it is Code PO420. That is telling me my catalytic convertor needs to be replaced. I am wondering can I replace this myself or would it be best to take it into the shop for this kind of repair. I have called the local muffler shops and they want about 400 Dollars installed. I can buy the part from the local parts store for 159.00. But I looked under the car and the bolts look all rusted. What does everyone recommend? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

RE: Catalytic Convertor
 

its not all too hard to replace yourself, if the bolts break off it makes it a little bit difficult, then a torch is usually necessary, you can easily cheat the ECU into thinking the cat is doing its job with a o2 cheater for cheap money

RE: Catalytic Convertor
 

well its not really that difficult..i think you just need to soak those rusted bolts with WD40 and just be carefull not to damage the bolts...

but other than that its..easy..only thing thats will be tricky is removing the bolts

RE: Catalytic Convertor
 

Thanks guy for the advice and tips. I mean they look rusted on there. What would be a good lubricant besides wd40 to remove them? Any other types? Thanks.

RE: Catalytic Convertor
 

try some pb blaster or liquid wrench.

RE: Catalytic Convertor
 

What's stopping you from just getting under there and messing with it?

RE: Catalytic Convertor
 

ADVICE: Be very careful to not break the o2 sensor!!! It's expensive!!! Lots of PB Blaster there!!!!

RE: Catalytic Convertor
 

Well what it stopping me is the fact I am pretty strong and I have been known to break bolts off. PITA if you know what I mean, but you guys have given me great advice so I think I might attempt it. Thanks.

RE: Catalytic Convertor
 

Well I was going to buy the catalytic convertor and I was at the dealer buying some atf-z1 and talking to the parts guy and he stated that all the aftermarket catalytic convertors he has seen will throw out a check engine. He stated to me to buy a Honda catalytice convertor and not buy an aftermarket. Is this true? Thoughts?

RE: Catalytic Convertor
 

yeah its true that it will throw a check engine light if you go with the aftermarket cat..but theres a way around that...i think you can just go to a local mufflershop and have them make the thing that tricks the o2 sensor so that the CEL wont come on..i forgot what its called and im out of words so sorry if this wasnt clear enough...