Cat converter Question...

If this has been asked before sorry, I searched but didn't see anything...

Got one of my second (?) cats stolen off my truck last night. V6, looks like there are two per side. They got the small one right under the driver door, I thought it was just a resonator but google tells me otherwise.

Either way, they got that and nicked the black wire on what I think is the downstream o2 sensor.

Aside from throwing codes, am I going to do damage driving this until my insurance (hopefully) gets this replaced?

 

I had a Cat get plugged up on a Vette one time. I would think too much back pressure is more harmful then less back pressure on an engine. Here are a couple of options to consider once it is repaired (Cat shield or a Y Pipe). Y Pipe deletes the secondary Cats.

https://catshield.com/products/millercat-2016-2021-toyota-tacoma-3-5l-4x4-cat-shield™

https://urdusa.com/urd-mark-2-y-pipe-tacoma-2016-v6/

 

Mine isn't plugged... It is gone. lol
I am just asking if running around with 1 less cat and basically one side straight piped will cause damage

 

You *may* find yourself in limp mode.

And annoyingly noisy mode.

But I dont think anything will 'blow up'

Call your carrier. Your policy may allow you a rental car. Your carrier is open 24/7, no reason to wait.

 

Will your insurance do a reimbursement? Could take in to a dealer or other repair shop, put on cc, then pay off with check from insurance. Just a thought.

 

I just don't get the psychology of risking jail time for a stupid cat.

Not sure how these trucks exhaust system works, but usually, the O2 sensors are centered around the primary cat, so the loss of the secondary cat, does not affect any readings or shouldn't. It seems crazy that there are that many cats. And you have one secondary cat stolen and the other side is still there, then your back pressure is unbalanced and that could cause codes and engine running issues. Just found a pic.

 

Damn, sorry to hear that OP.

 

Haven't talked to them yet, going to later today.

 

Yeah, my concern is having one gone and the other there. But from what I have read, the cats really don't restrict much, which is why removing them really has shown no increase in performance.
But, I only know enough to get myself in trouble lol
Depending on what my insurance does (and local laws), I may just take the money, kill the other secondary cat on the other side, drop pipe in there and do new system from there back.

 

I actually have to wait for my ex-wife to wake up and get the insurance info from her because I can't find my card lol.

 

The likelihood of getting caught for them is probably low. They are probably more focused on getting a quick fix. On top of that, the punishments/likelihood of actual punishment and things probably do not outweigh the benefits for them.

 

I test drove the truck around the block. Pretty much undrivable. Thing struggles to accelerate up to 35MPH speed limit around my place.
*sigh* Ass holes could have at least not cut my o2 sensor wire!

 

That may be the result of your O2 sensor not interacting with the ECU...rather than the cat being absent. Can you fix the wires?

 

Urd makes a cross over ypipe that will eliminate those cats that were stolen + give you better clearance under your transfer case cross member

 

That is what I was assuming. Wire was cut right at the base so I may be able to solder it back on but will have to pull it to figure that one out.

 

I was actually looking at this earlier. Gonna cost me less than having a new cat installed. Not sure how legal they are in TX though

 

Side note, I just found out that my insurance (Progressive) screwed up a SECOND time and I still don't have comprehensive coverage, so this is coming out of pocket.

 

I was trying to state less back pressure should not cause engine damage. Must be very loud though. I am considering a bolt on Y Pipe for use when I am not going through emission testing. I am all for saving the planet, but I am also for saving my truck from damage.

 

Gotcha, I read that wrong lol

 

Ouch!