1996 f-250 problem
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1996 f-250 problem
Can anyone tell me how to check to see if the catalytic converter is stopped up. This is one of the things i need to check for. My truck is feeling like it is not getting fuel sometimes. The truck starts surging, missing, hesitating. I have already changed the fuel filter. Before I go to Tyler Fuel Injection I want to make sure my eshaust is clear. Thanks. 96 f-250 5.8 351 207k miles.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Sacramento, CA
You can hook a vacuum gauge to the motor, but the real test is to have a bung welded into the exhaust between the manifold and the cat, and then hook an exhaust back pressure gauge to it and see if the cat/muffler is restricting flow. If the vehicle had dual exhaust you could put you hands over both sides of the exhaust and see if one flows less than the other. I have a 2003 Crown Vic Police Interceptor that has a slightly plugged cat on the passenger side and it saps the power out. It causes the motor to rev slower and cuts down on fuel econmy. I can feel the difference in exhaust flow from side to side.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Mulege south Baja ca. Mx.
Originally Posted by gustang818
Disconnect the exhaust from the manifolds. If it runs better, then you have restriction in your exhaust. If it doesn't you have to keep looking for your problem. Have you checked your fuel flow?
that is a lot of work and noisy also.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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If you live somewhere that does emissions testing, no. They used to sell something called a "test pipe" that could be placed where the cat was. Some people fabricate their own. A muffler shop won't do it because there can be big fines. I have also heard of people who have gutted their cats. When I was at Advance Auto yesterday there was a guy buying a "universal cat" and the cost was about $70.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
Based on the description of the symptoms, the exhaust is not the problem.
I would start with a tune-up. Then pull the codes and go from there.
I would start with a tune-up. Then pull the codes and go from there.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Lafayette, IN
I'm with Andy. Cats generally don't plug suddenly. Once they start to plug, you lose top-end power. You may not even notice at city speeds, but you'll notice it bogging down at upper engine speeds first.
Jason
Jason
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