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• How To Install Universal Catalytic Converter Without Welding Instructions

• Keep the check engine light off with MagnaFlow California Grade CARB Compliant Universal Catalytic Converter 5561354. The Universal design allows the part to fit a wide array of vehicles (cutting and welding required), and the stainless steel construction of this spun body catalytic converter is highly resistant to corrosion.
• Quote: the converter is installed backwards. Yes, the converters are 3 way dual bed catalytic converters and have a directional construction. It will reduce oxides of nitrogen first to free the oxygen to help with the hc and co, but it needs co to help reduce oxides of nitrogen. If it is backwards, then the co will be reduced first, and none will be available to reduce oxides of nitrogen.
• The Nett®Universal-Fit catalytic converter can be installed horizontally or vertically. Due to the fact that high temperature is needed for efficient operation, the converter should be installed as close to the engine exhaust manifold (or turbocharger) as possible.
• The alternative to a direct-fit style is the universal-fit catalytic converter which does require some fabrications and welding to make them fit to your vehicle. This style fits hundreds of applications but you still need to confirm your application before purchasing.

Ford Explorer 2003, CalCat™ Catalytic Converter by Walker®. Converter Configuration: Universal Fit. Without Air Tube. Without O2 Sensor Port. Visit our website to find an enormous assortment of premium mufflers, catalytic converters, resonators, exhaust pipes, and exhaust gaskets by Walker.

Learn how to replace a bad catalytic converter. We are a team of ASE certified mechanics that have created this service guide to help you save money by replacing the part yourself or at least see what you are paying for when having it done at a repair shop.

How Does it Work?

A catalytic converter or cat converter as it is sometimes called is designed to remove unspent fuel in your cars exhaust system which is produced from the normal process of the engine running. Unspent fuel will enter the atmosphere in the form of hydrocarbons which creates air pollution. To reduce unspent fuel this catalytic converter is fitted to the car's exhaust system just behind the exhaust manifold. This positioning is used to heat the catalyst material which creates a thermo reaction to burn the unspent fuel.

Service Costs

Catalytic converter costs can very greatly depending on manufacturer and configuration. The part alone can cost between $550.00 and $1250.00 (US) and labor should be between $125.00 and $220.00 (US). There is sometimes a core charge which will be redeemed when the old cat has been returned to the dealer or parts house.

How Long Do Catalytic Converter Last?

Typically a catalytic converter will last between 90,000 and 140,000 miles but they can loose their efficiency sooner if the car is driven aggressively. A cat converter works best when the car is driven mildly and for long distances. There can be several symptoms when a catalytic converter goes bad which will very from simply not passing a smog test to the engine having low power.

Watch the Video!

There are typically two types of replacements. A signal catalytic converter replacement and a Y pipe style which is incorporated into the exhaust head pipe. The video below shows a signal cat replacement while further down we show a video on a Y pipe style. After watching the video continue down our guide to pick up on addition information which is updated regularly.

Let's Get Started!

Begin with the car safely supported in the air with jack stands up high enough to work on the exhaust system. Make sure the car's engine is cold which will ensure the exhaust system being cool enough to work with.

Tools and Supplies Needed

• Pry bar
• Socket set with universals
• Wrench set
• Replacement catalytic converter
• Shop towels
• Protective eye wear and gloves

Step 1

Remove the Catalytic Converter: Before removing the catalytic converter its a good idea to spray WD40 into the mounts nuts and bolts to help penetrate the rust which typical is present on the exhaust systems. Locate and spray the front exhaust flange and tail pipe flange connection bolts.

While the anti-rust liquid is settling in, locate and disconnect the oxygen sensor electrical connectors that are mounted on the catalytic converter and sometimes in the head pipe. These connectors will have safety clips that will need to be pushed inward before they will come undone while gently pulling to get them apart.

Follow the wiring and removing the oxygen sensor wiring from their holders and safely set them out of the way so they don't get damaged while removing the catalytic converter.

Most catalytic converter's have heat shields designed to keep heat away from the vehicle's undercarriage. To gain access to some of the mounting bolts these shields may need to be removed. After the anti rust liquid has sat for a while use a 14mm, 15mm or 17mm wrench of socket to remove the bolts by turning them counterclockwise. You may need an extension to help with the removal, a universal socket also helps. These nuts or bolts can be tight and a little rusty so be ready to put some force on them.

Continue by removing the exhaust pipe coupler mounting bolts using a 15mm or 17mm wrench or socket at the rear of the catalytic converter. Each application will very and some may need to be cut using a hacksaw and then welded up once the new catalytic converter has been installed. They also make a exhaust pipe repair kit that is basically a wide clamp which you can get from Amazon or the local parts store to put the pipes back together.

Once loose use a pry bar to further loosen the clamps to aid in the removal process. This will help create clearance between the clamp and exhaust pipe.

Once the rear exhaust mount has been removed use a plastic or rubber hammer to separate the muffler from the catalytic converter outlet pipe.

Grasp the catalytic converter with both hands and maneuver it out from the exhaust manifold and rear exhaust system. Some catalytic converter's have a heat shield which can be sharp so be carful not to cut yourself.

Step 2

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Remove the Oxygen Sensors: Some catalytic converters have multiple oxygen sensors which need to be labeled to avoid confusion when reassembling. Use tape to identify the position of the sensor so they can be easily installed into the new catalytic converter. You don't want to get these mixed up because the wiring connectors are different and will not reconnect to the main wiring harness.

Apply WD40 to each of the sensors to aid in their removal. Once successfully labeled remove all sensors from the old catalytic converter using a 7/8 or 22mm wrench and turning them counterclockwise, then set them to the side.

Step 3

Clean the Gasket Surface: At the exhaust manifold there is a gasket surface that needs to be free of corrosion, dirt and old gasket material left behind from the old catalytic converter. Use a gasket scraper and a small wire brush to the gasket sealing surface this will help the new gasket conform to the sealing surface which will avoid leaks. Set the new gasket in place by either letting it hang on the exhaust manifold studs or the head pipe of the converter.

Step 4

Install the Oxygen Sensors: Install the labeled oxygen sensors onto the new catalytic converter into their correct positions. Thread the oxygen sensors by hand to avoid cross threading. It's a good idea to add a small amount of anti-seize to the mounting threads to aid in the oxygen sensor removal if replacement is required.

Step 5

Install the New Catalytic Converter: The new catalytic converter is now ready for installation. Gently position the catalytic converter back up into the exhaust manifold flange making sure the gasket is still in position. Guide the flange coupler that is on the head pipe over the exhaust manifold studs. Some applications will use bolts instead of nuts, in which case simply align the bolt holes.

Hand thread in the mounting nuts or bolts and but do not tighten. Use a socket to take up the slack while still leaving them loose. The final tightening will be done after the rear of the catalytic converter has been put in place and reconnected. If you tighten these nuts or bolts prematurely it will cause a strain and a possible leak as the unit will need to be forced into position to connect the rear of the unit.

Install and tighten the coupler mounting bolts at the rear of the catalytic converter. This coupler can slide up over the pipe and then be pushed downward onto the rear exhaust pipe. Tighten these bolts completely and then finish tightening the front of the catalytic converter flange nuts or bolts. The torque specifications for both are 25 to 30 foot pounds.

Step 6

Reconnect the Oxygen Sensors: Reach up and remove the oxygen sensors connectors from there safe place and start to reconnect them. Push the connectors together enough to hear a click which confirms their complete reconnection. Push the wiring into their plastic holders and out of the way of the exhaust pipe or catalytic converter. This will help avoid melting the wires which will cause the check engine light to come on. Reinstall any heat shields and exhaust system mounts that were removed during the job and you are all set. If the check engine was set due to the catalytic converter being bad the codes will need to be cleared.

Universal Catalytic Converter With Stainless Clamps, Better ...

Watch the Video!

Here is a video on how to replace a catalytic converter on the V6 or V8 engine that have a 'Y' style of set up. For this job the vehicle must be raised it he air higher in some cases.

Got Any Questions?

If you have any questions about catalytic converter, please visit our forum. If you need car repair advice, please ask our community of mechanics who are happy to help. Our service is always 100% free.

CA Approved Universal Catalytic Converter 1-800-833-0945

Good, better, or best. FMS Performance has the CA Approved Universal Catalytic Converter for your vehicle.

Universal Catalytic Converter Direct-Fit Catalytic Converter High-Flow Catalytic Converter

Should I purchase a Universal or Direct Fit Catalytic Converter?

First of all universal converters are designed to be installed by a professional installer because they typically require some welding. The Direct Fit catalytic converter is designed so you may unbolt the original and bolt back on the replacement. For that reason the Emission compliance of the converters will meet or exceed Fed or CARB standards.

How do I know that the catalytic converter I purchase is (CARB) California Air Resource Board approved?

You can check with CARB on the approval for your car or truck by contacting the Helpline at 1-800-242-4450. You may also contact FMS for a quote or another opinion. Finally you may click this link to select your search https://ssl.arb.ca.gov/AftermarketParts/catalysts

What is the Warranty on a Replacement Catalytic Converter?

Federal EPA regulates a 2 year or 25,000 mile guarantee
California CARB regulates a 5 year or 50,000 mile guarantee
Factory replacement converters from the dealer have a warranty for 1 year or 12,000 miles. Most noteworthy is cars have a 8 year 80,000 mile warranty on the OE converter the vehicle came with. If your car is within the 8/80 certainly call your dealership with your VIN number so they may assist you with the warranty information.

My car has a PO420! Does that mean my converter is bad?

NO. The P0420 code, by definition reads “bank one Catalyst Efficiency low” as a result most people will just replace the converter. A vehicle displaying this code is indicating that something is causing the converter to operate out of specification. Furthermore, a diagnostic and certainly an inspection are required before condemning any parts as “bad” or defective.

While you still may need a catalytic converter. FMS can perform a Catalytic Converter Pre-Test. The inspection is free with the purchase of needed components to correct the issue. Please make an appointment to drop the vehicle off for the complete inspection.

Catalytic Converter WARNING:

Catalytic Converters are emission control devices that are designed to last the life of the vehicle, do not normally require replacement without cause. A check engine light for catalytic efficiency does not by itself condemn a catalytic converter. There could be another reason or even more parts that have failed and do not necessarily require a catalytic converter replacement. Hence per example an oxygen sensor not functioning correctly. Your vehicle should be diagnosed properly before a catalytic converter is to be replaced. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a complete diagnosis click here.

How can I determine my cars emissions certification levels?
All vehicles will come with a VECI (Vehicle Emission Control Information) label located in the engine compartment.

Can I use a catalytic converter cleaner on my car?

Yes, we suggest Cataclean by Mr Gasket. Cataclean contains solvents that can break down deposits formed by oxidation and polymerization of hydrocarbon in fuel delivery systems. Cataclean also includes acetone which is known to improve the efficiency of fuel combustion. Acetone has been used in race cars to enhance octane rating and make fuel burn more evenly and completely. When Cataclean combusts, carboxylic acids, aldehydes and active peroxy compounds are formed. These compounds in the exhaust vapors work to clean the surfaces inside the converter. The result is the removal of deposits from the surface of the core, which increases the catalyst’s ability to remove harmful exhaust emissions such as, carbon monoxide & nitrogen oxides.

What is a High Flow catalytic converter?

Most high flow catalytic converters flow higher than OE in flow capacity. The 400 CPI cell density of most high flow catalytic converters will out flow an OE for the same application while providing the necessary functionality.

Catalytic Converter Manufacturers

Valina – Car Sound – Magnaflow – Airtek – Eastern – Miller – Walker –

What is a Oxygen Sensor?

The Oxygen Sensor monitors the amount of residual oxygen in the exhaust. Before being released into the atmosphere, exhaust gases pass through a catalyst. Because this is where toxic substances in the gases are purified. In order to increase the efficiency of the catalytic converter, the combustion of injected fuel and inhaled atmospheric oxygen must be precisely controlled at the right ratio. Finally, the Engine ECU (computer) uses information provided by the oxygen sensor to detect the difference between the actual air-fuel ratio and the ideal air-fuel ratio to adjust the amount of fuel injection.

Welding Catalytic Converter Cost

When should my Oxygen Sensor be replaced?

The oxygen sensors are not among the maintenance items that need to be replaced regularly, like oil and air filters, so they typically are replaced only when they fail.

Oxygen sensors are a critical component of the fuel and emissions systems because they monitor the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. For that reason they transmit the information to the engine computer. Besides that it adjusts the air-to-fuel ratio accordingly. If an oxygen sensor fails, the engine computer won’t be able to correctly set the air-fuel ratio. Which could also result in lower fuel economy. While consequently raising emissions and damage to other components, such as an overheated catalytic converter.

Signs you need an Oxygen Sensor.

Can I Install A Catalytic Converter W/o Welding And Still ...

No vehicle that we’re aware of has a warning light that signals when an oxygen sensor has failed. So as a result you have to rely on other vital signs to alert you when you have a bad oxygen sensor. Such as the check-engine light on the dashboard illuminating and increased fuel usage.

How To Install Universal Catalytic Converter Without Welding Instructions

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