Cat or O2 Sensor Problem?
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: D-town, PA
Cat or O2 Sensor Problem?
I have a 1998 Ram 1500 with approx 147K miles. Original Cat. Not sure when the o2 sensors were done last, if at all. Truck idles fine but just started to buck/shudder when driving at a low speed (1K to 2K rpms). I have not tried to drive the truck other then around the driveway-really dont think it will go that fast with this problem. No check engine lights. I pulled the up stream O2 sensor and the truck ran alot better! I left the sensor connected but just hanging. The O2 sensor looks like the carbon fouled example in the DIY section. Is this signs of a clogged cat or bad O2 sensor?
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Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Baileyton Alabama
I could be way off, but my guess would be bad cat. Being that it ran better with the o2 sensor removed but still plugged in. However if it's carbon fouled it might be worth replacing it along with the cat. Hopefully someone else with more knowledge can give you some better insight....
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From: D-town, PA
The plenum gasket was replace when I had other work done, not a result of the old gasket failing. I dont believe it was spewing oil to clog the cat. Wouldn't my o2 sensor be dark oily look if it was failed due to oil? My o2 sensor is pure white- carbon. I was thinking of doing another test later today. I will unplug the o2 sensor but keep it screwed in. If the engine stubles/bucks like it did before I can assume the cat is clogged. Sound right?
My first test, I kept the 02 sensor wire attached but unplugged from the cat. I could drive down the road, with the very nice sound of loud exhaust, whereas I could not before.
My first test, I kept the 02 sensor wire attached but unplugged from the cat. I could drive down the road, with the very nice sound of loud exhaust, whereas I could not before.
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From: NH
The plenum gasket was replace when I had other work done, not a result of the old gasket failing. I dont believe it was spewing oil to clog the cat. Wouldn't my o2 sensor be dark oily look if it was failed due to oil? My o2 sensor is pure white- carbon. I was thinking of doing another test later today. I will unplug the o2 sensor but keep it screwed in. If the engine stubles/bucks like it did before I can assume the cat is clogged. Sound right?
My first test, I kept the 02 sensor wire attached but unplugged from the cat. I could drive down the road, with the very nice sound of loud exhaust, whereas I could not before.
My first test, I kept the 02 sensor wire attached but unplugged from the cat. I could drive down the road, with the very nice sound of loud exhaust, whereas I could not before.
The cat is clogged if it ran good with the o2 unscrewed from it.
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From: D-town, PA
Thanks ZMan- thats is what I suspected and wanted a confirmation. The truck is getting a new cat as I type this. The guy at the muffler shop said I should have been on my second cat by now. I am the original owner of this truck and it was never replaced. It have 144K miles on her now. I guess I got my monies worth
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Thanks ZMan- thats is what I suspected and wanted a confirmation. The truck is getting a new cat as I type this. The guy at the muffler shop said I should have been on my second cat by now. I am the original owner of this truck and it was never replaced. It have 144K miles on her now. I guess I got my monies worth
Guy at the muffler shop said I was doing good and that mine was original.
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From: NH
Thanks ZMan- thats is what I suspected and wanted a confirmation. The truck is getting a new cat as I type this. The guy at the muffler shop said I should have been on my second cat by now. I am the original owner of this truck and it was never replaced. It have 144K miles on her now. I guess I got my monies worth
Make sure the plenum gasket is not blown again. Or you'll ruin the cat. And put new o2 sensor's in it also. Denso or NTK's , if they are not working correctly and it runs rich, that will also destroy the cat again.