jimsRX300

I recently replaced my resonator as the weld holding the rear pipe broke off. It was just hanging there! I cut the pipe entering the resonator with my die grinder as to not damage the O2 sensor.

When I tried to cut the welds holding that metal splash guard THE WHOLE THING JUST FELL OFF!!!

Right now I've got a bunch of muffler tape, aluminum HVAC tape and a soup can with hose clamps covering the hole. It works!

BUT... The O2 sensor & hangar are rotted out. They r too far gone to try to replace. Here is what I bought as a replacement off eBay:

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=271208171700

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Lexus RX300 3.0L Direct-Fit REAR Catalytic Converter

Thoughts? Comments? IM NOT BUYING A OEM LEXUS GENUINE REPLACEMENT!! Not for a 13 year old car!! Sorry to those that may be offended.

I'm going to have to cut the bolts for the O2 sensor, carefully. I'll use the dremmel, not my air die grinder.

hypervish

I don't blame you, I'd likely do the same at this age/miles.

I've got an exhaust leak at that same catalytic converter as well, right near the hanger. It's not loud, and its been like this for a few years.

At this point, I don't plan on fixing it. Planning on getting an RX350 in 2 or 3 years max, so no point in spending a decent chunk of money on a minor exhaust leak.

fastnoypi

Kudos to finding a non-OEM solution that would work, if you can do the welding cheap.

looks like that ebay cat has to be welded back as a y-pipe. If i'm not mistaken, it would be #9 on this diagram
http://www.parkplacelexusparts.com/m.../8/8912145.gif

If welding is involved, IMO i would have spent the extra $40 for something like this Walker part 40236 for a bolt on solution.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...nid=370&jpid=7

hypervish

On the chart you linked to, it would be item #11. But in front of the resonator.

The rockauto cat that you linked to is different, it's the one before the last/rear catalytic converter.

Walker does also sell a rear catalytic converter, but it's more expensive at over $200 and also requires welding.

EDIT:
My only concern with the eBay unit is that it may throw a P0420, or similar for catalytic inefficiency. This cheap CAT may not have many precious metals.

fastnoypi

if it is #11 in front of the resonator, The second pic of the ebay cat shows a bung but looks to be for a egr tube. Does the rear most o2 sensor use a different style flange than the front 2 banks? Thanks for the clarification

hypervish

Yes, the bung is for the rear 02 sensor. And, yeah the rear 02 is different from the front two, it uses a flange with one bolt and one nut instead of screwing right in.

fastnoypi

Got to hand it to the OEMs to complicate a simple design to be all fancy
If it was a simple weld-in screw type bung, any universal and most catalytics would work.

jimsRX300

I'm not planning on welding it. I'm just going to use the existing 2 1/2" adapter and muffler sealant to make it work

Worst case, I'll get a craigslist welder guy and just pack heat when I show up!!!

I asked them about it throwing any codes for O2, told me No. They told me, as stated, meets all OBD II standards EXCEPT CA. Will not throw any O2 codes. They have an excellent return policy.

My wife and I have another baby coming in July. I was gonna sell mine and get a perfect specimen 08-09 super low miles but it will have to wait.

jimsRX300

Here is the OLD vs NEW rear catalytic converter





Clearly you can see the differnce

jimsRX300

front with new bolts and carbon gasket





rear attached with a 2.5 inch adapter and 2 2.25 inch clamps


Still no CEL (MIL) after a few weeks. I hit it with an extra coat of 1200 high temp. silver BBQ spray paint.

salimshah

Nice.

I would have turned the clamp so that the bolts do not hang down as they may snag something ... like discarded plastic bag which may stick to the hot exhaust causing a stink and potentially impossible to remove.


Is the new component CA compliant?

Salim

jimsRX300

I read online that although it's not CA emissions, it will pass. It's just not "CA emissions certified".

I'll turn the clamp next chance I get.

glenpointe

I have an identical problem with my 2000 RX300. Tried to remove the O2 sensor, the section from the catalyst converter to the resonator falling apart. Just ordered the part like yours, hopefully it won't set code. Just wondering if the after market pipe fit inside the OEM resonator pipe?

salimshah

Muffler shops have ID expander tools and but-joint sleeves. They are essentially fabricators and can solve any problems you face. If it was up to me, I prefer welds till the rear wheels. Factory unions are OK too. But we have to deal with the situation at hand.

Salim

glenpointe

I bought a welder from HF, but could not weld shxxxxxxt. If I know how to weld, I'd weld the straight pipe between the catalyst and resonator and reuse the O2 sensor flange.