Catalitic Converter

[BigJoCo]

Ok guys, I need some help. I drive a '96 Explorer Sport(stock). I keep kicking up the code for a blocked or plugged cat. My question is this....can I hollow out the cats? Is there some sort of sensor/sending unit behind the cats testing for emissions crap that will kick the light on? Any info/comments are much appreciated.

Thanks,
Josh

 

[aldive]

Its against the law to do that.

 

[Maniak]

If you hollow out your cat the o2 sensor after the cat will make you check engine light turn on..

and it is illegal..

~mark

 

[BigJoCo]

is there an O2 sensor after the cat?

 

[mrboyle]

Yes there is an O2 sensor after the cats. That is how the computer is able to tell you that you are currently having a problem. Like mentioned before, it is illegal to "gut" the cats and it is also a very bad idea. The OBD II computer in your X needs the back pressure created by the cat inorder to get the proper readings at the O2 sensors. Also the engine relies on this back pressure to maintain its peak performance.

 

[410Fortune]

Not all years have the 02 sensors behind the cats.............

Stock cats flow great, unless they get clogged by raw fuel, then the honeycomb can clogup or come loose...

Leave the cat there, gutting it (whether you have the after 02's or not) can cause more damage then good. Of course if you dont have emissions laws where you are from a straight pipe in it's place migh be an interesting experiment (not with the 02's behind cat).....

 

[Robert]

Beginning in '96 all US automobiles have an O2 sensor after the catalytic converter to meed the OBD-II requirements.

 

[Alec]

i suggest replacing the cat(s). no need to go with a 'racing' cat, but a hi-flow one should work well. you can replace your dual factory cats with a single unit.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Shop around for prices. I was a fool and paid Ford $1400 for two cats last November.