codes p0420 and p1406 on 01 escape?

[blkmonday]

my buddy has a 2001 escape v-6. his check engine lights on so i hooked up my scan tool and got back the following codes p0420 and p1406. the p0420 says catalytic below threshold? so im assuming its saying the catalytic converter is clogged and the o2 sensors are shot. those are the only 2 codes im getting. my buddy says the car runs ok but its lacking power and occasionally stalls. im thinking it sounds like a clogged cat. but dont want to suggest he spends the 400 bucks quoted to him from the muffler shop untill 100% sure. any suggestions? thanks in advance

[rhandwor]

I would loosen the bolts for catalic converter at the front flange allow about 1/2 inch of slack. Pry it apart and use a small block to hold it open. If that solves the problem buy a new converter. Its best to be sure before buying a new unit,

[blkmonday]

i forgot to mention that the code p0420 says bank 1. after researching on the net for the codes i found that this car has 3 cats on it and they are a common problem on these cars. im going to reffer him to go to a dealer. i also read that ford will possibly be issuing a recall on the cats in the near future and that it might be possible to be refunded for the cat as long as everything is documented at a dealer...so that would be good news...if it happens.

[Davescort97]

I've found the easiest way to check for a plugged cat is to put a vacuum gauge on the intake. If it is running 17 inches of mercury or below the cat or cats are probably plugged up. Sometimes the inside of a cat will shell out and plug the muffler. rhandwor has the foolproof method of finding out. I'd put the vacuum gauge on the intake first. Take you all of 5 seconds to see if the exhaust system is plugged in any of its components.