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testing converter?

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Old Jul 21, 2010 | 02:35 PM
  #1  
fordinmudd's Avatar
fordinmudd
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From: ct
testing converter?

I think my cat converter is bad.I was told if i take off the 02 sensor and it runs better then the converters bad.do I have to take the oxygen sensor off or can I just unplug it to test it?
 
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Old Jul 21, 2010 | 05:18 PM
  #2  
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mprice
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From: Chicagoland
Originally Posted by fordinmudd
I think my cat converter is bad.I was told if i take off the 02 sensor and it runs better then the converters bad.do I have to take the oxygen sensor off or can I just unplug it to test it?
I can't see how unplugging it work make any difference re the cats. I think the idea was to take the sensor out completely so if the cats are fused then the back pressure goes out the open sensor bung instead.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2010 | 08:26 AM
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To test for any kind of exhaust restriction, you need a vacuum gauge. Check your vacuum at idle, then run the motor up to 3000 rpm and hold it there for about 30 secs or so. If the vacuum reading is lower than at idle, you have an exhaust restiction.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2010 | 09:16 AM
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Try what jass88 sugested , i heard the same thing but never had a restiction to try it .....Lew
 
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Old Jul 23, 2010 | 04:07 AM
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fordinmudd
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From: ct
thanks where do I buy a vacuum gauge for my 94 f 250 with a 351w and where do I hook it up to test it?im guessing this is a 2 man job to test.thanks
 
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Old Jul 23, 2010 | 04:29 AM
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You should be able to get a hand held gauge at most auto stores , just hook it to one of the ports on the vacuum tree on the manifold , you can operate the throttle from under the hood or the hose should be long enough to go into the cab,,,
 
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Old Jul 23, 2010 | 08:25 AM
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I just lay mine on the outside of the windsheild where I can see it from inside and then put the hose under a wiper to hold it.
 
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