97 escort exhaust replacement

[Rickottman]

Ok i got a 97 ford escort lx love the car 176k miles and still runs very good but ive been replacing things that have nevr been replaces such as fuel filter trans filter struts and i am going to do some exhaust work like replacing the converter and O2 sensors. is there any way to test if these should be replaces or should they just because there is so many miles? i can use a scanner on the car. thanks guys

[Davescort97]

You can test the converter by checking the engine vacuum. If it is above 16 inches your exhaust system is all right. If it's not above 16 inches either the converter or your muffler is plugged up. You can test for which by disconnecting the exhaust system just behind the converter. If the vacuum is 16 inches or more the muffler is plugged up. There really isn't any reason to replace the converter if it isn't plugged up.

I don't have an emissions manual so couldn't tell you how to check the oxygen sensor. It is reccomended that it be changed every 60 thousand miles. If your fuel mileage is at least 28-31mpg and your scanner doesn't show a code for the O2 sensor it is probably all right. If you have any doubts about it, go ahead and replace it.

[Rickottman]

yeah well i thought with 176k i should change the cat and sensors but i guess ill try the vac test on it i kinda hope it is bad so i can switch everything and get some more power and gas milage thanks Dave!!