Fix your Catalytic Converter for $10?

Mike goes over the pros and cons of different catalytic converter fixes for a 2007 Lexus is250... but this applies to any modern car.
Joe the Cheapskate: / @joethecheapskate
00:00 Intro
00:23 The Problem
00:54 Diagnosis
01:48 Options
02:49 Recommendation
03:33 Don't Do This
04:27 The Work
08:09 Close
Mike the Backyard Mechanic (not a real mechanic) works on his cars in his garage (not actually his backyard) and shows how to do repairs and mods, often not correctly, for your entertainment. Mike is not a REAL mechanic, he has common knowledge. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Mike.

[@sb5253]

I always pull my engine out to check the oil level

[@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 😁

[@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.

[@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

[@The-Butcher-Jaegerkorpset]

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!

[@The-Butcher-Jaegerkorpset]

@@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]

@@The-Butcher-Jaegerkorpset Waiting for my Cyber Truck! No more smog issues every other year!!! Smog, Smog!, Smog!!!

[@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!

[@secondlifebikes80]

This trick has been well known. This is really only possible for downstream cats, not for air/fuel (upstream) sensors. This will many times help keep the code from coming back, but if the cat is actually clogged, it won't help with engine performance and other problems that come with a clogged cat.

[@reinaldomartinez13]

Would cataclean help out with that ?

[@MrSinghMechanical]

@@reinaldomartinez13 will work if cat not fully clogged

[@nomercyinc6783]

people only deserve fixing their cars. not doing cheap ass homemade hacks. true mechanics hate all cars where their owners think they are hand and try to do shit themselves only to make ten times the work. consumers have no business trying to fix their own cars. if youve got no mechanic experience you dont belong wrenching on anything

[@DungPHAM-lt3hh]

My advice is to use premium 91, and change air filters more often, then you have no problems with catalyst converter.

[@jyou9373]

You would do the same thing so don't be a hater

[@ntstudio28]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@nofear1999]

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

[@jamesmay6075]

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 😂

[@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.

[@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).

[@kona1967]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@johneverett3947]

Actually that much carbon in the exhaust tip is NOT a sign of a bad CAT. It’s a sign of running much too rich. The CAT code is a symptom not the problem. Modifying the rear sensor signal will not fix the problem. The ECU not only uses the front sensor for fuel control but uses it to compare to the rear sensor to monitor the CAT. The front sensor after warm up should have a sine wave with nice high and low output with short frequency ( for not air/fuel sensors). Assuming all systems upstream are ok, if the front sensor becomes weak or fouled the ECU will see a sine wave too low with a slow frequency and assume a lean condition and add more fuel. The ECU will also see the front and rear signals too close to matching and set a CAT code. Often on a high mileage vehicle I have changed just the front sensor(s) , cleared the ECU memory ( to reset mixture control) to have the vehicle preform better, get better mileage and eliminate CAT codes. Remember sometimes codes are the symptoms not the problems and try to fix it right. 😊😊

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

All that information is top notch, thank you. I have to quibble about the symptom though. The soot in the tailpipe is wet, not dry, indicating oil, not fuel. Fixing the symptom would be piston rings, so... I was going more for comedy in the video, and neglected my final result, which is spacers + continuous use of cat cleaner in hopes to keep them working.

[@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

[@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.

[@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! 😂

[@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

[@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.

[@JohnTaschuk]

Thank you for this video. It was very helpful and successful.

[@k19riadbouamra73]

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

[@dc9mm2]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@themechanic8195]

I love this shared experience, great video!!!

[@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.

[@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..

[@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.

[@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".

[@OnlyHuman2.0]

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

[@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.

[@TheWilferch]

Caution.....the Walmart O2 spacers SEEM to have a tapered/angle cut shoulder at the end of the threads near the body..... where it screws down onto the exhaust's bung.....but the bung surface is flat that normaly requires the attaching- piece to have a square-shoulder, to be used with a crush gasket. Will a tapered-cut-end thread work properly without leaking? Notice that the Dorman Help ! model 42009 has such a square shoulder with gasket...as is used by the OEM sensor.

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

Wow, great catch!

[@simms196]

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

[@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

[@user-du1oy2km6j]

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.

[@robertoortiz4622]

thank you so much. it works. passed the inspection!!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@aztecadog]

my buddys old work van, a 2003 Ford E350, had its cat stolen last year. my buddy was short on money and we just straight piped it, he had 7 months before emissions, so he figured he had time to replace the cat. 7 months come and go quick and they snuck up on him. we were about to order a cat but he said he would take it in for kicks and grins... and it passed! with no cat- go figure

[@LilyWillow22]

Was there an engine light on?

[@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?

[@user-sn8gh2vs1p]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@asjad80002]

Actually, the senior is a small voltage generator by heat it will generate a voltage of about 7 Volta that will turn the light off if you can by past that by splying voltage to the sensor directly to the car computer the light will turn off but will not past the immersion test

[@arcangel7292]

Did this to my car several years ago and it worked great

[@novavroomvroom3435]

Great fix... you sir just won my subscription...!!!!

[@M4sterT3ch]

It's not a fix, it's a shade tree tactic.

[@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?

[@ssz28envy]

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

[@LifeInMontana]

You are funny and your story’s are entertaining. Thank you! I am subscribing for more fun and valuable story time!

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@LifeInMontana]

Back at yah!

[@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.

[@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

[@Vex916T]

1 gallon of lacquer thinner into half filled/empty gas tank worked for my 2001 Toyota Sienna with 180K plus miles... it's driving the car at various speeds for certain amount of time to reset code that is annoying to do.

[@Killerspieler0815]

That´s why in Germany the emisions testing does not use the car´s systems but an external independent device put into the exhaust & inspection of the exhaust system like 30+ years ago

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

That sucks!

[@1maico1]

@@MikeTheBackyardMechanic Emissions are checked in most western countries. The Lambda reading also needs to be within certain tolerances. This is a good check, if it's out the car will be using more fuel than necessary. My 2005 Honda accord was found to be running to lean and failed the check recently. I couldn't find any vacuum leaks so replaced the MAP sensor with a new one from a dealer on eBay for only £14 GBP (there is no MAF sensor on these early cars.) If I was a mindless American MAGA redneck the car would still be running sub-optimally!

[@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.

[@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

[@Messier77]

Good video and good showmanship. I have a 2016 Volvo with only 66,000 miles, but have been thinking about the cat and future problems. My last car was a 1976 Volvo 245DL wagon, the last year before the mandatory cat. I don't like catalytic converters and since I live in a rural area without emissions tests, it would be possible to remove the cat and straight-pipe the exhaust. But your sensor spacer solution would be considerably easier. The only issue would be how long the spacer fix would last.

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

If you remove the cat it will work forever.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@Dansk55]

OMG! Thanks for this. I just realized I installed the spacer on the wrong 02 sensor. Lol pull the engine. I get that feeling with the Q5 I had

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

Glad it helped!

[@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.

[@MrSpaceRatt]

Awesome. I did the same thing to my Toyota Corolla, no more 420 codes. I'm glad that I finally looked up what a 420 code is. I thought I had to light up a doobie whenever the code was on.

[@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!

[@bobbyyoung2831]

I added two gallons of Xylene sold at hardware stor in paint department. 1/4 tank of gas in my truck is approx. 8 gallons + 2 gallons of xylene...Drive and run it all out immediately. Refilled tank and code went away. Cleaned something!

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

That's a great tip. I'm going to try that.

[@terryhill4732]

I put a straight pipe on mine in place of the cat and it made it have less Back pressure pressure on the the valves and made the car run a lot better

[@LilyWillow22]

Did it turn off the engine light?

[@terryhill4732]

@@LilyWillow22 it never came on to begin with I did it because catalytic converters restrict power to the engine because of back pressure on the valve's, you can't get mechanics to put this on anymore because it's against the Emissions law

[@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.

[@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.

[@alex6261971]

awesome video: dont stop , keep on keeping on by joe dirt

[@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.

[@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!

[@hiramd.malaret]

I like this guy ,he has a good sense of humor. 👍

[@Tochilis1]

I did the same many years ago with my mitsubishi lancer. it really works!

[@longobardir]

I've washed my cats in Oxalic Acid and it did bring the pass side back into spec and stopped throwing a code for that side. Unfortunately the driver side had a 1" hole and it couldn't recover so I ended up just replacing both sides.

[@kp64mullins]

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

[@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

[@alfredbernal8603]

You have great content Mike. I am now suscribed Stay up friend & keep them great informative videos coming! ✌🕶🔧

[@sicks6six]

or cover up the warning light bulb in the binnacle, works a treat to get the car through MOT

[@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.

[@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.

[@lewcrowley3710]

You can clear the codes right before going into emissions. The routine that checks the rear O2 sensor is every 50 miles or so.

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

That's a good tip!

[@Sylvan_dB]

Some tests require several drive cycles to complete after being cleared, and if those tests are not completed and required, you will not pass the check.

[@P.A.C.E.automotive]

If the self test isn't complete that's a fail too.

[@lewcrowley3710]

I have an Avalon and it works for the cat codes. Colorado emissions@@MikeTheBackyardMechanic

[@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.

[@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.

[@johnstample3624]

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

[@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!😜😂👍

[@carlosbah4623]

Wow. The channel I was looking for. Subscribed!

[@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...

[@evannniesen460]

I know on the second gen gs300 the B2S2 is underneath the carpet of the passenger floor. The other 3 O2 sensors are under the hood

[@David-uk1kb]

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

[@unokarpa4405]

полезное видео в развлекательном формате - отличная работа! спасибо! отдельное спасибо за внимание к деталям!

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

Thank you!

[@abombs]

I’m having trouble returning the oreilly spark plug spacers to Walmart after I drilled them out?! Does anyone happen to still have the receipt so I can go about this process 😅

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

I suggest playing the video backwards.

[@MueedAhmad2001]

Ngl I am in love with this channel even though I just watched two videos. Sir, Youre going a long way, I can assure you that !

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

Kind words!

[@jadklafjkejalka]

I did this to eliminate the 420 codes on a nissan titan. the exhaust manifolds leak chronically and the check engine light probably was going to burn out so I put defoulrs in place. This is not a fix but does let the check engine light cool off.

[@timsilva1944]

That's great IF the smog inspector doesn't go under your vehicle for a visual. I tried this and even took the time to disguise and give that shiny new spacer an old look before installing it. Good thing was it was free to re-test. I removed the spacer, drove back down and got a clean report. A couple hundred miles later I got the P0420 code again.

[@MikeTheBackyardMechanic]

That's the way to do it. You need to know the state laws. Mine *just* changed to not doing visual inspections.

[@timsilva1944]

@@MikeTheBackyardMechanic I'm in California, so there's that. Funny thing is that in the next county over (Mariposa), smog checks are only required when you buy a vehicle, then your good. Same state, same air...