I need some help. I just bought my son a 1986 Ford Bronco II and went to have it smogged (We're in California, and yes I know the seller is supposed to smog it, but the price was right) However, the smog tech failed it on the "visual inspection" because it "has been modified" He said it has two Cats and the specs call for one. I've been scouring the internet for info and keep hearing people mention Catalytic ConverterS (plural), and a couple of referenced to "front" and "rear" cats. I'm getting conflicting info. I asked a muffler guy who said this truck is supposed to have 2 cats. Can anyone confirm that and how do I prove that to the smog tech so that he'll pass it. The truck passed the "emissions test" and "functional check".

Any advise or at least some type of confirmation would be much appreciated. Thanks
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The Bronco II has 2 catalytic converters but they come together as 1 unit located beneath the passenger seat, so you could think of them as 1 I guess. If you have a separate one toward the back of the vehicle it could be causing check engine codes because the O2 sensor is meant to be down wind of the catalytic converters. Still, if It passes the emissions test I don't understand how having an extra anti smog device installed is their problem. Hope you and your son get it figured out.

Josh

 

As a side note I have my B2 in the shop getting the exhaust replaced as we speak. When I checked on it the other day it was too quiet for me so I asked them to take the resonator off (it came attached to the new tailpipe). They just called and said the tech recommended also removing one of the catalytic converters for better sound. WTF?! For the record I said no thanks. We don't have any emissions testing at all here in Michigan which probably had something to do with their suggestion. When I buy a vehicle I go to the place where we register for a new plate and they ask "Does the vehicle operate as it should?" Yep. "Here's your new plate." That's it.

 

THat's what I thought too. Now, I just need to convince the smog guy.

 

if they won't pass it with two converters. take one off. get your tags. then put it back on..
or if they are close enough. have a shop weld a cover over the section of tail pipe between them so it looks like one long converter...

 

Go to your Ford dealer with your VIN....have them pull up the OEM exhaust in their CPD, and print out the exploded view of the exhaust and part number basics with the VIN on that page. Show to smog guy. Solved.

 

^ Lotsa luck getting a parts guy at a dealer to give you this info, cuz typing the VIN into the system didn't work this way until the mid 1990's. ^

If people had come to me in the 1980's with their VIN and asked for a print out of some/all the parts, I woulda thought they were nuts!
No need to go to the Ford dealer, cuz here's the info from the parts catalog. Meow...how many cats do you see?

B = Bronco II ~ 5E212 = Catalytic Converter.

Left upper: Pic of the little charmer / Right: Parts catalog applications/parts lists / Left lower: Parts List #162.

 

Is it a Ford cat? Is your vehicle CA or 49 state? Smog tech should have checked that already, but make sure.

Does it look like it was replaced--non factory hangers etc?

Magnaflow does have CA approved cats for your truck. (!!!!!)

IF the illustration is correct, it looks like two, but it's sold as a unit.

MagnaFlow Catalytic Converters - 49-STATE & CANADA Catalytic Converters For Trucks, Suv's, American Muscle, Diesel, & Sport Compact Vehicles

They also show a "front and rear" for their "universal" jobs if I'm reading their site correctly.

Both sets say they are Ca approved, and give all the numbers and info to provide when you are getting it smogged.

So if it's a Magnaflow cat, you should be able to get the info needed to get a certificate.

Of course, there is a reason you got a great price without a smog....

 

IF? This is the only page from the 1980/89 Ford Light Parts Catalog that applies to the OP's application: 1986 Bronco II. I also listed the application chart and the parts list.

There's only one converter installed on the vehicle. it's a one piece assembly. Look at parts list 162 .. there are two converters listed, one is for CA only.

 

My question was to the OP about what is on the vehicle now. IF it's an aftermarket Magnaflow, he might be able to use the info I posted. IF it's a Ford cat, it might be OEM or it might be from another Ford.

 

If this is truly the case, as with anything legal, blogging on a forum is not going to help. This is something that you need to go to another tech about. If that does not work you will need to speak with their management about this issue. Find an educated person at the location and speak with them. That is all that needs done in this situation.

For the record, the previous posts are right, as these vehicles did come with two catalytic converters, as have many vehicles.

Good Luck.

 

I guess my parts guy is better than yours! A master.

 

I just had a complete new exhaust system put on my 49 State B2. My truck passed ALL visual but failed for 2 reasons - Timing too far advanced causing high NO and fuel tank doesn't hold pressure. I had 2 cats and a silencer put on mine. I'd take it to another tech. Also be sure that the cats you had installed are CARB certified.