nvrsummer2

I have a truck that just failed smog. I took it to a shop and the guy said the cat was on backwards. I had the original one stolen and a new one put on about 6 mos ago. I was told it was OEM and that it would pass CA smog.

Does direction of the cat matter?

rokblok

iTrader: (1)

Yes. There is usually a direction arrow on the body of the cat to indicate proper direction of flow.

nvrsummer2

So I looked under and from what I can see there is no arrow. Only some numbers stamped into it that are backwards. The short end of the pipe is going to the back and the long part to the engine. Not sure how else to tell. I just dont want to take it to the place that did it just so they can dispute it. Gotta have some proof.
The heat shield is on top though.

MudHippy

Some OEM types have an arrow on top. Though there's no way to install an OEM type backwards, or upside down, or any way except the right way.

CATCO 9023

EC 40258

BOSAL 099210

DEC W0133-1893812

nvrsummer2

My cat was cut off and the new one welded into its place. So the existing pipes were used. Does this look OK? I can get pic of front side tomorrow. Sorry if photo too big!!

nvrsummer2

Anyone have any input? Taking it to the place I had it installed, but want to know if its really backwards.

rworegon

The place that did the work can look at a new one for an arrow or maybe give you manufacturer documentation at indicates it is installed properly (or not).

nvrsummer2

Ok so I took it down and its on right(he showed me), but the guy is saying it needs 2 cats?? Does that sound right to anyone? Sounds like hes trying to charge me more for this.

TheDurk

'96 V6 should be one cat and one cat only. I didn't know Toyota made any weld-in cats. I doubt it is true OEM. If you are in Cali. the shop that put it in has to give you a specific receipt showing exact make and number of cat, don't they?

nvrsummer2

I gotta find the paperwork. Its getting weird now. The guy is telling me I need a pre-cat. We did the first job and he missed it. Then he said he could fix it all up for another $200 IF I PAID CASH?!?! This is getting stressful but I need to fix my truck. I need to see an exhaust diagram so I can see what it looks like. He sent me to a "buddy" at another shop who diagnosed it.

Does anyone know where to find a diagram for the exhaust system on a 96' yota 4Runner SR5, V6. 3.4L?? I need some ammo if im gonna go down and do battle with these guys.

The diagnoser showed me under the hood a sticker that says TWC+TWC which he says measn three way cat x2 is needed. I really need some clarification. If I do need another part of this.

TheDurk

http://www.toyotapartsales.com/parts...iagram=8414215

This is the only system in 1996 V6 4Runners--all 50 states.

The only think I can think of is that they took a two-cat system lower piece and welded it in and the label was added then. Now he wants to make it right by adding a second incorrect piece (the pre-cat). The good news is it will probably work, if he can make it fit. For $200, it's not OEM. But I wonder if putting in a cheap two-piece aftermarket converter might be a good way to get the performance sufficient to pass smog. The bad news is that if the friendly Cali. smog people run your engine group (bunch of letters on emissions label--should be TTY3.42JG1GK) against the installed components, it ain't gonna match.

Go to this site at CARB and put in your vehicle data and it will return all approved aftermarket cats for your truck--all are single cats. Compare that to your receipt or the number on the part. Print out the list and stick it up the nose of these guys.