I have to replace the head pipe on my 98 accord 4 cyl. It looks to be a no brainer until I get to the converter. The studs on the converter are rusted to the point that I will have to cut them off. I was wondering if anyone knows if they are welded on or are screw in studs? I guess I could try to drill them out but I was wondering if anyone had any experience with them. I hate to pay for a new converter when this one works fine. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

They are screw in studs. 9 times out of 10 you will have to cut them off and drill them out of the cat flange. It's usually better this way as you can then use a regular nut and bolt setup.

 

Honda actually uses a special tool to get these bolts off. The catalytic converter heats up so tremendously that it almost glues the bolts onto the studs. Cut, drill, replace. That will work just fine.

 

Thanks guys, I figured that would be the way to go. I just wanted to see if anyone had any special tricks. Thanks again.