Catalytic Converter on XJ

49erRider

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 20, 2005
Location
Indian Land
Ok 2000 XJ. Catalytic Converter has gone bad but hey thats normal on these after 100k so no biggie.

I plan on buying the magnaflow direct fit.

My question is how realistic is it that I can change this out myself? Is it going to be impossible to get the old one off?

Just unbolt the clamps and slide in out right? Sounds a lot easier than it is i'm sure.

Thanks

Brad
 
Should be that easy, but rust/corrosion will make it more difficult. Still just an easy R&R operation. Go get some PB Blaster Penetrating Lubricant and soak the bolts down the night before you plan to tackle it, and again before you start, will make it much easier. You also may need to get a few extra bolts in case you break them, and maybe new gaskets depending on the design.
 
Have dremel tool or air cutting wheel handy.
Cutting the Cat pipes at the base of the cat may make it easier to remove the pipe ends without wrecking the pipe ends you need to keep in tact.
Also if the pipe clamps are badly rusted, cutting them off can be a lo easier than spinning off frozen nuts. At least that is my experience removing exhaust components.
I have 168K on my 99 XJ. Haven't killed the cat yet. But the muffler died about 2 days after we drove the 800 miles to move down here from MA.
 
Ok that does make sense. I probably will just cut the cat out then remove the pipes. I'm going to PB blaster the clamps everyday for a few days before. Does the 02 sensor just unscrew out?

Thanks
 
If you have a torch, cut off the clamps, heat the flange up real good (kinda glowing) and it will come off pretty easy. If no troch, see above post. Oh and it will be extremely hot so don't grab where you heated it or anywhere close without proper PPE.
 
ramrock4x4 said:
Ok that does make sense. I probably will just cut the cat out then remove the pipes. I'm going to PB blaster the clamps everyday for a few days before. Does the 02 sensor just unscrew out?

Thanks
Click to expand...
Yes, go ahead and soak it with PB also, then just unplug it, and screw it out.
 
I say screw it and take it to a shop. The place i use in lexington, has always been able to sell and install components cheaper than I can buy just the part for anywhere else. BTW, Walt's Radiator and Muffler on main street, can't miss it.
 
When I took mine off the clamps had been tightened so much it basically creased the outer pipe to the smaller pipe so I had to split the sides to get it off.
 
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