Team, I need your help.

I've installed a new exhaust manifold and a exhaust pipe. During this fun time of mine I had to take off the exhaust pipe several times due to leaking between that and the manifold. It was one thing after another and when it rained, it poured. I finally got it on with some gasket sealer so no more leaking. Fantastic!

Now at idle, I noticed more vibration in the cab and I also notice more motor shake. When I drive, it struggles.

When I go up the hill to my street, I have to put it in 2nd gear instead of 3rd. On the freeway, acceleration is very very poor.

What the hell did I do? It was just the manifold and pipe, no wires no nothing. I did my best to feel around for leaks around the mani but I am not feeling any air escape.

I checked to see if the ignition wires were all plugged in but what else is there since I didn't do much.

Any suggestions? 02 sensor? Looked like rusty hell.

I unplugged the battery
I put in octane booster (thinking it was just a hiccup)
Made sure the wires were all plugged.

What else?

My amazon account is on standby for making orders

 

sounds like a plugged cat, if ou had a good leak the cat didnt have to vent much to get all the emmissions out, now that its all flowing through, the cat cant keep up, if that makes sense

 

I did buy a new gasket for the cat since the old one was rusted and falling apart. That too was leaking when I put the pipe back on. That no longer leaks.

Exhaust flow seems fine, but then again what do I know. Something is choking and I'm stuck here.

Possibly a new cat?

What else

 

new cat and a new o2 sensor, on my s-10 my muffler broke in half and it counldnt vent, was causeing it too pop and backfire because nothing could escape, just an idea

 

o2 sensor is only 30 bucks, not bad. I'm hesitating on getting a new cat.

What else am I missing to tell you guys?

 

Unbolt the exhaust before the cat and see if your problem goes away.

 

The neighbors and po po's will not like that, lol.

I don't get off til 7 tonight, I might just might give that a shot.

 

Talking your way out of a loud exhaust ticket is cheaper than buying a new cat without doing anything to diagnose your problem though.

 

I doubt anyone would give me any trouble for driving around the block, but it is something I must to for diagnostics purposes.

People keep to them selves around my block. I will update later tonight.

Other suggestions are accepted.

 

sounds like you may have a dead or missing cylinder.

 

I've heard silicone is bad news for O2 sensors. See if it's throwing any codes. If a cylinder is not firing you would notice a very horrible vibration and rough idle. To check for it, pull each spark plug wire in turn. If one disconnects with no effect on idle then it wasn't firing in the first place.

 

I don't have a scanner to check for codes but there is no check engine light on (thank god). I just bought an 02 sensor for about 30 bucks and i'm gonna upload a pic of the old one.

So I'm gonna replace that, take it for a spin. If I have the same issue, then i'll unbolt the pipe at the cat and take it around the block again.

Next I was planning to check the spark plugs and wires. They are less then 6 mos old.

I sure damn hope there isn't a cylinder issue. I'm trying to sell this thing and be done with it!

 

And I used Ultra Copper to shut my leaks the F***k UP! GOD!

What was such a simple job has become such a disaster!!!!

 

You don't need a scanner. There's a diagnostic connecter. Inside it are a few terminals. You jump two of them with the key on but engine off. The check engine light will flash a number of times. This number refers to a trouble code. Look up the code based on your year. Codes change between years. The diagnostic connecter is in the engine bay next to the fuse box.

 

o2 sensor replaced. Same thing.

Pipe unbolted from the cat, same thing. ARRRRRH!

What the hell happened! Im calling it a night. Get back on this Monday.

 

I'm thinking that sensor isn't exactly doing wonders. Try the new one, then try it without the cat if problem persists.

 

That o2 sensor looks bunk. Definitely replace it then go from there.

 

You guys are seeing the old sensor. The new sensor is installed and pipe unbolted. Same result, no power. So I don't think the cat is plugged up.

When I drove it around and parked, I noticed a "smell". I am not familiar with it and can cannot describe. Another thing I noticed was that my belts are making a little noise. I don't know if that's plays any significance but thought I throw that out there.

 

Have you tried using Seafoam? Maybe it would help to see if you have any leaks.

 

Nope.

I'm going to see if I can do that diagnostics test tomorrow night or Monday. I really hate to be throwing money at this now.

Great!