How to Tell if You Need a New Catalytic Converter in Your Car
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- Опубликовано: 21 дек 2015
- Catalytic converter test. How to check a catalytic converter to see if it's bad and needs replacement in your car, DIY with Scotty Kilmer. How to tell if your car's catalytic converter is bad. A simple test beats guessing with expensive parts. DIY car repair with Scotty Kilmer, an auto mechanic for the last 47 years.
⬇️Things I used in this video:
1. OTC Exhaust back pressure gauge: amzn.to/2nnY753
2. Mechanic’s Tool Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg
3. Disposable Gloves: amzn.to/2zSRuxO
4. Common Sense
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9. Thumbnail software: amzn.to/2k7tz6C
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Things I used in this video:
1. OTC Exhaust back pressure gauge: amzn.to/2nnY753
2. Mechanic’s Tool Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg
3. Disposable Gloves: amzn.to/2zSRuxO
4. Common Sense
5. 4k Camera: amzn.to/2hZ4AxX
6. Mini Microphone: amzn.to/2newgV9
7. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2i2sKYz
8. Video editing software: amzn.to/2jv5Fhf
9. Thumbnail software: amzn.to/2k7tz6C
🛠Check out my Garage to see what I use every day and highly recommend:
www.amazon.com/shop/scottykilmer
❗️Check out the Scotty store:
goo.gl/RwhRGU
👉Follow me on Instagram for the latest news, funnies, and exclusive info / pics:
goo.gl/ohy2cA
Scotty Kilmer I like how "common sense" is on the list. Lol. Thanks for helping me with my old car. You're the best, scotty!
thanks for the support!
Scotty Kilmer Does my car run worst with no muffler
Scotty Kilmer I replaced both cat convert two years ago for smog here in CA smog req every 2 years .. the check engine still stays on abd now smog shop says it wont pass due to check engine .. told him he rec cats replaced 2 years ago .. I spent $600 .. what do I do now ? help
Scotty Kilmer can you use a cylinder pressure gauge set to do this or modify it in some way? I figure it should work fine so long as the engine is cold and you don’t leave it on for too long.
God I wish we were neighbors! 🤦🏾♂️
Same here bro..
Nicest Guy Ever👍 I have learnt so much from scotty👍👍👍👍
I'm glad he's my neighbor 😁
You wish God was your neighbor?
@@marv9906 A nice way of saying, we should not use Gods name in vain. 😎
An honest mechanic and an animal lover. Scotty, you are a true example!
I'm so happy that there are people like you on RUclips helping people understand their car parts better. Thank you so much!
I have been a technician for over 17 years. And this guy has absolutely no idea what he is talking about. If you go to a professional shop they use scan tool data to look at the 02 sensor. This guy's technique typically worked on cars from 2000 and older. Modern vehicles are way more precise than this guy's silly tool
@@ryang1589 he’s just trying to help out 😭
Our good friend Ron Ananian says, “Good mechanics aren’t expensive, they’re priceless!” Mr. Kilmer you are a shining example of how true it is. You’re a natural in front of the camera too. I would like to see you in all my favorite automotive programs.
"simply unbolt the oxygen sensor" yeah right
i cri evertim
+ebu touy ...LOL XD
+Tyler Roberts are you confusing the sensor with the catalyst?
+Tyler Roberts I live in New Hampshire and I've never had an issue removing an O2 sensor. I haven't changed them hundreds of times but I've done it enough and I've never had any issues. A good wrench and a few good whacks from the hand have been enough to break them all loose.
+ebu touy Everyone saying its easy has probably never seen the condition of cars in the north east
He looks like a mixture of Ozzy Osbourne & Phil Collins😂
Haha 😂
Uh you you you you uh you started the fire
😂
Which ever one dropped too much acid.....
And the guy from Rush. That old Tom sawyer...
This man should have a television show! I hate working on cars, and he makes me want to work on mine and do it right! Well done sir!
SK did! In Texas. He got a local Emmy TV 🏆. The series, spots ended when he asked station producers for more $$$. 🔧🔧🔧
Yes he needs a daily show
Your energy in this video just made my day, I was getting angry at my engine - but this was a fun video, and it re-leaved a lot of my worries. Thanks!
Why did it take me so long to find these videos? Scotty Kilmer, best RUclips car videos ever. Straight-forward, easy-to-understand, and thoroughly entertaining.
Ive learnt so much about how my car works, and successfully fixed some problems myself with info from this mans channel, thank you sir !
any time I have a problem with not knowing what I'm doing with my car i watch your videos and it's really helpful. thanks man
REV UP YOUR ENGINES!!! Can’t, my cat is clogged.
😂😂😂
I've been watching your videos since I was 15 thanks so much they've helped me out with my first car
This video just answered my question. I have the engine light on for the catalytic converter AND it wont go past a certain speed. I know who's working some overtime to pay for this! Thanks Scotty! Much appreciated.
am I the only person that watches Scotty's videos for entertainment? haha
Andrew Ryan nope
Andrew Ryan : not at all
Andrew Ryan me too bro
you're not alone
They are entertaining but I definitely learn a lot too
I've tested them a few times with a vacuum gauge, rev them a bit and hold the rpm's steady, if vacuum drops off real low then it's clogged. When they get clogged real bad you can just tell by listening to them, the exhaust out the tailpipe will be really quiet, and when revved you can hear the "bog" loud through the intake.
You’re amazing Me Scotty - very thankful for you and the work you do both here and irl - your personality and knowledge are both very pleasant and useful thank you
your`re the best my man, you have helped me exit out so many things it could be so i dont have to figure out the hard way
Love how he says "simply unbolt" the oxygen sensor 🤣
Never in my life have I had one simply unbolt 😂😂
Scotty i love ya!!! Ur the best and my inspiration to become an automotive tech
this video gave me a good laugh. it was nicely done. very informative.
all of his videos do! the dolphin at the end had me laughing hahaha
Great for making this video Scotty. The car needed to pass emissions and it said in the test it needed to check the Cat Converter and hopefully its only that.
very true! I remember my uncle's 86 Chevy caprice with a 305 was over heating and had no power on a road trip. After a few diagnoses we replaced the converter and it was back to normal.
"Don't Guess.... TEST!" I am keeping this quote for future use, thanks Scotty
Obviously you never worked on a Saab
@@buck187uga that's the exact reason I'm watching this video lol
Scotty saved me a fortune! I got my cat back to efficiency level using the laquer thinner trick and some high octane fuel! Used cataclean also just to be safe. Cleared the codes and viola! It didn't come back. Passed smog and saved $1300 on replacing the cat. 2004 corolla. 180k miles.
Did the code ever come back?
I like this guy. You explain things very well. Thanks Scotty!
Just had a mechanic look at my car that would sometimes start. Exhaust really smelled. He didn't do the test you did. Thks sooo much!
hey you saved me almost 2 grand...took your advice on cleaning the cat.. wow what a difference..
thanks so much!!
and to those that dont believe.. your loss..
Scotty you have great energy and explain things quickly and clearly keep up the good job! I hardly rate and never subscribe but your an exception
Thanx. Mechanics for dummys you just explained my truck. Love the energy you put in this video.. Keep up the great work.
You're the Man making things simple ! God bless you !
I know this video is old but ur a legend 💯
Wow, I've never seen such a helpful, informative video that was equally entertaining to watch! This guy knows his shit- and he's funny! Lol 👍🏽 Thanks Scotty , I think I just found the solution to my car's problem.
I am learning and enrertained at the same time. Thanks Scotty Kilmer.
thank goodness you have this video Scotty. Im gonna have to go to Oreillys to borrow that gauge. I cant think of a reason to buy my own yet.
dude, you're the best! I finally figured out why my Nissan's engine wouldn't accelerate and then overheat.
beastcx2 Dude, What model of Nissan & year ? My Altima is done
Paul Wagner ...'95 200SX...a true POS!
Pretty sure this is what is wrong with my 97 nissan quest. I can drive just fine for 30 minutes or so. After that it starts getting misfires and I cant accelerate very well. If I keep going it starts smoking out of the bottom of the car. Now that I think about it thats a dead giveaway.
@@Anon-te6uq sparks plugs maybe?
@@SCVdEsTrOyEr7 it turned out to be the distributor/cam shaft sensor. They are the same part in my car.
so blessed by this man
Scotty has a lot of knowledge and he explains things well
Hi Scotty, You're the best! Can you list the adapters you used that went on to the pressure gauge? I need to do this test on my 2007 Mazda cx7 turbo. Thanks
Thank you! The information was very useful. Two weeks ago, I took my vehicle to a mechanic across town to get an oil change and front brake pads and routers. This all cost me $250.00. Three days later, my alternator blew. I was actually stuck inside a carwash after the car was washed. Now the same mechanic that performed on my vehicle the first time, put a new alternator on my vehicle for $415.00. Wouldn't you know? My engine light came on and I took my vehicle back to the same mechanic. Automatically he knew I needed a Catalytic Converter for my car. It was then that I realized my vehicle was tampered with. I only had this vehicle for eight months. It is a Chevy Traverse 2010, and it ran so well before I took it to this mechanic. I have a hunch that this mechanic has crooks working for him. I took my vehicle to another mechanic and he told me after scanning my vehicle that I needed an Oxygen Sensor. You know, I am not trying to get anyone upset with their comments up here. But it is very difficult finding an honest mechanic these days. Especially when they see a woman. I am fully aware of the game after this situation. Who's got $ 1,800.00 to fix a car for Cata Converters to be installed? And this is what that mechanic threw at me in the way of numbers. Hell, I'm ready to sell my car.
Debbie C always get a second opinion. Sometimes 3!!! I agree!! I learned at a young age about shysty mechanics!! Find one honest one and stick with him!!
@@papergatorztv7087 Thank you once again.
Just get an aftermarket one installed for 200 bucks. It'll pass inspection.
Where in the world did you get one replaced for 200$@@adrianr4095
He reminds me of the guy that was on late at night on the infomercials that was talking about getting free money. He wore a suit with question marks all over it.
Thanks Scotty, just ordered one today.
Perfect video has exactly what I was looking for
Corvette
Scotty
Catalystic converter
always cheating using easy inline 4, how about v6 with 2 o2 sensors :) lots of fun reaching that rear bank
RUclips yeah im trying to diagnose some bad cats on my v6 sable, seems like a PITA.
RUclips try a v8 🤦🏽♂️
He is like that cool dad, uncle or grandfather I never had...
Dude, you crack me up! Great advice here as usual.
Dude. Best video. Instant subscription. Thank you
Great video Scotty. I swear after I finish nursing school, I'm taking a mechanic course!
Thanks for the hint. We worked on a Ford Escape for 3 Weeks, he didnt start anymore after we sealed the head because of fizzing noises. We changed many parts, and in a test of the Sparkplugs the engine started because the sparkplug was out of the cylinder, bridged with an Jumpercable to the battery. I just want to Check if the spark was strong enough. When the engine started, i remembered this Video and we just pulled the ox sensor out - the engine started without problems. After testing it step by step, it turned out that the third catalytic converter was so full, that the engine choked to dead after a few turns. So we opened the converter, empty the damn thing and weld it shut. The car was running like new. Lets see when the new converter comes and we put it in.
#4 and the right equipment and knowledge. Thanks for the tip!!
Thanks Scottie for sharing your wisdom.
Your videos are pretty informative definitely gives me an insight on potential problems. I had a rear 02 sensor reading earlier today. Could that be a bad cat or is it a dodgy sensor? Thanks!
could be either, or even half a dozen other things. Cat system is VERY complex, all you can do is pay a pro to analyze it, a REAL pro, or guess with a rear sensor.
Very good video. You can always try cleaning the catalytic converter before buying a new one.
How do you do that
@@remarkable_iam Using lacquer thinner.
Cataclean?
@@remarkable_iam take it out spray with pressure washer, submerge in hot soapy water and rinse once again with pressure washer.
Shake the cat before cleaning if you hear a rattle don’t bother cleaning, just replace.
@@mattmoru1470 scamaclean doesnt work
Scotty's videos and advice saves me again
Thank you Scotty, I needed this video
Scotty’s head movement is epic lol 😆
Another indication of a plugged cat is when you run the car at night and open the hood.Sometimes one or both of the exhaust manifolds will be glowing cherry red.
+JohnLeePedimore Another one is if you hear constipated meowing under the hood. Better check it out, might get stuck in the fan belt/belts.
:p
JohnLeePedimore
There’s only one thing that will cause a converter to glow red and that thing would be too much air and fuel.
A catalyst doesn't work if it's clogged. Red hot means its not clogged but it does mean there's a serious issue elsewhere.
Damn I love ur videos they helped me with alot of problems with my older car and this video is spot on ty
i like almost all your video already, that is how awesome you is Mr Kilmer, with love from Malaysia!
Thanks for the support!
Scotty is the most helpful guy in the world.
I think he may be an NF personality type
Scotty I'd love you to come over and install a turbo kit on my honda. I think you would enjoy it.
mymitsu6g72 everyone loves slow cars with choo choo sounds
Sounds sexual. N personal
Thanks Scotty!! Always great help!
I did exactly what you said and put in 1 gallon of laquier thinner worked like a charm.
like ur videos my friend
.. keep going
Scotty Kilmer the dolphin whisperer
I see you visited Tortola, Scotty. Hope you enjoyed your stay and come back soon.
You are the best!!! 😇 I have learned a lot from your informative videos!!!! Thanks, for teaching this old mechanic new tricks. 😇
My mechanic doesn't know what he's doing. I guess I'll need to try out this test.
Speaking of cats, I've seen mice build nests in mufflers and clog them up.
Did you have to replace the muffler?
Thank you for the Info!!!!! Love the channel. Fixed my 2.3L accord. 330,000 and still going, woot woot!
I got 350k on mine. Does it have two cats or just one?
hey scotty, I changed the coil pack , plugs and wires on a 02 ford 4.2 liter v6 , it doesnt idle bad anymore but i still have that popping back fire or after fire every time i change gears . I also began to hear the engine whine when accelerating quickly. sounds like a supercharger except its just more a hi pitch whistle. thanks appreciate the help!
Next time you have a bad cat. just remove it completely :D
I cant =( my neighbors kid starts crying when i cold start it i guess the motor sounds too mean for him
+Faraonqa unless you live in a nazi state
other wise go scrap it to pay for your new straight pipe
+imchris5000 Thats what Im talking about)) Do you need to change it? Do you need it is more like it)) Thats the first thing that goes when I buy a car.
THOES DARN CADILLAC CONVERTERS!!!
hell yea just did a cat delete on my 85' T/A
no cats no muffler. live free or die.
Abu Jason Al-Blahino we got a care guy here!!! Lol okay
.-.
I did that when I was 18, now I hate breathing in the toxic fumes. It gets old man. I have to say though, my teenage years were great times, lol.
That's how I'm rolling right now \m/
HOORAH
I have one of those in my garage, was wondering what it was for. Nice.
THIS HELPED ME LEARN ALOT!
One trick we do in Australia, because we have no emissions testing, people simply punch the middle of the cat out with a screwdriver and reinstall it. It's illegal of course, but you'd never know unless you tested for emissions.
except it will cause the downstream O2 sensor to read incorrectly and will cause your engine to run lean which will cause burned exhaust valves and higher Temps inside your engine.
+Peter “Crackpot Pete” Carlson Except that all the downstream 02 sensor does it monitor if the catalyst is working. The primary sensor is what determines fuel trims. Also, no O2 sensor failure can cause a car to run so lean that it burns up things.
+Moon Moon It will also smell and sound different.
+Peter “Crackpot Pete” Carlson depends on the cars.. most I have seen only use pre-cat O2.
wobbly sauce also depends on the firmware in your pcm. People don't realize that the dealer or some mechanics might update that firmware and it might change how it interprets that sensor data in closed loop.
What do you mean "ounch the middle of the cat out"? Please explain :_)
“Cadillac converter” lol
Nah bro sit down boy
@@vr7317 When I worked at the parts store folks would call and ask about “Cadillac” converters. We would ask them what they were trying to convert it to.
your videos are the best thanks scott
I always used to think this guy is just loud and doesn't know what he is talking about. i take back my words sir. You know your stuff, much respect.
LOL lots of people I know will just scrap it completely and run a straight pipe if it gets backed up ( or ramrod the cat and put it back on). I can hear you say "Then you won't pass emissions testing!". Here's a fun fact: Oregon doesn't do emissions testing. I'd worry if I ever planned to move to Cali, but as I've told my family, "if I ever try to move to California I'm not well and I need to be taken to the psych ward ASAP".
BashMonkeyRC where I'm at in Oregon they do emission testing.
BashMonkeyRC careful there native californian here
Oregon does do emissions, but they don't do safety. At least my county does.
That feel when you live in cali. Man this state is the worst. You would cry if you saw what I had to do to my ar15.
It probably depends what county. I live in Idaho, and my county has to do emissions, but in the rural counties surrounding it, they don't have to do emissions.
Just use some old metal swing set legs strait pipe LOL
Why use that when I have some fancy chrome tubing from an ikea furniture set left over ?
Lols.
+MrTheHillfol
Hey you have a good videos you know what maybe. My moped might have the same problem we might be somewhere along the exhaust lines that cuz it kind of gets stuck on a certain speed sometimes so thanks for the tip very good radio I'll keep in mind what you said and try it on on a vehicle
Thanks! You are the man Scotty!
We used to just knock the carbon out of the cat w/ a piece of pipe. Lot cheaper. Course, that was 20 years ago.
+1fanger It isn't carbon that causes the failure though. It's the material that gets hot, and breaks apart. Or it fuses itself together internally.
with a pipe? many people do that INSIDE so it breaks out the honeycomb (basically just a pipe then, no more cat)
25 years ago now, still works
2015: How to tell if you need a new catalytic converter in your car.
2019: What I hate about this Toyota celica
I luv ya man...SUPER helpful videos- thank you!!!!!
Love u bro your cool as hell and big help on channel ..thank u for the advice. Your smart mechanic 💯 have a good trip brother 🎉
Could having bad cats make the motor miss fire ?
Yes. I'm going through it right now
Me too any suggestions?
I don't need a new cat, but I always need a new flex pipe.
a DIY Car Guy you most likely have bad motor and/or trans mounts.
@@ahumm8280 he was being gay bro, how you didn't catch on brodie.
lol, I see what you did there!
Hi Scott. I like ur videos. They are rrally helpfull.I have a 3.8 engine buick regal, one of the head there is a corrosion damaged where is the water cooling hole question: what would you use to cover up for a good seal? Considerer high temp and high psi
Great video, again is good information, i like the End with the Dolphin.. great.
After years of crime Dr. Octopus decided to retire the tentacles, and now lives a normal life, persuing his passion for cars.
LMAO😆😆😆😆😆
But he could have worked on 4 cars at the same time!
Thanks Scotty. Can catalytic converters really be cleaned out and unclogged using sodium hydroxide as has been shown on Eric the Car Guy's channel?
+MrMschoose yes, sometimes that works, but of course you have to remove em to do that, not an easy job on a welded system.
+Scotty Kilmer Or with rusted bolts on the catalytic's flanges. Thanks Scotty, look forward to your upcoming videos.
@@scottykilmer Does the lacquer thinner make it easier to clean it then, since you don't have to remove anything, as with a more recent video of yours??????
Good instruction, man. Well done.
Thanks for all these videos wonderful timesaver
I bet the dolphin just wanted awesome car advice
Dolphin prob drives a submergable prius
Why not just recycle the Cat and run a straight pipe instead?
3.141 59 it what I always do makes um run like a raped ape
David Abbott no it doesent unless you have it tuned, you will lose power but it’s loud so it must be faster right!?
Jeff Anderson lml
Because it's cop bait
3.141 59 straight pipes is not good
Hey Scotty! Great Vid and i have a quick question. Would it be safe to purchase a car that has a bad catalytic convertor? The garage said they will fix it, I'm just wondering could this lead to possible other issues or a bad cat is okay once fixed?
Thanks! :D
I love scotty. he is so fun to watch. and extremely intelligent.