Fix your Catalytic Converter for $10?

Published 2023-08-09
Mike goes over the pros and cons of different catalytic converter fixes for a 2007 Lexus is250... but this applies to any modern car.

Joe the Cheapskate: youtube.com/@JoeTheCheapskate

00:00 Intro
00:23 The Problem
00:54 Diagnosis
01:48 Options
02:49 Recommendation
03:33 Don't Do This
04:27 The Work
08:09 Close

Mike the Backyard Mechanic (not a real mechanic) works on his cars in his garage (not actually his backyard) and shows how to do repairs and mods, often not correctly, for your entertainment. Mike is not a REAL mechanic, he has common knowledge. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Mike.

All Comments (21)
  • @sb5253
    I always pull my engine out to check the oil level
  • @DouniaYousif
    Tried it and last Saturday (8/6/2023) my Smog PASSED!! Thank you!
  • This trick has been well known. This is really only possible for downstream cats, not for air/fuel (upstream) sensors. This will many times help keep the code from coming back, but if the cat is actually clogged, it won't help with engine performance and other problems that come with a clogged cat.
  • @twintarbos
    Thank you for this video, I'm glad I know how to avoid accidentally doing this now to drive my old car in California, really saved me from that blunder
  • @Samael-Metzger
    Freaking hilarious and incredibly helpful if you can "read between the lines"! Thank you for showing me with great detail what NOT to do! I "didn't" do what you recommended me 'not" do and it resolved my problem..
  • @gutierrezc8709
    I did that sensor spacer to my 2014 Mustang back in 2014 when I straight piped it. It worked perfectly.
  • @tombanes
    This works great. I did this 10 years ago and used the 90 angle adapters with it on a 2004 Golf. My coil pack keep cracking causing misfires causing permanent damage to my CAT. After 2 coil packs , you need OEM by the way, and 2 CAT pipes I did this.
  • @stevesmith756
    I did the same on a 01 Honda accord. Drove it with the spark plug fouler for another 100k before I sold it. No code and passed every check 👍 Eff Ca!!
  • @darrylmcleman6456
    The extender worked for me for about a month then P0420 code came back.The nearest repair shop told me there was no law against replacing the cat with a straight pipe here in my corner of rural Canada! cheers from here!
  • @therustichandyman
    I literally just watched this out of curioslty. Keep up the videos! Very entertaining (and informative:). You'll do well at this.
  • @nofear1999
    I soldered a resister and capacitor near the plug that also fixed the problem and wouldn't be noticed on an inspection.
  • @waiakalulu7544
    That iPhone screen tool is soooooo nice! I loved how you put it at the bottom of the box to build up the tension and intrigue. At first I was, like, wah? Then, I was, like, "Daayammmm!"
  • @NeonElixr
    I did the same trick about 10 years ago. I found it on the Mitsubishi Lancer forums. Using a spark plug fowler did the trick!
  • @joshuameldru4004
    Awesome, just awesome!! Thanks for sharing this and I won’t be doing this. I’m so glad you showed us what we shouldn’t ever do
  • @PirxthePilot
    Spark plug non fouler trick is as old as dirt but it does work well. The key is not to offset the secondary O2 too much so you get " secondary O2 sensor too slow " it has to be in the flow but not see the whole flow. Thanks to all cat thefts occuring around that is the only reasonable repair mode for older and worn out vehicles. Edit: For anyone wondering - my daughter catalytic converter was stolen along both O2 sensors right in front of the college dorm. I had to rent the trailer and haul the vehicle 250 miles home. I purchased a replacement cat (not oem) and sensors - it lasted 10 months before CEL - cat efficiency code was lit again . Yes my daughter is still in the same dorm 250 miles from home . Should I spend $1000 for an OEM cat that will be stolen again? I'll set up "go fund me page" for the ones that think I should do so 😂 - and finally fix it right...
  • @simms196
    Works great. I already did this to my 2013 Subaru Outback with 305K miles. It's been almost a year now.
  • @benjones9060
    I swear I didn't follow your instructions and put this on my car. My car is not now passing inspection. And I am definitely not driving my car with this "fix". 😉🤭
  • @mikecarr1484
    We used to do this as common practice at a muffler shop i worked at. Keeps the warranty good . Meaning they never come back with that code again. Running mine 10 years now. Same cat..
  • @acura318ls
    Cataclean does work. My driver's side cat was clogged and had no power. About a little over a year is now back on. So here i am throwing another bottle to pass the emissions test 😁
  • I did this for a friend. On a Chevy pickup. Plenty of room. Had I known the there are O2 spacers, it would have saved me some time from drilling it out. Thanks for the info. Now my Cadillac has the the P420. It has less room, so I will look for the O2 spacer. This will save me about $1,200.00 + installation for just one. Catalytic converters are not sold in CA. Some stations don't do a thorough inspection. Thanks Mike.