Subject vehicle: 1996 Toyota Tacoma Pickup 4x4 DLX / Motor 4 cyl 2694cc 2.7 Litre

3RZ-FE RZN - Check Engine Light - Code P0420



In October of 2013 (10 years ago) the Check Engine light came on and it threw a code P0420 which we all know what that means. At that time truck had about 120,000 miles on it. At that time I replaced most of the exhaust system from Cat Converter on back. For Cat Converter I used aftermarket unit, Walker Model 15826 Ultra EPA Catalytic Converter. Also replaced the two sensors using Denso 234-4126 (upstream and downstream uses same sensor). Used Walker gaskets 31585. After the installation of these parts the code was gone. But now, of late, the truck now has 175,000 miles, getting the same P0420 code, which likely the Cat Converter needs replaced. The Walker unit mentioned is aftermarket unit, so I did not expect that it would last as long as a Toyota factory unit (which is very costly), but Walker is a good name brand. The Walter aftermarket Cat unit had a 25,000 mile catalytic performance warranty and 50,000 mile structural integrity warranty. At 175,000 miles on the truck now and 10 years later we are long out of warranty, so I guess that I got my moneys worth.



Anyway, I have resigned myself to the fact that I will need to replace the Cat unit and may just buy another Walker unit (open to any suggestions that anyone may be willing to offer). But, from some reading that I have done some say that you can "clean" the Cat unit so I would like to try that and see what happens. It will be an off-vehicle cleaning, the unit is already off, like in a 5 gallon bucket, soak it in something for several days. Will not have much money in trying to clean, whatever the cleaning product costs, but I think I would like to try cleaning the Cat unit. Anyone ever done this? What did you use to clean the unit, what did you soak it in and for how long?



Also, anyone have any idea what the above mentioned used Walker Cat unit would be worth at the salvange yard? Have a local salvage yard that I can ask, not sure that I trust them too much so would like to ask others about that. So, anyone? Any opinions here chime in. Thank you.