On a scale of Oil Change to Engine rebuild, where would a Cat-con replacement sit?

I've done alternators, plugs/wires, oil changes, and fuel filters type things in the past, but I'm a learn as you go mechanic so this is all new to me.

Will I need any special tools?

Should I just go with what Autozone say I need, or should I be looking into something special?

I live in a state that doesn't regulate, would it be much easier to bypass the cat?

Thanks.

 

if you can weld its like a 2, if you cant it might aswell be a 10. easy way is to buy the cat online and just run down to the local muffler shop and tell them to put it on real quick. prices will vary from state to state shop to shop. if there are no o2 sensors after the cat in question then yes just cut the offending cat out and replace with a test pipe. you can also run completely catless and space the o2 sensors so that it they read correct but you will be spending time adjusting the sensors and resetting the comp to clear it. since you dont get ref'd you dont have to worry about throwing a code which would constitute automatic failure in cali

 

I'm not a great welder, but I can weld. Pretty sure I've got an O2 sensor, my check engine light came on and my mechanic told me it was probably a clogged up cat.

Universal should be fine right? No need for direct fit.?

Thanks for the advice.

 

What is the trouble code number? Cat replacement should be low on the list for most O2 sensor related codes.

 

its easy as hell and u dont need a welder. just get a hack saw and cut it out then buy the lenght of tube that ur cat is. and get 2 couplers from autozone. u can also get the pipe from there. a check engie light will come on cuz u will have no cat but u can buy a dummy o2 sensor and the light will go away ita a little bit above a oil change on the skill level

 

i had 02 sensor rich when my cat was clogged. i assume the exhaust blockage kept fresh air from entering the cylinders, so little was burned. the other symptom was a max speed of 45 mph as well as multi cylinder missfires.

The main cat would be simple. the other 3-4 cats on the y-pipe would be pretty tuff to fix since you are not dealing with straight pipe.

 

So I guess I've got multiple cats...how would I know which one is clogged?

Not sure what the # code was, the guy at my mechanics shop looked at it and said it was a clogged cat (it was the young guy-not my normal guy), might be worth double checking huh?

 

I would say so. Go to auto zone and get the codes pulled and report back,

 

OK, finally made it to autozone and got the codes, two of them.

99 Ranger
-P0401
-P0153


Thanks.

 

P0401 most likely means one or more of the following has happened: 1) the DPFE (differential pressure feedback EGR) sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced; 2) there is a blockage in the EGR (tube), most likely carbon buildup; 3) the EGR valve is faulty; or 4) the EGR valve may not be opening due to a lack of vacuum.

P0153 is for the "upstream" O2 sensor on bank 2 (driver's side).

 

What should I do about it?

Still need new Cat? No new Cat?

What kind of dent are we talking about $?.00?