Ford GSA--Green MRE wrapper and accessory pack so it counts

[CARNAC]

I got a GSA Auction 2008 Ford Pickup. While cleaning it out I found MRE stuff and other chump change stuff to make it extremely likely it came from a nearby base.

It ain't green but it appears to have been used by the green machine. Unfortunately, it's gas but it went cheap at the auction. Any Ford mechanics here to ask gasser specific questions to (especially about catalytic converters)?

 

[Jeepsinker]

What do you need to know about them?

 

[gimpyrobb]

All you need to know is cut them out and replace with exhaust pipe! Make sure you take them to the recycle center for $$$$$$$.

 

[Jeepsinker]

That works when you live in an area where there is no emission testing like where I live. We are working on a proper solution now.

 

[WILDBOY6X6]

You can remove them if your state (or area) does not have smog tests about catalytic converters

 

[wheelspinner]

I had to replace mine on my ME350A1. Rockauto it was inexpensive for a right-fit, not universal. HUGE difference! You can tell by the smell of the exhaust if its bad.

 

[NDT]

What codes is it throwing? In TX removing the cat will get you into an endless cycle of dealing with crooked inspection stations. Better to fix it right. Agreed with Rockauto for cats, much cheaper than local sourced and oem quality. Make sure the engine is not misfiring or your new cat will melt in short order!

 

[papabear]

I agree, better to fix it right. Some states even have huge fines for removing converters.

 

[Warthog]

I replace a cracked converter on my free suburban. Ordered it from AdvanceAuto. The cost was 1/3 of the dealer price.

You can find good coupons on google. http://www.retailmenot.com/view/advanceautoparts.com

The brand is MagnaFlow and is a direct bolt on. It did require a little tweaking to fit.

If your truck is an F250 with the 5.4L:

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...60/10605019-P?searchTerm=catalytic+converters

 

[VPed]

If you order from Rockauto, there is always a discount code available, usually for 5 % off. If you need it, I can find one and send it to you.

 

[Gunzy]

What codes do you have. I could be an O2 sensor and not a cat.

 

[CARNAC]

Naw, won't remove the CAT's expect to change them. Figure a MAGNAFLOW bolt it CAT will work? Misfires were corrected by pulling and cleaning the very dirty coil packs and sealing them with dielectric gell. No more codes from there in over 500 miles which included some pretty wet weather we had recently. Looking at it's maintenance record, it had a head gasket change that included replacing the spark plugs at 45000 (it was 67000 when I bought it). Not sure what they replaced them with but hopefully not the same 3piece style that break. Fingers crossed they were the newer one piece.

Only code coming up which was there since I got it and still remains is a P0420 (bank 1 CAT inefficiency).

 

[Jeepsinker]

Check and see if the truck has an inline fuel filter on the frame rail before you do anything else. If it does, change it. Most times a plugged fuel filter will throw lean codes or oxygen sensor codes, but sometimes will throw cat codes, although usually for both cats. Other than that just stick with what we Pm'd about.
Edit: if you use the magnaflow it should work without issue.

 

[Gunzy]

If they had coolant going through the exhaust from the head gasket and didn't replace the O2 sensors they will have problems. You may replace the B1S2 O2 sensor and retest before a cat. If you have access to a scanner look at the voltage on that sensor. If it is fluctuating as fast as the B1S1 sensor the cat is bad.

 

[NDT]

Bank 1 cat is melted. Replace it.

 

[CARNAC]

Replaced the cats and it passed and it runs and the engine check light is off and been off for over a week. So now I got a non-green iron former range ops vehicle. Happy days.

 

[Jeepsinker]

Good deal. Glad you got it up to snuff. You should know that those trucks are problem ridden though. I'm sure you've already done your research.

 

[NDT]

Great! Lesson learned: If the check engine light flashes, (misfire) shut the engine down and get towed, or plan on replacing cat(s). Cat can melt in a few miles of driving, ask me how I know.

 

[goldneagle]

Congrats on your new acquisition. So where are the pictures?