Cat Stolen - Straight pipe installed and now sputtering badly

Yes my cat was stolen off my 98 2.7 4x4, so instead of purchasing a 900 toyota cat from the stealership I had a straight pipe installed. The rear 02 sensor bung was removed when they sawed off the cat.

I know the sputtering is due to the 02 sensor not connected but even if I have a muffler shop do the job for me I will still run into codes. Even worse my truck will continue to sputter.

So I am writing to see if anyone has had a similar experience and what are some measures I can take to handle this.

I have read about the dummy 02 sensors but I wanted some feedback from some members that have had this issue and resolved it.

Thanks,

Sip

 

If mine was stolen, I would get a high quality catalytic converter that has the proper receiver and plug it back in. I am sure there is a way to mess about doing something different, but you are dealing with lots of things here. Engines are designed from the factory to have a certain amount of back pressure not to mention the cat's sensor was giving the computer information so it adjusts several things to make the truck run efficiently. Back in the day, you could rip a cat off and mess around with a host of things so easily. If you are running a stock motor with no mods, then to me your are not going to get a good result.

 

I agree. The cat is more for smog, but that o2 is part of the engine management system. I'd get that fixed or you might be buying a new engine.

 

Get an aftermarket one from a local auto parts store. Get one that is made for your vehicle so it has the right mount for the O2 sensor. I am sure you could pick one up for around $200. I am not a big fan of the dummy O2 sensors, I have tried them before and it is not the same as stock. Spend the money and fix it right so you dont have problems down the road.

 

i had a magnaflow high flow cat installed at a local shop for $180. Gave it a better tone too.

 

Thanks guys for the responses...

 

So I checked my codes today and here is what is going on (Via AutoZone)

- P0125 - Insufficient coolant temp for closed loop
- Fuel Control
Possible causes include: Faulty Thermostat, Low Coolant Level, Faulty ECT


- P0171 - Air/Fuel Mixture System Lean Bank 1
Possible Causes Include: Low Fuel Pressure, Faulty MAF/VAF sensor, Cylinder Misfire Condition, Faulty H02S/AF Sensor, Large Vacuum Leak

I cleaned the MAF sensor with electrical contact cleaner earlier today and it seemed to help in the beginning. After a few minutes of driving it started again to sputter. I barely nursed her home at the end of the drive.

 

The front O2 sensor will affect the running of the vehicle.
The rear O2 sensor is there to check if the Cat is working. It has no effect on how the engine runs.

Fix the first code and get the engine up to temp so it goes into closed loop. then check for vacum leaks.

 

Who would steal a cat? They are a pain the ass. Scratching, biting, all that fur. Ohhhh, I see now.

 

I loved my kitty too...

Damn thief

 

I had a 240sx a few years ago and removing the rear 02 sensor made the rest of the sensors throw codes for some reason, so I just plugged it back in even though it wasn't in the exhaust system anymore and the codes went away.