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Catalytic Converter Problems?

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Old Feb 2, 2006 | 04:27 PM
  #16  
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From: St Louis
Originally Posted by Johns9163
...
You will not get a check engine light if the cats are modified for testing.....experience tells me that.
Actually, on any 96-on vehicle you WILL get a CEL unless you properly compensate for the lack of catalyst in the exhaust stream(s).

Cat performance is monitored by the OBD-II system.

Steve
 
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Old Feb 3, 2006 | 09:04 AM
  #17  
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A few competition rally teams I know out there get around the CEL by plugging a resistor (of the proper Ohm's) into the O2 sensor plug. You know for "testing purposes".
 
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Old Feb 3, 2006 | 10:34 AM
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From: St Louis
Originally Posted by Grsyhands
A few competition rally teams I know out there get around the CEL by plugging a resistor (of the proper Ohm's) into the O2 sensor plug. You know for "testing purposes".
A resistor won't cut it for cat efficiency testing. You need MIL eliminators with an operational sensor installed.

A simple resistor will mimic the heater only for that circuit's testing, but it won't help beyond that.

Steve
 
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Old Feb 3, 2006 | 11:16 AM
  #19  
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Project,

Thanks for the info. I thought there might be more to it but I haven't done this type of "testing" myself, just heard of it.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2006 | 11:11 PM
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I have a noise in my Cat's too. Not a ticking, more like a blown out muffler. Plap Plap plap at an Idle.
Just a couple days ago I put on my Leather gloves and felt all over the Cats, on both sides, looking for a leak. Found none of course. I dont find any exhaust soot either.

The Garden hose ear piece says it's the front cat on the passenger side.

I'm just going to live with it till I get a Code, and I'll go from there.
But I dont like the noise. I want my quiet truck back.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2006 | 08:29 AM
  #21  
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From: Baltimore
Originally Posted by Ford02F150
The truck is over 100,000 for miles so no warranty on the cat anymore...I wish it was though. He told me that pieces of the cat started to break free and thats what caused the ticking. He could be pulling one on me. He also said that an aftermaket cat will cause a Check engine light because the O2 sensors will not be in the right spots.
Usually when the cats break up you get a rattling noise, like somethings loose. Take it to a reliable repair shop not an exhaust shop. Sounds like the shop is just trying to sell exhaust. Broken exhaust manifold studs are a common problem and will cause a ticking exhaust noise. Aftermarket cats don't fit like the originals or last as long. If you plan on selling the truck, use aftermarket. If you plan on keeping the truck go with OEM. If you replace the cats replace the O2 sensors.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2006 | 12:01 PM
  #22  
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From: Cullman Alabama
Originally Posted by slc10844
Broken exhaust manifold studs are a common problem and will cause a ticking exhaust noise. If you replace the cats replace the O2 sensors.
Slc, when you say "broken exhaust manifold studs" do you mean the studs connecting the Header Pipe to the manifold?
 
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Old Feb 4, 2006 | 04:36 PM
  #23  
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No. The ones that attach the exhaust manifold to the cylinder head. The 4.6, 5.4 and 6.8 all have problems with the studs breaking off. Sometimes they leak exhaust giving a ticking sound. An exhaust leak will usually leave a soot trail. Ford has a TSB to replace the studs on the 5.4 with a new stainless steel stud. It didn't seem like there was a problem until Ford stopped using exhaust manifold bolts and started using studs instead.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2006 | 05:09 PM
  #24  
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From: Cullman Alabama
Thanks.
OK, so it's back under that noisey thing again. I'll use my Stethascope. It's long slender snout will get closer to the down under side of those manifolds.
I wonder what kind of a "SHOUT" I'm gonna get if that Stethascope discovers a leak?
I'll have Sooty ears for awhile.
 
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Old Feb 5, 2006 | 05:04 AM
  #25  
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You might be able to locate a leak easier by forcing backpressure in the exhaust system. With the engine idling have someone plug the tailpipe with a bundled up old towel. Careful the pipe will be hot! This will cause backpressure in the system and force the exhaust to excape where ever there is a leak. Broken studs are easy to spot and if they are leaking will show the tattletale soot trail.
 
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Old Feb 5, 2006 | 10:25 AM
  #26  
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Good Idea,
 
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Old Feb 5, 2006 | 10:27 AM
  #27  
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From: Cullman Alabama
SlC, I went to Google yesterday and this is all I could find on the 'Low word' error.


Low Speed Fan
Low Word MIS_NOCALL
Low Word of Cumulative Cylinder #1 Misfires
Low Word of Cumulative Cylinder #2 Misfires
Low Word of Cumulative Cylinder #3 Misfires
Low Word of Cumulative Cylinder #4 Misfires
Low Word of Cumulative Cylinder #5 Misfires
Low Word of Cumulative Cylinder #6 Misfires
Low Word of Cumulative Cylinder #7 Misfires
Low Word of Cumulative Cylinder #8 Misfires
Low Word of Cumulative Misfires
Low Word Total Cylinder Events
 
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Old Feb 5, 2006 | 12:10 PM
  #28  
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From: Miramichi, NB
My 1999 4.2l also makes that infamous ticking sound. You can really hear it if you stick your head in the front wheel well. I was told it was a leaking exhaust manifold. Would I need to replace the manifold or is it alright to leave it as is?
 
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Old Feb 5, 2006 | 01:05 PM
  #29  
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They play Hockey in Nebraska? Just kidding, we love Hockey and have to drive an Hour to see it in Huntsville.

An exhaust leak is asking for trouble. That Exhaust can Cut any metal. Even cast steel.
It's been years since I worked on the older cars n' trucks, but we'd see the Heads cut away from a leaking manifold. just about like a leaking exhaust valve.

If it ever warms up, I'll use Slick's trick and plug the exhaust to find my noise. God I hate the thought of working on that exhaust.
 
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Old Feb 5, 2006 | 01:11 PM
  #30  
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Thanks, but I am not from Nebraska, I am from New Brunswick. It's beside Quebec and above Maine, and we LOVE hockey-but it is Canada eh!
 
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