Converter removal?
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Junior User
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Converter removal?
I got a 2000 or so V6 Mazda Tribute which is similar to the Escape with clogged catalytic converters. They are so clogged they blew a hole in the EGR valve up top. So anyway does anybody have the step by step process or any tips of removing these, especially the header ones. Links or pictures. Before I proceed. I'd just like to be sure. Its a friends and I would like to give it back to him this weekend.
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Joined: May 2011
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My 2003 Escape did the exact same thing, but I had my muffler guy remove the inline cat and he cut the front cat and took the guts out of it and welded it back. It has worked fine ever since, but I do not know if this is an option for you if your state does emission testing.
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Okay, I did not find a single "how to" on this matter. So I just attempted it myself. Not for the faint of heart when it comes to the back converter.
There are 3 converters 1 is in front of the muffler and the other 2 are built into the headers.
Bottom back one is two bolts then it is slid into the muffler about 10 inches. I just cut the converter about 5 inches out then cut a line down the muffler to were the pipe ends and pounded it out with rubber mallet.
The front is not to bad as in the converter by the grill. You have to remove the radiator and the electric fan they are bolted together with 2 bolts and must come out separately, you even have to remove the hood latch mechanism. Underneath the plastic guard under the bumper comes off it splits in the middle right up front. After that is all removed you got a good shot at it except for the front bolt on the header closest to the accessories. The A/C compressor has 3 bolts 2 on the bottom 3 on top. You need to remove it to get the last bolt. Then all should be accessible with a 13mm socket.
As for the back, the motor mount on the top needs to be removed, and the one on the bottom so you can move the motor forward with a jack. I pulled it out from the top because it was too tight to get through the bottom of the vehicle, the heater hoses need to be disconnected as well. This takes patience and a lot of working the motor up and down to get it out. I nearly spent the whole day on the back of the motor doing the firewall converter. Very frustrating.
Hope this helps a little bit.
There are 3 converters 1 is in front of the muffler and the other 2 are built into the headers.
Bottom back one is two bolts then it is slid into the muffler about 10 inches. I just cut the converter about 5 inches out then cut a line down the muffler to were the pipe ends and pounded it out with rubber mallet.
The front is not to bad as in the converter by the grill. You have to remove the radiator and the electric fan they are bolted together with 2 bolts and must come out separately, you even have to remove the hood latch mechanism. Underneath the plastic guard under the bumper comes off it splits in the middle right up front. After that is all removed you got a good shot at it except for the front bolt on the header closest to the accessories. The A/C compressor has 3 bolts 2 on the bottom 3 on top. You need to remove it to get the last bolt. Then all should be accessible with a 13mm socket.
As for the back, the motor mount on the top needs to be removed, and the one on the bottom so you can move the motor forward with a jack. I pulled it out from the top because it was too tight to get through the bottom of the vehicle, the heater hoses need to be disconnected as well. This takes patience and a lot of working the motor up and down to get it out. I nearly spent the whole day on the back of the motor doing the firewall converter. Very frustrating.
Hope this helps a little bit.
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