nope, rick reminds us v8 guys of that every now and then. but hey, at least our valve covers are easy to get to.

 

Again thanks for the suggestions. I've been doing research based on everyone's suggestions. I noticed an "air" sound coming out behind the cab when I'm accelerating. Since the cats are near enough to where the bed gaps with the cab, I'm assuming it's the clogged cat making the noise?

I also spent some time under my truck tonight. I guess the next question is, after removing the clamps/hangers on either side of the cats, how the #$% do I remove them? They seem to be just pressure fit between the muffler and pipes from the engine but I'm not sure how far they need to be pulled and/or if I need to disconnect what looks to be the O2 sensors. I'm thinking a chain-style plumber's wrench to twist them so they slide better. Ideas? This will be first-time exhaust work for me.

Also, I think after gutting them I'll try the anti-fouler trick but not sure if it'll work on this system. The O2 sensors that I think I'm supposed to fool are connected to small-diameter pipes coming out of the back-end of the cats. There looks to be a sensor on each before they connect to a Y that heads back somewhere up front. My Haynes manual implies that some of the 96 models had pre and post sensors so I'm assuming this one does. Does this sound like the right place?

I should have taken pics...I'll try and remember for next time underneath.

Thanks again!

 

Welcome to DF

 

if you can afford gas for a V10 you should be able to afford some new cats

 

at night when the truck is running does the cat look like its giving off a glow? a clogged cat can turn cherry red

 

I haven't noticed a glow, but pounding it with a sledge last night loosened things up enough to improve things a bit so were on the right track. I found a shop that will gut them both for $80 and the truck's there now.

Also, I COULD afford the gas when I bought it in 96 but life changes and so has my finances. I couldn't afford the payments on a gas for guzzler trade in either.

 

i own a 2000 v-10 and i straight piped mine all the way through no cats and it doesnt set off my check engine light but watch it its loud

 

and that is your egr vaulves i believe that you are seeing and everyone that i asked said it would be fine so i went on and so far my truck runs the same

 

Just picked it up. That fixed the problem and scan guage already showing improved gas mileage. Thanks everyone for your help!

 

Oh, also, no check enigne codes. Weird?