So, yesterday was the third day(non consecutive) which I spent on trying to get one damn nut off my catalytic converter, so I can put my world sport 2 on it. Well, no matter what I did, i couldnt get it off. I even had my dad help me. We even used a tool for stripped nuts, which ended up stripping it more.

So, what am I to do now? I could either take it to a shop and see if they can get it off, but I don't know how much they would charge, and if it would be worth it.

Another idea that popped in my head was to get a brand new catalytic converter. Now, where would I get a decent one for not a whole lot of money? I would need one as a direct bolt in, with the bung hole for the o0 sensor. I have a 98 ex, if that matters at all.

Help..

 

You have to get an angle grinder and completely cut off the rusted to **** nuts, your then left with some studs (more like stubs) with no threads. You can then try to hammer out the studs (there pressed in) or cut them flat and drill them out, and replace them with some nice stainless nuts and bolts (which is what I did).

Edit: it's absolutely not worth buy a new cat ($400), especially since you have an OEM one

 

1.) call a junkyard and get a used Cat. I don't suggest running a test pipe under any circumstances.

2.) get a CatCo universal one and have a local muffler shop weld some flanges on it. Bolt on.

3.) use vice grips and a breaker bar to break the nut loose. I've never met an exhaust nut/bolt that I couldn't break loose - or just break, which is almost as good.

4.) cut, drill, set self on fire, repeat. Watch those sparks...****'s hot I've set myself on fire on accident before, just throwing that out there in a precautionary way

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Archidictus &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">1.) call a junkyard and get a used Cat. I don't suggest running a test pipe under any circumstances.</TD></TR></TABLE>

junkyards dont sell smog equipment anymore, its illegal...well in CA it is anyway

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by beaneg6 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

junkyards dont sell smog equipment anymore, its illegal...well in CA it is anyway</TD></TR></TABLE>

As in Utah.

 

do what "SICONES" said, you can buy a good angle grinder for $20

 

I also can't get the other 4 bolts that hold the heat shield in place. They are rusted to hell as well.

What exactly is an angle grinder?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Partizan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What exactly is an angle grinder?</TD></TR></TABLE>

So Honda-Tech works for you but Google doesn't? Stop being lazy

 

heat the nut up good with a torch.

 

Get some good penetrating lube and let that sit for 15min. If that doesn't work get a drill and a good bit or the angle grinder and cut that ****.

Oh and why does the heat shield need to come off?

 

I used pb blaster, and also some wd40, and that didnt seem to help.

Im not sure if the heat shield neets to come off, probably doesnt. Because if I cut off the nut/bolt, i need to get the new bolt up in there.

 

angle grinder from harborfreight, i have the same one, its GREAT:

 

 

just drill the nuts out

 

Grind them off or use a sawzall. Pop out the remanants of the studs and use stainless 3/8"-16 bolts and lock washers. Just make sure the flange isn't rusted too bad, otherwise file it flat. I did that to the cat on my 94 and 91 civic, and they both live in the 'salt belt', where anything containing iron turns to dust.

 

a lil dremel will work just great. it'll take all but about 5 mins to cut thru the bolt. just get another one for a few cents at a hardware store