2001 Intrique

[gene01011]

I have a 2001 with 190+ miles on it. Lately it has been misfiring and loosing power not going over 30 miles ph, so I changed the spark plugs and still doing it. The codes in it says O2 sense bank 1 sensor 1 and bank 1 sensore 2. I was wondering if the O2 sensor could have something to do with this. I was told it could but not a garentee. any thoughts anyone?

[LittleHoov]

Well the sensor in the exhaust manifold shouldnt have much to do with it, its mostly an emissions control that makes sure you have the proper fuel mix, and usually if its faulty youll run rich.

The second sensor however monitors the catalytic conveter to make sure its operating properly.

Im thinking it could very likely be the catalytic converter is clogged up. Try hitting it with something relatively heavy, like a jack handle, and see if you hear anything rattling aorund in there.

[gene01011]

is it hard to replace the cat conv. and should I go a head change the O2 sensors?

[LittleHoov]

Well, the exhaust manifold sensor would be having an effect on your gas mileage, the other one would just be illuminating your check engine light mostly.

Whether or not its hard to replace would depend on your tools, abilities, etc. Basically you would need to cut out and the old one and attach a new, preferably by welding, but clamps would work.

The thing is, at least on my car, what looks like the downpipe is actually a heat shield, and the pipe itself is on the inside and a smaller size. I had someone else replace my cat, and he ended up I believe tack welding the inner pipe to the heat shield, and then welding the new cat to the heat shield. But at the same time I think that was because the cat I brought in was a little big.

If you wanted to replace the cat, I would search ebay for a universal cat, made by Magnaflow or CarSound (same product) and get one with the right size. Id get a smaller round style one, because the oval ones will not fit. The stock one is almost a triangular shape, and the channel it fits up into isnt terribly wide.

If youre like me and dont know a tremendous amount about welding, exhaust piping, yada yada, it might not hurt to seek out a pro. I like the small shops myself, theyre usually cheaper and wont always try to upsell you. They might also be able to tell you if your cat is clogged up.