Rattling downstream Catalytic exhaust smoke rings blown head gasket,300thousand miles +mile,

Hey what's up fellas? I need some advice.My downstream cat is broken and rattling inside it's "chamber".I've been driving on it.Cant afford the replacement,yet.I can weld,so I may just get the weld on type,but I live in California and the Dems got us by the swingers so the smog regs are strict.2 days ago I noticed that my exhaust pipe was blowing smoke rings.Perfect smoke rings.I actually was laughing for a sec.,but knew it wasn't funny.I drove for a little longer because I was in traffic and needed to find a spot to chill.Radiator was soon empty and that's a big problem as you know.Ive only gone as deep as valve cover gaskets,timing belt replacement,etc.Havnt done valve clearance adj.or any truly technical engine work.But,Im hands on and ready to rock.Do you think I should just go for it and start the teardown and replace the head gaskets myself? Can of worms?Or is it something that a bonafide mechanic should do.Truth be told,Im almost broke.Gotta get to work.Kinda up to my neck like Toulouse Lautrec.

 

In your situation I think a low mile donor motor and swap it in is your best bet.

 

Installing an engine after pulling an engine isn't easier than getting down to the head gaskets is it? My engine still has normal power and sounds great.Its just the gasket,I'm assuming and probably never been done.The catalytic issue isn't a big issue or is it because of its comms with computer in regards to fuel/air ?

 

Installing a full crate engine is WAY less work than doing a head gasket and often cheaper and less waiting for parts. You said you were on a time crunch is part of why I suggested that, a head gasket is also more involved and you would have to take the head to a machine shop to get decked, the 5VZ is an iron block so probably the block is okay but you're taking a gamble not getting it decked either.

I've done both, at 300k your head gasket may be bad today, fix it and your bottom end goes next week.

But you do you.

 

I said I was on a time crunch? Umm,no.I said I'm almost broke.Crate motor would be nice and all,but that's not going to happen this week.Thanks for your opinion,I appreciate it.

 

"Got to get to work" implies you need the truck fixed as soon as possible.