Think I may need to replace Catalytic Converter on my 2003 Taco

Will a CEL clear itself if I do fix the exhaust leak or do I need to clear it and pray it never comes back?

 

It should clear itself but it might take a while. Resetting the computer might make it go faster.

 

Well I tried 3 different split flanges and none of them fit right. I have no clue what would be better than what was on there that lines up right. The CAT pipe is 2" and the muffler pipe is 2 1/4". Nothing lines up with existing muffler flange holes. So I cleaned up the old split flange, threw a new gasket on. Only surface rust on the old split flange. Then used new bolts, nuts and washers. Tightened it up. Checked for leaks and there is less of a leak. It is coming from the top about a nickel size if you can imagine that. So I tightened more. Still same leak. I think I might have overtighten the bolts cause I am fairly strong and don't know when to stop. Lol Anything I could do about the smaller leak to close that up? Maybe put a big glob of
Permatex Muffler/Tail Pipe Sealer
on top?

 

Can I untighten and retighten to whatever the torque specs of flange bolts are supposed to be or will that screw up the gasket?

 

I tried JB Weld high temp manifold repair stuff on mine. Leak was very similar. Big hole on the top of the flange. It stayed on for about 2 days and then it all just fell off.

 

What

What is your opinion about untightening the bolts then retorquing to whatever specs? Thinking I may have overtightened the bolts.

 

Don't think it'll matter much. The heat cycles do weird things to those gaskets anyways

 

How do I know what the proper torque specs is for the bolts? If I overtightened them I'm afraid something will break over time lol.

 

No comments? Lol

 

Look in the fsm. I’m gonna go with about 50 n-m or so. They don’t need to be super tight. I can check in a second..

 

Yup 48 N-m

 

Right on. Thanks dude. I just converted 48 n-m to ft lbs. 35.4 ft lbs.

 

Nice. My truck is a 5VZ-FE engine. Those diagrams are for 2RZ-FE and 3RZ-FE engines. Assuming the torque should be the same. Anyway 48 n-m is 35.4 ft lbs of torque. For anyoneeeding a conversion. Can you send me a link to those spec diagrams if you wouldn't mind?

 

Pretty sure 6cyl was same as 4cyl i checked both.

With some searching you can download the whole service manual. I think it’s this one https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2001-2004-tacoma-factory-service-manual.5696/

Super helpful and it has all the torque specs you’ll ever need.

 

By the way I smelled a bit of rubber type burning smell from my truck when I got home today. Changing the gasket have anything to do with that? Why would I smell a faint burning rubber smell? Could it be from the small leak at the flange?

 

Don't think it would make that much of a difference. The couple gaskets I've bought didn't have a shiny, and non shiny side.

I ended up getting one of these instead cause I was tired of the composite gaskets crumbling and falling apart within a couple weeks.

$11 Vibrant Performance Power 1456 Gasket, Exhaust Flange, 2-Bolt, 2.25 in. Diameter, 4.00 in. Bolt Hole Center-to-Center, Multi-Layer Graphite, Each

https://www.amazon.com/2-Bolt-Temperature-Exhaust-Gasket-2-25in/dp/B002T6ZASA

 

Any idea about the burnt rubber smell?

 

Ok so the CEL just turned off when I started my truck up. I went and did some errands. I came home left the truck running while I checked the leak. Now there is no leak. Felt all around. Strangeness. Maybe the new gasket heated up and expands and closed the leak?

 

No idea. At least it’s fixed. Have you put your hand near the flange while it’s running and felt for leaks?

 

Yes that is what I did earlier. Felt all around the flange and now no leaks. Weird if you ask me.