Former User

Post pictures.

Former User

Three related threads merged.

Former User

Do you mean CEL code P0141?

Is this code still thrown after resetting the ECU?

alpinegroove

Sorry, it's P0141.

After resetting, the code was gone for about a week, then came back.

Former User

Ohm test the heater element of the secondary O2 sensor (part #9 in post #12).

Former User

Do you mean nuts or studs or both? Again, post clear pictures.

alpinegroove

Sorry, I mean nuts. Here is a photo. I don't have anything to compare this against, but I suppose they are not as rusty as they get...

What's a good way to get to the lower second one from the right? Not a lot of space to maneuver down there.

Former User

Wire brush clean and then soak in PB Blaster - you probably won't have a problem removing the nuts.

Do you anticipate limited access with a socket and ratchet? If so, use a box wrench or ratcheting box wrench. Or a socket universal joint set:

alpinegroove

Yes, I was referring to socket and ratchet. I'll try with a box wrench.

So as long as the studs don't break or strip, I should just leave them in there?

I don't have to worry about the studs' torque if all I am doing is removing the nuts?

Former User

For using a socket, also see universal joint set in my last post. This way you can use a torque wrench when reinstalling the nuts.

Yes

Yes. The studs just need to be snug anyway.

alpinegroove

Thanks for all the advice. I will report back next weekend...

alpinegroove

Do you know if the entire unit can be pulled out from the top or would I have to do it from under the car?

Former User

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Remove O2 sensors (also soaked in PB Blaster); don't damage wires or connectors and clean oil from wires when removed.

Remove exhaust nuts

Replace gaskets

alpinegroove

I was concerned about the manifold / catalytic converter not clearing the AC pipes.

Former User

Shouldn't be a problem with the shields and O2 sensors removed. The low side A/C pipe near the valve is flexible and can be pushed a bit toward the condenser. Just take your time.

dazebreak

Hi for what it is worth, I replaced my manifold / cat on my 1997 LX Sedan, and I unbolted the old manifold / cat, used the included gasket, and didn't remove the studs.

I just bolted the new one on and used the torque specs from the book. It is a little bit of a pain finding the right combination of socket extensions and / or sockets to get at all the nuts when installing, but not the end of the world.

I reused my O2 sensor, after soaking it in vinegar then blowing it out.

The code I had was from the leaky exhaust manifold, so my old O2 was ok.

Passed smog no problem...

As far as rusty bolts, if you can take a brass brush and some WD-40 and scrub them up so a nut can go on smoothly, great. If they are so rusty they don't function or their integrity is degraded, replace.

I'm in California also, so I feel your pain on the cost of a cat around here!

One more thing, it has been a few months, but when I removed my old manifold, I was able to sqeeze it out once all the bolts were removed. I didn't have to take out a bunch of other stuff.

94EG8

Those nuts aren't really that rusty, they should come off easily enough. They aren't the proper nuts though. The original nuts had 6 cuts in them. IIRC the replacement nuts don't have the cuts, but they also don't look like the ones pictured either.

alpinegroove

Did you put in an OEM or aftermarket manifold / cat?

I don't have a lot of tools, so hopefully I'll be able to find the right combination.

My CEL code has to do with the secondary sensor, so I might need to replace it. Code P0141.

How important is the torque on the bolts that connect the cat to the exhaust pipe?

Should I be as careful about those as I am about the manifold nuts?

alpinegroove

I am not the first owner, and I wonder if this manifold has already been replaced once.

Do you suggest using new nuts?

tekfoc

sure did try. but could not find my paper work

alpinegroove

Did they require anything aside from a receipt?

tekfoc

receipt and submission of warranty card in which I did .
they claim it was not in the system .

pityocamptes

Thats why splurging for cert return receipt postage may be worth it... along with copies of the envelope and contents....

94EG8

Yes, but only because they old ones aren't really exhaust nuts, otherwise I normally reuse the old ones.

alpinegroove

Is that a dealer only item?