Ok, so just found out that I need a new radiator and ball joints, theres a cool $1500. So I guess Ill be tackling the cat and o2 sensors myself to save some cash. I understand the basic concept, just could use a few pointers. What exactly do I need? I cant figure out how many o2 sensors I need. Some people say theres 2, some say 4. I got under the truck and only saw 1 before the cat, nothing after. As far as a replacement cat, I come up with thousands of results when I search for one. Some are $150, some are $1500. Ive even seen universal ones, and ones with adapters for the o2 sensors. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Im a little overwhelmed I guess, but Im determined to tackle this thing! Thanks a lot guys.

 

Oxygen sensors read the fuel mixture in the exhaust and send the information to the computer. The computer then adjusts the fuel mixture. By not replacing faulty oxygen sensors, you can expect that your check engine light will eventually come on accompanied by erratic idle and poor running.

Fact: My Dakota didn't idle properly... a few hundred miles later, bam! CEL. Scanned codes, found 2 faulty oxygen sensors.

Does it hurt to change them before a CEL? No. I recommend changing them regardless at around the 80k to 100k mark. They are consumable items -- as in they do wear out.

Oxygen sensors are rated for ~80,000 miles. I've seen them last 30k to 200k. Depends on quality of fuel and driving/idling habits.

Oxygen sensors are expensive, but they play a big role -- especially on California emission vehicles.

How to tell if you have a cali emissions? 4 oxygen sensors due to "V" config. 1 close up to the header/collectors and 1 downstream or after the cat on both sides of engine. = 4 o2 sensors.

Not cali? 1 downsteam on both cats. = 2 o2 sensors.

Are they hard to replace on this engine? No. A large ViseGrip with some PB Blaster can get them off rather easily. If you want to go the correct method, get an o2 sensor remover.

Like this one:


Or your local autoshop (eg: AdvanceAuto, AutoZone) has lender tools. Or if you know a mechanic/shop that is willing to lend you the tool for a couple hours, you can do that too. Be creative.

 

I bought one of those sockets at Auto Zone, I think it was like 9 or 10 bucks-well worth the money.

 

Instead of trying to count O2 sensors just look under the hood at the emissions label, if its a Cal. truck it will say this vehicle complies with federal and california emissions, if not it will just say federal emissions.

 

Wow! you guys are frigin awesome! This stuff is gold! Thanks for all your help! Im gonna tackle it this weekend.

 

Ok I just got under the truck and here's what I found. The headers come down and there's one sensor where they join, then they go over to the cat. There's one sensor there as well. Then one cat and then the muffler. There is only one cat and no sensors after the cat. Does this sound right? Also, I see nothing abt cali emmisions under the hood.

 

Sounds F'ed to me. Hack job. What is it ? A V10. Okay, I'll see what your suppose to have, hang on a minute.

 

Yea, you have a 3 way, - just 2 forward O2 Sensors. 2001 Work Shop - F350 "10"



Eggy flavored Oder -

 

So he would be able to order a universal cat and replace it then right?

 

If it's 3 way compatible. I know the two and three way are different. The three way has a storage , -stores gases more or less. I imagine once it fails to do so and that particular chamber inside the converter plugs , it's always going to stink lol.

2 ways don't have a storage chamber. In and out, bybyalldone....

I'm guessing his converter is bad, like most of you mentioned, I believe. I'm sure he could search for options.

 

Look here under "Unwanted reactions"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalytic_converter

 

Well either way you look at, the converter is what is making the egg smell... So OP, change the converter and problem solved. I'm just not sure what converter you need now.

 

Thanks a lot man! You really went above and beyond on this one. I'm gonna call the dealer on monday and check into the 3 way cat. Those diagrams were a big help too, so thanks again. Ill post what happens

 

No problem, - it wasn't a big deal really. I just thru in a Ford workshop (Oasis) DVD~ 2000 - 2004 covering your model. A tech/user on this site sent me quite a few of these, but you can get them online @ the Ebay site. They come in handy.

I bet that one cat is expensive

Let us know.

 

Get this! Ive been calling around to get a new cat. Checked the dealer, $2,600. Midas muffler, $2,200. Advanced auto, $1400. Somethign is off here! I know cats are expensive, but holy hell! The local auto parts stores all sell universal cats as well. But they said that they may not be able to handle the exhaust volume from my truck. Could somebody pleasssseee find me a cat?! The universals are abt $275, which is much easier on my wallet! Thanks again
Steve