IsFast3r

iTrader: (2)

Brought the F into lexus to have them look at a check VSC/ check engine light I got over the weekend and was told that there was a bad catalytic converter. I don't remember but was the front Cats original and the Joe Z goes from the front cats back and only eliminates the back two Cats? Just dont want a problem with them replacing the one or both of the front cats under warranty. Little background also, back in march I had the same problem but was told it was a bad O2 sensor which was replaced under warranty. Any help would be great. Thanks guys!

MiiK350

iTrader: (8)

How many miles on your car?

Do you track it?



What code are they getting?
P0430?

Assuming the answers to the first two questions are no, you may need new crush gaskets between your Joe-Z and stock headers.

Double, triple and quadroople check for leaks between your stock headers and Joe-Z exhaust.

IsFast3r

iTrader: (2)

The car's got 18100 miles, never tracked it and they didnt tell me which code came up. I was thinking maybe a seal too cuz I thought I overheard him say perhaps its an exhaust leak.

MiiK350

iTrader: (8)

What did they say the were going to do?

If it is a bad cat, which I doubt, then they can not deny warranty. The primary cats sit on the stock headers before the Joe-Z exhaust.

If it is a leak between the headers and exhaust, they can deny warranty. But thats not a big deal because iirc the gaskets are no more then $14 for the pair.

ShadowISF

iTrader: (10)

With the Joe Z exhaust, you only have one set of cats, and they are located on the headers. I don't see how the Joe Z CAT-BACK exhaust will affect the cats on the headers...

Joe Z

iTrader: (10)

Ditto.. !!!!!!!

Hard to believe the OEM cat would fail this early... I am leaning towards an intermittent exhaust leak.

During install, they shoud never be fully pancacked down.

First step would be to replace both Front Oem Crush Gaskets..

$7 each = Part# 90917-06078

They look like this..




Good Luck,

Joe Z

IsFast3r

iTrader: (2)

I'm hoping its an exhaust leak like you guys are thinking, now is this something the mechanic will just automatically know when I go back and he puts it on the lift? Should I get the oem crush gaskets or are they gunna possibly overcharge me for theirs? Thanks guys!

Joe Z

iTrader: (10)

Consult with your Service Advisor if the Tech is planning on processing your work order as a warranty repair.

If he is, then there should be no cost to you..

If he is not, pick up the gaskets at a Toyota Dealership to save some money..

Then you can find another shop or maybe DIY for gasket swap..

Also, to verify that the CATs did not fail...
While swapping the gaskets, you can inspect the CAT material for possible signs of internal deterioration.

The real key here is NOT to over tighten the bolts that pancake the gasket when installing.
The Torque specs should be 29 ft·lbs

Followed by a simple ECU reset to clear the code : Resetting the ECU on the IS-F


Regards,

Joe Z

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Ah sounds like an issue I had with my other car. I had a P0430 code for the longest time because there was a leak around the catalytic converter. Even with a brand new gasket, it leaked a bit (long story short, aftermarket header screwed up the alignment).

I had to get new gaskets (again), but this time I put on some copper silicone to seal it better. CEL turned off on its own the next day and I haven't seen it for the longest time.