2005 PILOT needs cats and 02's

self ^ | January 27, 2024 | knarf

[knarf]

I'm comin' up on Pennsylvania inspection and my cats are shot (already tried "guaranteed to pass" and it failed, etc.) and a certified mechanic diagnostic . . . the cats are dead.

I may as well get the 02 sensors as well.

[FreedomPoster]

I had a Ford Taurus in the late 1980s that had a misspelling in the text on the plastic sheath for the owner’s manual.

[dennisw]

Way way back for a Datsun to pass inspection. I ran the gas tank to nearly empty. Then bought a gallon of pure ethanol at the hardware store. Poured it into the tank. I passed!!!

After passing, I immediately filled up the tank to dilute the ethanol. Which harms gaskets and seals.

https://www.amazon.com/Denatured-Alcohol-200-1-Gallon-128/dp/B07XSD6F1Z/ref=sr_1_13?crid=2DE57VMGTIWAS&keywords=gallon+ethanol&qid=1706371940&sprefix=gallon+eth%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-13

[catnipman]

you should be able to get the identical O2 sensors used by your manufacturer from RockAuto for dirt cheap ... the car makers don’t make their own, but buy them from a 3rd party and put their own brand on them ... i bought both up and down for my 2000 prelude from rockauto, and the only difference was the brand name on the box ... i also bought the special slotted O2 sensor socket from amazon ...

[meatloaf]

Check out test pipes on eBay. They resemble a catalytic convertor except there’s no innards.

My mechanic never knew. His comments on the complete new exhaust system as he pointed to the test pipe. I bet that cost a pretty penny.

I never said a word.

[PAR35]

Cat went out on a Ford pickup at 2 years. Fortunately the warranty is 8 years so it just cost me the diagnostics at my trusted mechanic that sent me to the Ford dealer.

[dznutz]

You have to be careful about who you buy cats from off of ebay.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Same with us. In the family...

* 1995 Explorer
* 2003 Expedition
* 2003 Explorer
* 2012 Escape (2)
* 2014 Escape
* 2014 Expedition (last V8 Expedition made)

Those first three were incredibly good and reliable. All of the Escapes have been disasters. Oldest daughter unloaded hers because it would stall out at intersections and nobody could fix it. Middle daughter still has her 2012 Escape and it’s running. I described our son’s Escape earlier.

The kids all bought Escapes because of our great run with the Explorers and first Expedition.

I’m still driving the 2014 Expedition. Ten years old and 98k on the clock, but still running great and in superb condition. The aluminum AC lines to the rear condenser corroded out! What a stupid design decision to put aluminum tubes where road salt can get to them And the sunroof failed, but covered under warranty; $3k to repair it!

The Expedition has the Ford Triton 5.4 V8 that’s known for blowing spark plugs out of the head! Hasn’t happened to me, fortunately. I drive sedately to not stress the engine.

[The Louiswu]

[gundog]

[Clay Moore]

I have used several aftermarket cats and have had good success. Check Rockauto prices.

[knarf]

I’m comin’ up on Pennsylvania inspection

[mad_as_he$$]

Replaced many cats in my day, a few catalytic converters too.

Buy the best O2 wrench you can. Try to loosen the O2 sensors prior to soaking with penetrating stuff. BTW replacing the O2 sensors will likely give you some improved gas mileage.

The CC’s are problematic, if they test for Nitrogen oxides if they are bad they will fail. Typically they aren’t all that bad to replace. Budget a day if you aren’t used to working on things. I’ve had very good results with CCC’s from Summit:

https://www.summitracing.com/search/department/exhaust?SortBy=BestKeywordMatch&SortOrder=Ascending&keyword=catlytic

[knarf]

Thanx, I’ve heard that as well

[knarf]

uhhhh . . . ya.

[stanne]

Toonces!!

[knarf]

Catalytic converters are gasoline scrubbers for the EPA and have pretty much nothing to do with performance , , , , that’s why I included “Pennsylvania inspection” . . . thanx, though.

[devane617]

I’m still driving a 2007 Honda with 360k on the clock. I put 400-600 miles a week on it with little maintenance and excellent gas mileage. No way I’m trading.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Wow, 360. That’s amazing. Did you change your timing belt yet?

I’ve heard SO many stories about Honda reliability like yours.

[leaning conservative]

So does my husband.

[knarf]

I did the "guaranteed to pass or your money back" except I don't have dirty cats, I have no platinum left . . . the 02's jump all around on the diagnostic.

I also tried pulling a plug on bank 1, revving it @3k for 3 minutes, replace plug, repeat for bank 2 and hit the highway for about 40 miles of burn out , , , the converters are dead.