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

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by JT1521, Jul 9, 2019.

  1. Jul 18, 2019 at 3:47 PM
    #61
    JT1521

    JT1521 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    How would you do that? Before the flange is the inlet pipe and the hole on that o2 bung is like a half dollar size. I am not seeing that. Help me. lol
     
  2. Jul 18, 2019 at 4:10 PM
    #62
    cruxofthebisquit

    cruxofthebisquit Well-Known Member

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    OME and worth every penny.
    I believe he is meaning just a bung, not a flange for a sensor.

    This seemed like a great idea (still does) but I agree space is tight.

    Maybe move the flanges back a foot or so?
     
  3. Jul 18, 2019 at 4:57 PM
    #63
    goldentaco03

    goldentaco03 Well-Known Member

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    Yeah I'm sure you could find a similar sensor that is a bung style not flange style and would work. Would take some research but would be interesting if it worked. Or maybe you could use the shorter mid-pipe from single cabs and then extent the cat pipe and put a flange style one in.
     
  4. Jul 18, 2019 at 6:33 PM
    #64
    JT1521

    JT1521 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I think I am going to try the split flange, spring bolts new gasket for shits and giggles. I will def need a new gasket so why not see if this works. Problem is Amazon and all other places I have looked for exhaust spring bolts tell me they are not compatible with my 2003 Toyota Tacoma 3.4L. I don't get it. Surely they will work won't they? The ones I show in the picture are often bought with the split flange.

    FYI I passed the inspection the other day. I reset the CEL and then waited for the Emissions readiness Evap System to go from Incomplete to Complete on my OBDII reader using Torque Pro app. Then I ran down to my mechanic buddy and it passed.
     
    Last edited: Jul 18, 2019
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  5. Jul 18, 2019 at 7:42 PM
    #65
    goldentaco03

    goldentaco03 Well-Known Member

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    Spring bolts will work as long as they are the right length and diameter. Only reason Amazon is saying that is cause they’re not oem or linked to your truck in any way. Good luck and let us know what happens.
     
  6. Jul 18, 2019 at 7:48 PM
    #66
    JT1521

    JT1521 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Do you know where I can find elongated bolt and spring kit? I am guessing those bolts won't be long enough so then I would have to compress the spring to be able to get the nut on to tighten.
     
  7. Jul 19, 2019 at 4:35 AM
    #67
    goldentaco03

    goldentaco03 Well-Known Member

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    I’d look on summit
     
  8. Jul 21, 2019 at 1:16 PM
    #68
    JT1521

    JT1521 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Stupid question? Which side should I put the spring bolt on. The flange that is good and then put the nut on up against the new split flange?
     
  9. Jul 21, 2019 at 1:29 PM
    #69
    goldentaco03

    goldentaco03 Well-Known Member

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    Eh shouldn’t really matter. Put a washer under the spring and washer under the nut it and it’ll be the same. There will be an equal and opposite reaction force on both sides so it won’t matter as long as you use a washer to help distribute the force evenly.
     
  10. Jul 21, 2019 at 6:50 PM
    #70
    JT1521

    JT1521 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I am wanting to use this type of hex flange nut instead of the one they gave me in the spring bolt package. What grade should I get? Does it have to be an automotive one? Also what type of washer should I buy? Any washer that will fit? lol I also drew where the washer should go I am assuming.

    Serrated Hex flange nuts.jpg

    Washer location.jpg
     
  11. Jul 21, 2019 at 7:43 PM
    #71
    goldentaco03

    goldentaco03 Well-Known Member

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    Get a washer that will fit but but not go over the shoulder of the bolt. Grade isn’t super important cause it’s just exhaust stuff. Stainless steel would be ideal or some zinc plated steel. I’d put washers on both sides just to be safe. One under the head of the bolt and one under the nut.
     
  12. Jul 21, 2019 at 8:00 PM
    #72
    JT1521

    JT1521 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    If you look at the picture of the spring bolts I am using you will see that the head is basically a washer.
     
  13. Jul 22, 2019 at 4:34 AM
    #73
    goldentaco03

    goldentaco03 Well-Known Member

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    Yeah it’s a flange bolt. Depending on how rotted your exhaust is adding a washer might help it have a better grip.
     
  14. Jul 22, 2019 at 2:22 PM
    #74
    JT1521

    JT1521 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I gotcha. Well I just bought 2 flange nuts to put on the end of the spring bolt and when I got home I noticed they were smooth and not serrated ones. Sighs. Is that a big deal or should I definitely get some serrated nuts so they tighten better to the washers?
     
  15. Jul 22, 2019 at 2:32 PM
    #75
    goldentaco03

    goldentaco03 Well-Known Member

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    The springs will preload the nut and bolt. I wouldn’t be super worried about it loosening as long as things are the right length.
     
  16. Jul 22, 2019 at 3:51 PM
    #76
    JT1521

    JT1521 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Well here is the setup I will be going with. Obviously imagine another flange connected to it lol

    IMG_0787.jpg
    IMG_0788.jpg
     
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  17. Jul 23, 2019 at 1:20 PM
    #77
    austinsdad99

    austinsdad99 Well-Known Member

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    Oddly enough my cel went off over a week ago and hasn’t returned yet. Yet I say.
     
  18. Jul 23, 2019 at 1:23 PM
    #78
    eon_blue

    eon_blue Okayest Member

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    If it's the P0420 then it will come back. Mine played the on/off game for several months before finally staying on full time until I replaced my cats. That was 1.5 yrs ago and been good since.

    I know nobody likes to hear that the cats are likely bad but it's definitely a possibility. Although if you don't need to worry about smog then you have cheaper options.
     
  19. Jul 23, 2019 at 1:25 PM
    #79
    austinsdad99

    austinsdad99 Well-Known Member

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    Yea mine has done that but it would stay off roughly 40 miles or so and I could almost guess to the minute when it would pop back on. However I’ve driven over a week. I know it will return sooner than later.
     
  20. Jul 23, 2019 at 1:47 PM
    #80
    JT1521

    JT1521 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Check for a leak at the exhaust/cat flange. If you feel air ya got a leak. I will attempt to fix mine this weekend and let you know how it turns out.
     

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