Emissions Q . Catalytic Convertor
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Germany
Emissions Q . Catalytic Convertor
Hi,
first of all ...welcome to FTE
What engine does you have in your '81 Pick up?
Normaly every gas operated engine has a catalytic converter since...1970, I think, but it's possible, that the previous owner has pull it off.
Jens
first of all ...welcome to FTE
What engine does you have in your '81 Pick up?
Normaly every gas operated engine has a catalytic converter since...1970, I think, but it's possible, that the previous owner has pull it off.
Jens
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From: Virginia
Emissions Q . Catalytic Convertor
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 13-Dec-02 AT 03:17 PM (EST)]There's alot of debate sometimes because different GVW classes had different requirements for different years. But a couple of clues that will let you know are:
Some trucks say "unleaded fuel only" on the gas guage.
If you have the small neck in the fuel filler pipe
If the sticker on the radiator says "catalyst"
If you have a 1/2 ton pickup, I am pretty sure they all had a convertor in 81.
Some trucks say "unleaded fuel only" on the gas guage.
If you have the small neck in the fuel filler pipe
If the sticker on the radiator says "catalyst"
If you have a 1/2 ton pickup, I am pretty sure they all had a convertor in 81.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Lincoln NE
Emissions Q . Catalytic Convertor
NO you don't need the catalytic converter unless your state requires it to meet emissions laws. I live in a state that doesn't require any emissions checks and most people just get rid of it on their old catalytic converters when they go bad and put on dual exhaust.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: East Coast
Emissions Q . Catalytic Convertor
I belive that every vehicle in the US made by any major manufacturer has a catylitic converter after and including 1976. Look at your exaust and it will be about a foot or so long and closer to the engine than the muffler. Probably has a big heat/guard shield on it. Carefull, they get really hot if the truck has been running.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
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From: The Big, Oregon
Emissions Q . Catalytic Convertor
Most trucks with the 351m/400 through 82 had no cats. How do I know this? I've looked. I had a 78 F-150 4x4, with a 351m, and it was a non-catalyst. So is my buddy's Bronco. F-250's are generally overlooked for cats. My 84 is supposed to have one, but they didn't check it. F-350's through 86 had no cats. Diesels didn't have cats until 2001, when that canadian designed one was adapted for GM, and Ford diesels didn't get them until the 6.0 PSD. It is a federal law that if you vehicle came equipped with cats, then they must stay on the vehicle. Just because there is no emissions in your area doesn't mean you can legally remove them.
But back to the question- what model, engine, and does it say catalyst on the radiator support?
Jared
But back to the question- what model, engine, and does it say catalyst on the radiator support?
Jared
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From: Where they take the census by counting the appliances on the front porch and multiplying by five
Emissions Q . Catalytic Convertor
Welcome to FTE Eric!
As to whether or not your truck had a catalytic converter from the factory, I don't know. Franklin2 gave some good clues on where to look.
But as far as whether you have to have them, Jared is absolutely right. Yes, if your truck came with them. If your state requires them or not doesn't matter. The FED says you have to have them if it came with them. End of discussion.
Now, if you're an enterprising young fellow with access to cutting tools and don't mind breaking the law.....more power to ya! (in a literal sense.)
I hereby serve notice, I neither condone nor recommend the removal of pollution control devices on a motor vehicle to be driven on the street.(Had to say that.LOL)
Again, welcome!
Chuck
As to whether or not your truck had a catalytic converter from the factory, I don't know. Franklin2 gave some good clues on where to look.
But as far as whether you have to have them, Jared is absolutely right. Yes, if your truck came with them. If your state requires them or not doesn't matter. The FED says you have to have them if it came with them. End of discussion.
Now, if you're an enterprising young fellow with access to cutting tools and don't mind breaking the law.....more power to ya! (in a literal sense.)
I hereby serve notice, I neither condone nor recommend the removal of pollution control devices on a motor vehicle to be driven on the street.(Had to say that.LOL)
Again, welcome!
Chuck
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Uhh, that doesnt mean you can run without one, my truck came from the factory cat free, i still dont even know what your truck is. is your truck 150? 250? 350? what engine, there are multiple factors here. It should be very easy to tell if you have a cat if its factory exhaust, which should also be easy to tell.