Fix your Catalytic Converter for $10?

[@jeoffer]

I fixed my Catalytic in a 2006 Xtrail by using a higher octane fuel. In Australia the lowest octane fuel is 91 but I used a tank of 98 and after a around a quarter of a tank or so all good. This runs the Cat hotter. Sometimes it can just be a bad batch of "dirty" fuel.

[@gutierrezc8709]

I did that sensor spacer to my 2014 Mustang back in 2014 when I straight piped it. It worked perfectly.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

It's a hit or miss fix. Might or might not work but it could be worth a try.

[@Lodimerg]

I did same thing on my lexus

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

Or Maybe you enjoy replacing your Cat? 1,600-4,500 per replacement!@@MrTheHillfolk

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Thank you for posting this. My buddy has a straight piped GM car and this may help him out.

[@VioletGiraffe]

So now your Mustang smells like crap?

[@NeonElixr]

I did the same trick about 10 years ago. I found it on the Mitsubishi Lancer forums. Using a spark plug fowler did the trick!

[@SalandFindles]

non fouler**

[@PirxthePilot]

Spark plug non fouler trick is as old as dirt but it does work well. The key is not to offset the secondary O2 too much so you get " secondary O2 sensor too slow " it has to be in the flow but not see the whole flow. Thanks to all cat thefts occuring around that is the only reasonable repair mode for older and worn out vehicles. Edit: For anyone wondering - my daughter catalytic converter was stolen along both O2 sensors right in front of the college dorm. I had to rent the trailer and haul the vehicle 250 miles home. I purchased a replacement cat (not oem) and sensors - it lasted 10 months before CEL - cat efficiency code was lit again . Yes my daughter is still in the same dorm 250 miles from home . Should I spend $1000 for an OEM cat that will be stolen again? I'll set up "go fund me page" for the ones that think I should do so 😂 - and finally fix it right...

[@mryang3644]

Fails CA visual test tho ...

[@SynicalBeats]

​@@mryang3644fails ALL visual inspections. It's a federal crime to tamper with emissions systems.

[@JULY-pp8jk]

@@mryang3644 depends where you go, and if that sensor is even visible. In La is theres no code, they'll just put in on the machine and call it a day. To see my downstream sensor it will require lifting the car high enough and still you'll need a flashlight lol so they dont bother

[@SynicalBeats]

@@nomercyinc6783 yes!!

[@mryang3644]

Only thing this do is Fuk over the next owner of the vehicle from unhonest sellers

[@genjitsu7448]

I used Cataclean and it worked for a while. Next I also used some other fuel system cleaners (Gumout with the PEA and another brand, can't recall the name though) and the combination of these turned out to be very effective. A year and a half later things are still working great!

[@tombanes]

This works great. I did this 10 years ago and used the 90 angle adapters with it on a 2004 Golf. My coil pack keep cracking causing misfires causing permanent damage to my CAT. After 2 coil packs , you need OEM by the way, and 2 CAT pipes I did this.

[@nomercyinc6783]

didnt damage the cat at all. clogged it up isnt damaged.

[@fastinradfordable]

If you had a skid plate you would stop splashing water in your ignition components

[@simms196]

Works great. I already did this to my 2013 Subaru Outback with 305K miles. It's been almost a year now.

[@BTC909]

Keep your air filter clean which could lead to that P0420 again. I use 'Dura Lube Severe Catalytic and Exhaust Treatment Cleaner Fuel Additive' with under a 1/4 tank of fuel. An older vehicle you can start to feel / hear when it's time to dump a 1/2 a bottle before the light comes on again. Do a treatment months before you have to do an emission test.

[@gilleslaframboise2168]

Even if I don't or ever required to fix 02 sensors, you were quite entertaining. You remained classy and you know how to keep our attention on the matter. Well done. You're a cool dude.

[@PurpleCow-i1x]

It worked first try I put cataclean in drove 18 miles till the gas tank empty turned the car while I filled up with gas an when I turn the car back on the check engine light turned off. Thank you my brother for the knowledge.😊

[@toguro1009]

Cataclean worked on my Mazda. Passed emissions w/ flying colors. Just hit 374K miles, no engine light.

[@JonathanMartinez-gs7pr]

Did it work after only 1 try or did you have to use multiple bottles?

[@BassicVIC]

How many tries?

[@xyz-pg3zd]

How many bro

[@NakedNebula]

Cataclean also fixed my catalytic converter in my 2002 Honda accord with 242k miles. The stuff is amazing!

[@NakedNebula]

@@JonathanMartinez-gs7prwith mine, it only took 1 bottle. You run your gas down to a quarter tank, add it in, and drive for 10-15 miles. Afterwards, fill it up with gas. (I suggest no ethanol) and it’ll continue cleaning it. You’re only supposed to use 2-3 bottles a year. This stuff worked in as little as 30 minutes

[@darrylmcleman6456]

The extender worked for me for about a month then P0420 code came back.The nearest repair shop told me there was no law against replacing the cat with a straight pipe here in my corner of rural Canada! cheers from here!

[@LynxStarAuto]

Sure, but you will have a cel forever. Unless you tune it out, and that is easier said than done these days. Especially for older vehicles. The guys that do it want so much money, it's cheaper to replace the cat with OEM.

[@darrylmcleman6456]

I clear the code on the first of each month.There were 2 Walker cats and now just one.I am a senior who is also a low milage driver.The P0420 comes back in about every 2 weeks with no other codes.Shops in this area want about $2500 Canadian to replace with OEM or Walker and I will turn it into a parts car in another year all being well.CHEERS@@LynxStarAuto

[@rustynail7866]

@@michaelg7456except that when that cel is on the car is running rich as a safety precaution, which causes loss of fuel mileage.

[@darrylmcleman6456]

no kidding!!!@@michaelg7456

[@donvoll2580]

Good day from Ontario. Ye rules have changed here in Ont. So were are u from Thanks

[@DouniaYousif]

Tried it and last Saturday (8/6/2023) my Smog PASSED!! Thank you!

[@shingtai88]

how did you pass smog with the spacer on?

[@papo862]

​@@shingtai88certain states only check for emissions through obd port they don't look under car just scan the system

[@DouniaYousif]

@@shingtai88 sorry I don’t understand what you mean? I used the CataClean and my Smog passed.

[@repentandknowjesus8674]

@@shingtai88 Paint it so they can't see it.

[@reginaldlarry2962]

Would that work on 2000 Toyota tundra front right passenger side smog needed on June 30,2024

[@ssz28envy]

I have twice added some spacers to the downstream sensors on different vehicles. Works absolutely wonderfully.

[@stancoleshill8925]

For older Honda owners. If you have hesitation issues, have a look at the rubber intake boot just before the throttle body. If there is a rip or tear in the rubber, this will cause the Mass Air Flow sensor to get an incorrect air flow reading. This will cause varying degrees of engine performance issues. If there is a rip or tear, replace the boot. Chances are your performance issue will go away. Cost, about $20 CDN

[@TheAlans44]

I had this happen on my Porsche 944 S also. Changed the boot and back to like a rocket. Thank God I did it after the guys stole it or I would of never got it back.

[@fernandomerino824]

I did this for a friend. On a Chevy pickup. Plenty of room. Had I known the there are O2 spacers, it would have saved me some time from drilling it out. Thanks for the info. Now my Cadillac has the the P420. It has less room, so I will look for the O2 spacer. This will save me about $1,200.00 + installation for just one. Catalytic converters are not sold in CA. Some stations don't do a thorough inspection. Thanks Mike.

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

you're welcome

[@brunoallen7367]

This trick will only buy you some time eventually the car will lose major power and working all together

[@fernandomerino824]

@@brunoallen7367 Ofcourse.

[@dc9mm2]

Funny stuff. I am soooo glad you followed the emission laws. NOW I know what NEVER to do.

[@twintarbos]

Thank you for this video, I'm glad I know how to avoid accidentally doing this now to drive my old car in California, really saved me from that blunder

[@warrenpuckett4203]

I get related problem. Malfunction of the cat type. There is a reason to run E-85 in a non flex fuel in Californicated auto. That fixes the O2 fault. When that comes on run 10% E-85 to 90% of whatever the recommended fuel is. Yep the E-85 has oxygen in it. Then reset the code and it will come back in 20,000 miles. For my puddle jumping 2016 Trax. 2 to 2 1/2 gallons in a tank full. I know that is more than 10%. But if the last gas pumped was regular or premium it is still in the hose. Varies but there is about 1 gallon of the last pumped gasoline. Oh and if you run regular. 4 gallons of premium in the summer also works. The premium summer blend also has a high percent of alcohol. Forney always has a high percent of alky haulin in premium. ( 15-20% ) In regular a bit less. Enough that if you drive from CA to TX you will notice a 2 -5 MPG difference in a car that demands premium. When you get to TX. One of the main problems with Forney and go faster autos. Kinda counter to save the planet

[@ibcrypto6139]

I used a spark plug extender in the down stream sensor and sprayed cleaner in the upstream o2 sensor hole and also ran laquer thinner. This was on a beater 200K plus 4 cylinder Camry with a patched up blown head gasket with K-seal. Scotty Kilmer has good info on this as well. Thanks for the video!

[@tr7b410]

I tried the paint thinner pour in my gas tank too,it passed smog but the manifold gasket started leaking oil shortly there after. Paint thinner is really bad on seals.

[@randallsmerna384]

How is it that the flammable lacquer thinner didn't start on fire/explode?

[@SMychal25]

@@randallsmerna384 So is gas lol.

[@billwilson6096]

Very entertaining as well as helpful, thanks.

[@SheepAmongG.O.A.T]

@@tr7b410 I doubt Scotty would have even suggested it in his video if it effected seals.

[@hermanguzman1460]

I did this to my truck several months ago and it's still working great no more 420 codes, you can use Dorman 42109 anti foul spacers, they're longer so you don't have to drill out again.

[@mikecarr1484]

We used to do this as common practice at a muffler shop i worked at. Keeps the warranty good . Meaning they never come back with that code again. Running mine 10 years now. Same cat..

[@M4sterT3ch]

And your vehicle is polluting more than it should with that inefficient cat still on the vehicle. Good job.

[@donaldeisenbarth5255]

Pollution is BS. It is politics and a money maker for the fat cats.

[@UnemployedMacintosh]

@@M4sterT3ch yeah if a shop was doing this to prevent customers from coming back that is suuper shady

[@tommyg5095]

What is " SUPER SHADY" is these vehicles still polite, and the governing bodies that institute these requirements have scammed the people... So, you are going to tell me these catalytic converters stop pollution 😅😅😅😅. Believing " BIG BROTHER " has our best interest at heart is insane... Their only interest is taking money from us at every turn, by every new mandate, every change from established practices and common sense to insane legislations... Just wait for all of the misery caused by this " electric ( battery powered) vehicle" scam that is going to be forced on us... Just wait 😂😂😂😂😂

[@acura318ls]

Cataclean does work. My driver's side cat was clogged and had no power. About a little over a year is now back on. So here i am throwing another bottle to pass the emissions test 😁

[@RolfTorsten]

Freaking hilarious and incredibly helpful if you can "read between the lines"! Thank you for showing me with great detail what NOT to do! I "didn't" do what you recommended me 'not" do and it resolved my problem..

[@Rodogg7787]

I am not going to try this either, lol!

[@RolfTorsten]

@@Rodogg7787 We should all be loyal Americans and put our country first by making sure we do whatever it takes for our cars to pass inspection so that our country gets that inspection tax money, even if it means I have to bypass my O2 sensor or catalytic converter

[@tommykane4621]

*not a bypass *a recessed clearance adapter 7;^> ...heh

[@RS-of1om]

so with the spacer your moving the sensor back by about 1 inch which means it won't see a lot of fumes post cat. Thanks

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

@@RolfTorsten Waiting for my Cyber Truck! No more smog issues every other year!!! Smog, Smog!, Smog!!!

[@ddroz23]

I already love this guy. He tells you how to fix things quick. He also tells you how it is not quick, and where the mod is going to ruin your life that week.

[@pingislife2653]

I don't know which I liked more, the quality of information of something that nobody in the world will ever do or the delivery of said content. Great video!

[@jimsix9929]

this really does work, and this video has a lot of great advice, if you have a p0420 code try to clean the converter first, if that fails the spacer trick will work if your car is older than 2009, gm and other cars have a different code about oxygen sensor slow switching from lean to rich, starting in 2009, the spacer will cause this code sometimes, new sensors might help as they might be faster with the delay caused by the sensor being out of the exhaust stream

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

Thanks for sharing

[@jttech44]

Also, DO NOT try to clean the cat until you're close to needing an inspection/smog, as it's likely to throw the code again later, and we all know it's gonna wait until the absolute worst time (on the way to the smog shop)

[@Popo_Gigio]

That's because the spacer won't allow the O2 sensor to reach its operating temperature. It's literally too cold to work properly.

[@FieroGT3400]

@@Popo_Gigioi thought all newer sensors now have heaters, they don't need the exhaust gases to heat them if the heater is working, in that case the heater was probably bad... or you just will get slow switching because of the new gap you added... might just not work as good on them newer cars..

[@benjones9060]

I swear I didn't follow your instructions and put this on my car. My car is not now passing inspection. And I am definitely not driving my car with this "fix". 😉🤭

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

Perfect! And I didn't hear that!

[@yelyab1]

Oil doesn’t lube. It’s intended to cool the tool. I didn’t make this up, I got it right on the mid-term in 83.

[@octaviomaciel9125]

This “fix” will only “work” if the smog tech doesn’t perform a visual inspection

[@alfredbernal8603]

@@octaviomaciel9125 you're right..they really inspect your o2 sensors & cat as if they were looking for gold

[@mikesakuta6403]

​@@MikeTheBackyardMechanicAtñm LP

[@longobardir]

Honestly for most Toyota cars with over 180k, might as well pull the engine if you need to. You can easily swap rear main seal and oil pan gasket before they become an issue, all while you drop in new cats. Longo Toyota was cheapest place I found for OEM cats.

[@markhuyette8509]

Done so many times you can have brand new cats and still get that code on different vehicles I think it's a soft wear problem in their computer have a blessed day today 🙏

[@AnonymousCaveman]

I definitely think you're right. I have a new cat because the original died before buying the car. Garage constantly says the cat is totally fine and I have had both O2 sensors changed so maybe its because these modern cats have moved on so much they need this to just balance them out. I'm certain giving it a go on my old Rover MGZR

[@MrJdsenior]

A 'soft wear' problem? I don't know if that was intentional, but it was funny either way.

[@GigaCivic]

As far as small KZbin channels go, this is by far the most wholesome and sweetest little video I’ve seen in quite some time. You really did make my day, thank you so much, mysterious random old man.

[@nofear1999]

I soldered a resister and capacitor near the plug that also fixed the problem and wouldn't be noticed on an inspection.

[@jamesmaySaysTheKingIsComing]

Not that I would ever do such a thing, but would you mind telling me what kind of capacitor and resistor?

[@Oneklickmedia]

I want to see this video for entertainment purposes only 😂

[@troy3456789]

flat DC voltage comes to a halt at capacitors, so it must be some other kind of other low voltage sine wave.

[@jhonsiders6077]

The kids down the road do that when they hot rod the rice rockets to keep the ecm happy

[@sb5253]

I always pull my engine out to check the oil level

[@Marcus-jv6wl]

How did u do it bro

[@supermaster2012]

@@Marcus-jv6wlwith a crane

[@vincentsnow8436]

respect Bro - no shortcuts

[@PaulKinley-xo7xo]

That's a joke, right?

[@sb5253]

@@PaulKinley-xo7xo you think 🤣

[@tommymartin4827]

I have done this it works. You can also go to radio shack if you can find one. Put a resistor in the downstream o2 sensor

[@lindanunez918]

What would’ve the best resistance? Maybe a variable resistor to fine tune it,yes?

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

A 1 OHM resistor with a 1 microfarad capacitor will do it.

[@ronsampservice3066]

So using the 1 Ohm resistor and 1 Uf cap, is the cap in series or in parallel to the resistor?

[@talldrummer1]

A Lexus with 175,000 miles is just getting broken in. My 94 LS400 has 330,000 miles on it, and I don't hesitate to repair and maintain it. Lexus is a lifetime vehicle. Exhaust is stainless. All original. Bottom of the car is all shielded. The new ones are just as pretty UNDER the car as on top. I could go on. Amazing cars.

[@waiakalulu7544]

That iPhone screen tool is soooooo nice! I loved how you put it at the bottom of the box to build up the tension and intrigue. At first I was, like, wah? Then, I was, like, "Daayammmm!"

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

Ha! Thanks!

[@ricktaylor3748]

If your "check engine" light is on. Take your car out on the interstate's, and pull the transmission in 2nd, second gear, then run the Hell out of it for several miles, Repeat if light stays on. Also, use Premium 93 Sunoco gas, it burns clean. High rpm cleans the oxygen sensors and the catalytic converter.

[@waboom248]

2nd gear? Maybe with a Powerglide or Ford-O-Matic... 3rd gear on the Freeway is plenty good or even 4th gear with a 5 or 6 speed transmission. You just need to have a solid 20 minutes at about 3500-4000 rpms.

[@raspillade6027]

Why stop there? Run it in first gear! In fact, I once drove cross country in reverse.

[@PhilipUnderwood-oy9tv]

😂I just redline mine a couple of times. Next start up no light. It’s called an Italian tune

[@CookNComedy]

And then boom, there goes your engine

[@ricktaylor3748]

@@CookNComedy If you have any Ford, it will go boom. I didn't say, rev it to 10,000 rpm.

[@kona1967]

I used CataClean on a 2010 Honda Odyssey by following the instructions and it worked for me.

[@onjofilms]

Still working?

[@Ready4smog]

You will need to repeat this process on the next smog check.

[@stevesmith756]

I did the same on a 01 Honda accord. Drove it with the spark plug fouler for another 100k before I sold it. No code and passed every check 👍 Eff Ca!!

[@mryang3644]

That smog tech didn't kno what took for.... It's a Def Fail "Tampered" if it's spotted by a tech in California.

[@stevesmith756]

@@mryang3644 nobody I’m mean nobody is going to check for a spark plug fouler

[@MrMEmEmEmEMEMEeeeeee]

If the Commie state you live in pays smog techs a bounty on every "tampered" car they catch they WILL be looking for extenders...

[@malcolmjelani3588]

that's illegal.

[@stevesmith756]

@@malcolmjelani3588 so is speeding and you do it everyday. Criminal.

[@gypsysundrop]

Oh shit fuckk! So glad I found your video before attempting this job. I don’t have the money to replace the cat so I was going to remove it and hope it was just clogged and could be cleaned and not broken. Now idk if it’s worth doing at all bc if I don’t have the money to replace I feel like I’ll be up shit creek without a paddle. 😓 My life be like Murphys Law too so we know how it’d end. Fuckery. But on another note, Napa Know How!! I worked for them back in Alaska and it was one of my favorite jobs. I knew nothing about vehicles til I worked there and I’m so thankful for the opportunities I had there. The patience and compassion of the owner/boss man, Sean Conley and the patience and kindness of most of the employees and customers I’ll never forget and be forever thankful for. I love Napa!! Represent!!

[@thejerseyj5479]

I own a 2004 Mazda B2300 pickup. I solved my clogged cat problem that I didn't know I had by driving it long enough for my exhaust pipe to rust to the point where it just fell off on the Garden State Parkway. I noticed a significant power increase immediately and although it's alot louder I at least have the satisfaction of knowing that my engine is breathing much better. This fix works very well but is by no means a "quick fix."

[@danielfiore8865]

Did you suspect it was clogged before it fell off?

[@JoeTheCheapskate]

Thanks for showing me what I shouldn't do to pass emissions next year. I'm such a tree hugger and so worried about government emissions, I won't do that. I'll pay thousands to keep the dealer in business and save the environment.

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

Definitely a viable option but don't forget... the Lexus has TWO of them!

[@eleventy-seven]

Im a tree hugger but strangely enough, rural arias are exempt from emission testing in CA. Haven't bothered in 25 years.. Now grouchy old boomer has to say hi to my redwoods.

[@052RC]

There's one thing that everyone seems to be missing. You always have the option to diagnose the vehicle to find out what's wrong with it, then repair it. If you're going to work on the car anyway, why not just fix it? A 420 doesn't mean you have a bad cat. It means the O2 sensors are getting readings that are out of spec. Something else may be wrong. Once the car goes into closed loop, the pcm uses the information it gets from the O2 sensors as the primary source of data needed to set fuel trims. I would at least make the attempt to fix the car properly first, and if that doesn't work out for some reason, then do something like this as plan B option.

[@kiachris76712]

Used to be called a sparkplug extension. Worked on an 03 straight piped kia spectra years ago. The 90° option worked better than the straight extension.

[@NixonAngelo]

My last smog guy took a picture of mine and I thought he was going to fail me. He never said a word and I brought all of my other cars to him since. I sold the first one to the junk yard and never had to do it since.

[@fastek1kazz49]

Makes sense.

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

​@@NixonAngelohe probably made a record of it

[@glenwhitestofer6420]

Called a spark plug non fouler

[@MarketingCoachKen]

If anyone is wondering will this work, the answer is most likely yes. This is especially helpful if you need a quick fix, of if your cat replacement will cost you thousands of dollars.

[@pcthayer]

Now if there was only a fix to pass emissions after thieves have stolen yours. (That's becoming a problem everywhere.)

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

​@@jaimea6012jewed

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

​@@jaimea6012some Hondas have 3 crapalytic converters.

[@troy3456789]

@@ThisTimeTheWorld That's way too many catalytic converters. Honda is hoarding them. No wonder they are so expensive.

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

@@troy3456789 crapalytic converters are jew mufflers

[@aznnp77]

Also note that they used to sell these pre-drilled on ebay for $5, but someone made ebay ban them. So if you don't have a vice or a drill, they can be bought pre-drilled, but you will have to poke around a bit to find them.

[@boblabla6932]

I have been doing this for years!! It really does fool the rear O2 sensor. Works good for those who punched the cat out as well... BUT DON"T DO IT!

[@atikovi1]

Haven't used this so many times that I have half a dozen assorted lengths on the shelf for the next car I buy that doesn't have this issue. BTW they do make 90° versions for limited clearance areas.

[@joshuameldru4004]

Awesome, just awesome!! Thanks for sharing this and I won’t be doing this. I’m so glad you showed us what we shouldn’t ever do

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

You're welcome! I shouldn't won't never do it again.

[@bobb.6393]

Yes, never do that

[@wingnut2893]

I also know some people who think an engine overhaul comes from an aerosol.

[@therustichandyman]

I literally just watched this out of curioslty. Keep up the videos! Very entertaining (and informative:). You'll do well at this.

[@revnto7k]

Also quite common on Lexus is an exhaust leak ahead of the downstream o2 sensor. I fixed my 430 code by repairing a cracked weld in the exhaust and it has never come back.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Most newer cars have a test for just this sort of trick. It looks to see an active rear o2 during cold start up, then the change after the Cat and heated o2 is fully warmed up. If there isn't enough change a code sets. Moving the o2 out of the exhaust stream works well on older cars though, but like you said, it's not the "recommended repair." Some of the comments from people with no idea how these systems work, or even how to spell it are funny as heII. Made my day.

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

Great info, thanks!

[@luckyguy600]

As they say in the 'airline industry' there is "always" a workaround Thanks for the info. It is people like you that give the internet 'KZbin' some actual value in life, keeping old 'clunkers' viably and still on the many roads and leafy byways in America. North America. Can't forget Canada now, can we?

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

I won't forget Canada, ay? I'm originally from Detroit (hm, maybe I should promote that a bit) and spent a lot of time in the great white north. Like literally! Not just watching Tom and Doug McKenzie.

[@tynewlin]

I know want to know what workarounds and shortcuts are taken in the airline industry 😂 Bad enough I know about the ones taken in the railroad industry.

[@markhuyette8509]

You're the best been doing that trick for years because sometimes you put a after market cad on that code comes back in a month and there is nothing wrong with it God blessed you and your family have a blessed day today PS they should worry about the alcohol in the gasoline burning out the cads

[@M4sterT3ch]

It comes back after a month due to the poor quality cat that was installed on the vehicle. Use OEM cat, and it won't come back in a month as long as your engine is running properly.

[@tomtom1541]

That's because eBay / Amazon cats only last a few months before needing replacement. Better off using a junkyard cat instead.

[@SvdSinner]

I feel extremely lucky that the last few catalytic converter failures all happened prior to them tripling in price. $350 replacement cats helped me be a good citizen.

[@David-j7c6w]

I use Cataclean and it does work , don’t wait till you’re sitting on the side of the road . I use it about once a year and my gas mileage improves also .

[@markhuyette8509]

Thank you for your video I been doing that for people for years you can have brand new converter and a month later you have the same code I think its something they put in the computer to throw that code at a certain time I have done that for somany people for years and never had anyone come back with a totally clogged cat keep up the hard work making videos and have a blessed day today 🙏

[@NickAdams-h2v]

Thanks Mike. Simple & correct fix to give people on a serious budget what they need done. I am certain this is what I will do now. I love how you mention pulling the engine lol. Gosh that stuff irritates me too. Thanks again.

[@latafairam]

I did this for my 2007 Accord. As for removing the spacer, I had two options. 1) leave the spacer, 2) spend $1500 for new cat and another $2000 the fix the Oil-burning issue. Guess which one I did.

[@theHOAmestead]

$3500 well spent! 😂

[@johnelectric933]

Thanks, I like how you enjoy your own mistakes like I do. Unfortunately, you can't do that at a job because some people just don't get it. Just because we laugh at the mistakes we make doesn't mean we want to repeat them.

[@dporrasxtremeLS3]

Great writing! Thanks for your input! And Humor!

[@theHOAmestead]

Seriously! I made a rather large mistake at a job that required clients to come in and re-sign their mortgage papers. 😫 I told my boss and she took a beat and said "Well that's one thing you'll never do again" and she was absolutely right! 😂 Turns out everyone in the office had done the same thing... ONCE.

[@JiltedValkyrie]

California checks visual and computer and tailpipe. The guy saw my new catalytic converter (MagnaFlow, and sounds better than OEM) on my 2003 Camry and sure took his time after last week's fail from the old cat. I did fix a small exhaust leak from the old worn out manifold gasket after installing the new one and got a few horses back, so I can't really complain.

[@justjordan8018]

Well I actually already passed the Test by simply just wiping the Code with the Scanner. The code only comes back like a day after. I was really looking for a way to repair or replace the Catalytic ... but then I saw it costs like 500$ for my car and the car can run without it completely fine so ... nice video :)

[@rickl6697]

I used the Scotty killer recommended Lacquer thinner when the tank was at about half a tank. Like you said after a while the check engine light went off and stayed off for a month and a half.(probably about 2000 miles).

[@supermaster2012]

Jesus Christ remove the code after documenting it, the ECU in most cars actually tries to compensate for low catalytic efficiency by altering the fuel mixture which is not ideal for 2000 miles... It's specially bad in V engines because generally the ECU only alters the mixture of the faulty bank so you can get rattling and even misfires in extreme cases.

[@18_rabbit]

didn't work for me

[@rupert1124]

"pull the engine" I guess it didn't happen. Dam it man you are funny. Behind all that humour you a good mechanic. Thanks for the plug spacer idea.

[@hydorah]

In the UK you wouldn't get away with that sensor spacer / minimising readings trick. At the yearly MOT test in the UK, the car's emissions are tested with a calibrated gas analyser. What your car thinks is happening is irrelevant, the gas analyser makes it's own HC and CO readings and you pass or fail based on those readings of what's actually coming out of the car. Exhaust leaks are a fail too, of course. Interesting to see that Cataclean actually works to any degree, loved seeing Scotty Kilmer so many times in the scrolling of the internet BS 😀

[@JP-ec9rl]

There's ways around that too. Florida had emissions testing back in the 1980s and 90s. Run the tank down below one quarter and dump a bunch of dry gas in and even an old carbureted engine will pass emissions testing.

[@127cmore]

Ah, there's a trick garage's do 😊

[@Mavrik9000]

@@JP-ec9rl "dry gas" What do you mean by that?

[@MrMEmEmEmEMEMEeeeeee]

​@@Mavrik9000 Think he's referring to gas line antifreeze like "Heet".

[@shortchange26]

I took the EZ route. Cut the exhaust pipe 2 inch past the converter. Used a masonry bit in a drill motor. Knocked all the guts out. Collect the guts in a cardboard box and took them to my local shade tree shop. He was more than happen to weld the pipe for the box of converter guts. Fair dinkum.

[@sunriseboy4837]

I always use 98/Super/Premium, whatever you call it stateside. Take it for a highway run for an hour - all done.

[@kp64mullins]

Thank you; I would never, ever try that. As a matter of fact I'll start NOT doing that this weekend...

[@ntstudio28]

I honestly didn't think this would work....but it did! Thanks my friend!

[@cstorey987]

I honestly thought your channel was bigger until I saw your sub count. You are definitely killing it with the jokes. Keep it up!

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

I love comments like these. I'm trying! Thank you!

[@PianoTuningArtist]

8:47 Thanks for the entertainment! Reversing playback ASAP!😂

[@dryflysolution]

Worked on my 2016 Ford F250 as well. I think I spent $15 bucks at O'Reilly's. Dealership wanted 4k for new Cats and sensors. Been three years with no codes and no issues.

[@robgad2271]

This won't require the pulling of the engine, or the Cad, but it will require replacing the O2 sensor while you have it out and unplugged. The chances that the Cad isn't so dirty after all, only the sensor being dirty and corroded enough to set off the dash light alarm is about 50/50 and probably worth it in the long run. Adding the O2 spacer will then only do a better job of keeping the sensor out of the dirty exhaust air a little longer, and this will very often get you down the road safely. Running the Cad Cleaner would still be advisable, along with a quart of Techron injector cleaner, get it all done at the same time and get to the emissions test that much quicker.

[@Rick-the-Swift]

That's a really good suggestion replacing the dirty sensor as well and surprised I didn't think of it. What do you think about pouring a quart or so of acetone into the tank? Would that be just as good as the high dollar stuff they sell to clean cats?

[@JJM-f3h]

I had a 85 chevy s10 it would sometimes godead when the clutch was pushed in.

[@BROWDYKAT]

So glad I came across your video! I have a 2011 Chevy that recently failed the emissions test. The guy told me he didn't know if it was the O2 sensors or the catalytic converter. So he suggested the cat cleaner and running it for a week. Bought the cat cleaner which comes with a 100% guarantee if it didn't pass emission you get your money back ($32). Took it back and the guy literally just opens the driver door, stands there for 5mins and then comes to tell me it failed again and I need to replace the catalytic converter and "might as well replace the O2 sensors while I'm at it". I'm not in a rush to spend the money as I have another car to get me around, but I am eager to get it to pass emissions so I can get the registration done...insert your video! I think we have a solution! Now to find someone willing to help me do this lol

[@laragreene8328]

I used a cleaner also....but a different brand....ANYWAY It started working fast!!....in less than 30 miles the temp gauge dropped back to normal. I dont think it will magically clean everything out but I'll probably use it once or twice a year and keep my car very drivable with no damage to anything probably another 100,000 miles at least.without having to spend alot of money 😁👍 After all, it is a magic Jeep...lol

[@scipher99]

There is no smog testing where I live, so guess what was deleted from my car. A quick ECU tune and no check engine lights or codes.

[@batcollins3714]

All that information! And a smile as we follow your instructions (which we never, ever follow of course) 😍😍😍

[@maxstraub61]

The Laughs you created for me are much appreciated!!

[@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666]

I did this about 10 years ago on a s10 because the cat was removed. It was getting about 8 miles a gallon. Add the spacer it got 18 mpg.

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

Genius

[@uber2tuber]

Did you get a cel with the low mpg/no cat?

[@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666]

@uber2tuber what's cel I didn't say the truck got 22 to 24 mpg with cat

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

@@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666 check engine light

[@jtsokiehobbyandadventures6666]

@@ThisTimeTheWorld I have not driven the truck in years now. I dont remember

[@k19riadbouamra73]

You deserve a subscription! Not just a thumbs-up. You are an artist & I like the way you act! Well-done

[@tedjohnson64]

Yhe technical content on this video was surprisingly interesting, and the lighting and camera angles were quite high quality. Fascinating that the mega corp Walmart is so brazen in their product marketing.

[@Adrian-xh4ul]

Thanks - you are very smart - sorry I have Diesel and all half years Problems - with the exhaust gases - without any Enginelight in the Display.

[@mikeyadrick5154]

I have the Lexus Rx 330(3.3 V-6)----3 cats !! One of mine I had replaced--oner $2000!---Mikey, Belfair, Wa

[@HaroldBrice]

So, you have turned all of us "shade-tree" mechanics into "backyard" mechanics. Works for me since I do not own a garage. I really appreciate the pace of your videos. I would have pulled the engine.

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

We were called backyard mechanics back in the day in Detroit. I think shade tree came after. I can't find any proper etymology.

[@CrazyBear65]

What shade tree? I've been a backyard mechanic since I was a kid, I'm 57. Don't know nuthin bout no damn shade tree. It's always been the backyard, sometimes the woods, sometimes the barn, but not under a shade tree, unless the tree was being used as the cherrypicker with a comealong hanging from a branch.

[@stevenbastian3882]

Your presentation was quite entertaining. And thank you for exposing another "fix" to look out for when buying a used car from a shady dealer or individual. Of course, if they removed the spacers afterward there would be no way to tell, other than the tailpipe carbon inspection.

[@ibcrypto6139]

I have a camry with over 200K miles. I shady shop sold it to me with a blown head gasket. I used KSeal and drove it for 4 years. During that time the CEL came on with inefficient cat. That fixed it and passed smog. Finally the head gasket got worse, This is the stripped head bolt that many Toyotas have. I may fix it or sell it with full disclosure. Not everyone lies when selling a car but many do. If you see something that was messed with simply ask the seller if anything has been modified and if they dont tell you then call them out! Good luck!

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

Thank you to everyone for the support! To clarify a few things: I am a fan of clean air. I do NOT advocate removing the cat. Performance increase is reportedly in the neighborhood of 1HP. My working thesis is suggesting to (not!) do this on an old car where replacing the cats cost more than the car is worth. This will not work in states that do a visual inspection. Texas does not do a visual inspection. This will not work in states/counties that use a tailpipe probe. I'm surprised that is still done. No, this does not fix the cat. The cat is still bad and could get worse and affect the engine. But it *did* turn off the CEL. It doesn't always work, but in my estimation, it usually does. I have an idea on how to save the cat. Will post that in a few weeks.

[@captainLoknar]

my dear man sir dude you have earned yourself a subscriber! I'm definitely NOT doing this.

[@GotNoRapidFire]

nice, thanks and greets from germania

[@AFS-ht7bg]

60% of the time, it works every time

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

Danke schön!

[@unsafecurrency]

i emailed the EPA about your video i hope they come after you for this.

[@ShawnThomas-b8q]

So many videos tell u to use spacers this is only one that explains why. Thank you

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

Awesome, glad I helped

[@nathanielanderson4218]

Wow your sarcasm and pulling the motor every time you had a small issue was absolutely priceless I'm still laughing 😂😂😂😂

[@brianpulley8652]

What a lot of people don't realize is that unless your catalytic converter actually comes apart inside they actually don't go bad just get clogged up from carbon and while its a pain if you can take your cats off and seal up one end water tight you can pour a good dish detergent in there and add water let it set about 24 hours and rinse and reinstall your cats especially if they are the OEM originals and the spacers well they are magic 🤣🤣.

[@mikeburchett-bs3qw]

or melt from over heating

[@fastone371]

Cats create oxygen thru chemical reaction, they do in fact "wear out".

[@fastone371]

@@mikeburchett-bs3qw The catalysts in catalytic converters cause oxidation and reduction (redox) reactions. These reduce harmful emissions. Platinum and rhodium take part in the reduction reactions. These reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) in exhaust. They do this by removing nitrogen atoms from nitrogen oxide molecules (NO and NO2). This means the free oxygen atoms form oxygen gas (O2). Then, the nitrogen atoms attached to the catalyst react with each other. This creates nitrogen gas (N2). Oxygen and nitrogen gases are both safe to breathe.

[@OnlyHuman2.0]

Man, you keep making videos like this and ill watch all of them 😂

[@jstample]

Here’s another good trick (I haven’t tried it but heard it from a trusted professional source). _Note: this only works if your engine has 2 cats and one is still good._ Find a wiring diagram and intercept the signal wire from the sensor after the good cat by splicing in a length of wire that you’ll run over to the other bank’s sensor after the bad cat. Cut the signal wire coming from the sensor on the bad bank and splice in the length of wire coming from the good bank so the good signal goes to the ECU from the bad bank. This leaves the signal from the bad bank out of the loop completely and the ECU will see 2 good signals coming in.

[@brian2359]

That certainly is a good idea! Leave the wires on the bad sensor for the visual inspection!

[@glenwhitestofer6420]

Unless they hook the scanner up to read what the sensors are doing. they will notice one signal missiing

[@kh40yr]

A couple of diodes on the front sensor will turn the check light off. About $4.00 total from Radio Shack at the time. Those prices have quadrupled now. Had my truck this way since about 2003. Once I dumped the converter out of the way with a "test pipe" and added the diodes, I was awarded with BETTER fuel injection economy, and pulling power. Funny how that works. 2 diodes and a little bit of strip and solder. I gained 5 mpg and a bunch of power.

[@somaday2595]

Is it possible that before the O2 trim was affected by the dying cat converter that the mpg was higher than after it died, and that removal of the cat converter just returned the original mpg? It would seem the ECU must have an accurate excess O2 number in the exhaust for optimum combustion.

[@David-uk1kb]

Just stumbled onto your feed,...Love the "60's" Super Rat style graphics with your intro splash.

[@jamesfitzgerald2361]

Cataclean works sometimes. But it doesn't clean out your converter. I actually disconnected the exhaust pipe in front of the converter and I could see the converter was full of a thick film of carbon.this has to be cleaned out.

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

I afraid this is the problem and my fix won't last long.

[@garybarber9195]

just about spat my coffee out laughing when he pulled out the iphone tooling :)

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

Thanks! But it kind of overshadowed my favorite joke, making fun of all of my daughter's broken iPhone screens.

[@kennethbryan3738]

That's a pretty huge too to fix phones

[@EC-mc7vg]

I have had really good luck for many years using G2P, Guaranteed to PASS. Seems to do a good job cleaning out converter and and clearing the DTC code.

[@LuwiigiMaster]

Hey, I remember seeing that stuff being sold at this auto store I used to work at. This was back when my mazda had a bunch of *other* CEL shenanigans going on, including but not limited to using 4 cylinder parts on a v6 model or using roof antenna parts on a glass antenna car, in *addition* to a bad cat.

[@senioraces]

Toyota is making us work smart, not hard, and you show it with excellence! Thanks for the video

[@thilau5715]

Definitely the funniest mechanical trick video I've seen on KZbin, especially when he goes to look for the precision tool in the iPhone repair drawer. But hey for the real mechanics as he says at the end... we had a good laugh and that's already good!😜😂👍

[@ole-bboy5875]

Great idea. You just gotta hope that when you get your smog test that the tech doesn't go around and check all the sensors for that specific item like they do here in So Cal.

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

This won't work in CA

[@Flussig1]

Oh yes it will.@@MikeTheBackyardMechanic

[@kennethsouthard6042]

I don't know but I've been told that if you put that spacer in and after the code is cleared up then remove the spacer. Next drive immediately to the closest smog check place to you and have the car checked . The idea is you want this to occur before the car completes a drive cycle.

[@Flussig1]

Depends on the smog station and the location of the cat as well.@@kennethsouthard6042

[@Mrkevi123]

​@@kennethsouthard6042 Yes, smog station in California Will look for this spacer, especially if you have a STAR smog. So as soon as the code clears up, drive it to the smog and don't turn off your car. Most cars only have a 10 mile window or less before the cycle completes again. Sometimes turning your car on and off will trigger the code

[@jonathanwebb8307]

I found a better way with my V8 BMW 840. Apparently here in the UK , you dont need cats if you run on LPG, so I removed them and put them in the bin. There is a decibel limit but the testing stations don't have decibel meters, so I also put the silencers (mufflers to you! ) in the same bin. I then fitted straight through pipes and for the next 10 years I never had to use a doorbell.

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

LOL!!! Never used a doorbell...

[@billj5645]

I had a car that had a problem with downstream O2 readings. After very much internet research I discovered that some OBD2 systems are overly sensitive to the readings from the downstream sensor, but nothing I can do about that. I hooked up my scan too land monitored the readings from both sensors as I drove around. The downstream sensor seemed to be reading exactly as it should be. I did a quick "Italian tuneup" and that fixed it.

[@lightscameraimages]

OR YOUR CAT IS BAD???

[@billj5645]

@@lightscameraimages Well my (my wife's) cat is very well behaved, my daughter's cat on the other hand not so much... Regarding my car- I tested the systems in my car and they were reading as they should- the pre-cat O2 sensor was reading correctly and the post-cat O2 sensor was reading correctly. Like I said I've read that some computer modules do not interpret the results correctly.

[@tommychewning4202]

What the hell is a Italian tune up.😂😂😂😂

[@billj5645]

@@tommychewning4202 A couple of full throttle runs to clean out the system, people used to say "blow the carbon out". If your converter has a coating of something that reduces its effectiveness maybe you can burn off that coating and make it function again.

[@MrFantasylover1]

Mike you are too damn funny and i love your work! Just recommend anti seize on the threads.. Careful not to get any on the sensor itself as it will damage the functionality of it.

[@dylanlindsay1993]

ill tell you a little secret on older gm cars that you can do.. specifially caddillac devilles/dts you can just clear all the codes from the computer from the car itself! no obd reader needed... my aunt had a 2002 cadillac dts that she couldnt get the check engine light to go off to pass echeck so she did the clear the codes via the dash buttons and she passed echeck like 5 times before she decided to get rid of the car! the devilles had buttons on the dash where you could see the codes clear just certain codes or erase the whole thing