midiwall

So this is my latest collector gasket:

(click for a larger pic)


This is the gasket between the end of the collector and the leadin to the cat. My EGT's are running 1400-1450 tops (as measured at the headers, 4" off of cylinder 5) so things aren't out of control...

This one lasted about 2 weeks, sometimes they last for 3 or at least don't self-destruct like this. I'm getting kinda' bored with spending $3 and 15 minutes every couple of weeks changing these out...

I've got a copper one in there now; it's a 1/4" too small, but it'll last until I figure out what's going on for real.

Any ideas?

PirateFins

I had a probelm like that on my 22re and it turned out to be the Cat was clogged. Replaced the cat and no more destroyed gaskets.

superjoe83

i just put a header on the 4runner and used gaskets from Remflex from what Ive heard they are great, the auto parts store i got them from said that they have not had one set blow out yet, i don't think that they make a collector gasket for your runner, but maybe they can make one if you send them a sample, hope this helps

DudeBud

I had the same problem with paper gaskets went with a copper Mr.gasket and that fixed the problem

midiwall

Now that's interesting... I say so 'cause I'm also having a small issue where the OBD II maintenance indicator for "catalyst" won't clear, even after 200 miles of running and many start/stop cycles. But, the O2 sensors are fine and aren't popping codes, so i was starting to think about the cat anyway.

Any idea on how I can check the cat without cutting it out? I'm torchless so I'd have to take it to someone.


Thanks for the other ideas as well guys.

rimpainter.com

Mark-

My understanding is that the only real way to test our type of cat is by taking pressure readings before and after the actual cat. Obviously that would require tapping, bungs, a welder, and some type of pressure reading devices.

Personally, I would just replace the cat with a Carsound Magnaflow High-flow via ebay anyway. Especially since you are SC'd. So for $57 shipped you get the cat. Then you have a friend or Midas (worse case scenario) weld it in for $75. So for about $130 you have yourself a new high-flow cat and hopefully a solution to your problem.

The other possibility is that the flanges are not flush or flat. Even the slightest gasket weakness at 1400+ degrees is going to eat a gasket, as you know. Could you clamp the top and bottom of the flanges in addition to the bolt/nut combo? Just an idea.

I say Carsound it!

midiwall

:cry: more money? sigh.

"i love my truck"
"i love doing this with my truck"
"i love doing this TO my truck"


Thanks Christian... Considering that I think this cat is original (eek!) it's the best idea.

$57 here I come!

mt_goat

Yeah a good muffler shop can check your cat for you. They burn a little hole before and after the cat, stick in their pressure readers and measure the difference in pressure across the cat. Then they weld up the little holes. The place that installed my muffler didn't even charge me anything to do it.

midiwall

well, I figured that Christian had the right idea.... I just grabbed one of the Magnaflow HighFlows.

I'll have to find a EPA blessed shop (or a buddy learning to weld) to get it installed when it shows up.


Thanks all!

X-AWDriver

My firend had that prob on his Integra header and he just ended up using a steel gasket.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

Cat should have flanges, so it should just bolt in place. I make my own gaskets out of 16oz. copper sheet. Just trace the outline of the gasket onto the copper (I usually make 3 copies), cut them out then laminate them up with high temp RTV in between layers of copper and "dimple" them together with a center punch around the surface. After the RTV sets up, clamp the gasket up between the flanges and it is good to go. Never had one leak and it always fits perfectly. I've had trouble finding off the shelf copper gaskets to fit my 22RE exhaust.

In fact if anyone needs a 2.5" 3-bolt collector flange copper gasket, I have a few extra.