M3rkn

Hi guys, been looking around the forum for different info on what is generally done when the Cat fails. My check engine light came on and the code was for the O2 sensor heater. It didn't tell me if it was bank 1 or 2 so i bought both sensors. Bank 1 looked good when I pulled it out. The metal tip on bank 2 has been decapitated, completely sheared off and where there should be a whole for the new O2 sensor to go, there is the honey comb.

I live in California so its got to be CARB legal. Cheapest I have found a used one is $450 and another for $550. Just wondering what your opinion is on these pricing. Considering I would be purchasing a ticking time bomb.

Another option I am considering is buying one in decent shape or new and keeping it only for SMOG checks and running a HFC the rest of the time.

Bullwings

This is the way.

My OEM cat has a loose core that sheered off my O-2 sensor. I put a defouler on it and still use it for smog checks. I just swap the cat on for smog purposes only and use a testpipe or HFC to actually drive the car. FWIW - also located in California.

cosmomiller

You may find your answer in the post below. I am not convinced your cat has failed. Your issue is the O2 sensor. You may need a bit of a spacer for the new one as the post below describes. Not sure if your honeycomb has shifted but Billman has a good fix with externally driven sheet metal screws to keep it in place.

There is a real nationwide shortage for Cats as the theft market has exploded, especially in California. You might be able to find a Cat online but when it comes time to check on the shipping you will see it marked unavailable. Get the new O2 sensor and re-adjust the cat if needed and see what happens. You might be good to go without a new cat.

Just an FYI, my 2009 goes in for the smog check and all they do is hook it up to the OBDII port. They perform a visual inspection but do not "run" the car or test the emissions.

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-un...ensor-1208769/

M3rkn

Thanks for linking that thread. The honey comb inside the Cat is intact, so it may actually still be salvageable. I will look more into this defouler, that way I can at least use it for SMOG checks and just run a HFC the rest of the time. This will save me some cash for sure thanks again!

boyguan

ive been thinking this too but you can still get hassled for a HFC. i run a TP with brackets for the oem sheild. I wish they would make a TP with brackets

M3rkn

Just wondering did you try to shift the honeycomb back before putting screws in it to hold it in place? Not sure if this would damage it. Mine shifted far enough that it covers more than half of the hole.

M3rkn

Should be able to see how far back it moved here. And since the tip did break off I gotta see about taking it out. Hopefully if I am able to shift the honeycomb back it will be able to fall right out.

darcyw

vibrant makes a nice stainless defouler- I install it on all my converter O2 sensors for peace of mind.
darcy

zeroptzero

post up in the wanted forum for used parts. I used to buy and sell them for like $100 a few years back. New Honda cats are over $1,000 if you can get them, so anything below 50% cost of new is fair IMO and if it is in really good condition.