The Sanctuary

Technology => Gearheads => Topic started by: Hewfil1 on September 30, 2014, 06:22:08 pm

Title: Catalytic on Ford Econoline 350?
Post by: Hewfil1 on September 30, 2014, 06:22:08 pm
So, I recently bought a Ford E-350, and was told by the previous owner that the Cat's completely shot. Being I got this so cheap, I'm going to scrap it, but I've run into one issue, I have absolutely no clue where the cat is on it. So, where's the cat? And before you freak out saying, "Why ask a question Google could answer." Well, it couldn't, I couldn't find shit for where exactly it is, a detailed description would be nice, and maybe an actual picture of the underside if possible. Also, what would I need to go about getting it off? Thanks guys, really appreciate it, Hew.
Title: Re: Catalytic on Ford Econoline 350?
Post by: Township Rebellion on October 01, 2014, 03:07:07 pm
... why don't you just follow the exhaust? The catalytic converter looks like a small muffler, it's usually mounted just after the downpipe. You might be able to unbolt it, or just use a sawzall.
Title: Re: Catalytic on Ford Econoline 350?
Post by: MoaningLisa on October 01, 2014, 03:59:11 pm
what motor?

if its a modular engine (4.6, 5.4, V10) there are 2 on each side, they cost about $260 a set. the first one is immediately after the headers, the second is about 4 inches back. if I were you, I would hollow them out, put an O2 sensor spacer on it, and sell it.

Title: Re: Catalytic on Ford Econoline 350?
Post by: Infinityshock on October 01, 2014, 04:17:50 pm
What year...engine...and post pics

If you dont know there is a site ford has where you can enter your VIN into and it'll tell you the most pertinent info
Title: Re: Catalytic on Ford Econoline 350?
Post by: MoaningLisa on October 01, 2014, 04:21:13 pm
I can get AllData if you can tell me what year what motor. honestly though, just follow the exhaust until you see the cat. if you don't know what the cat is, idle the engine for a few minutes...it should glow red if it is bad
Title: Re: Catalytic on Ford Econoline 350?
Post by: Hewfil1 on October 02, 2014, 11:05:00 am
... why don't you just follow the exhaust? The catalytic converter looks like a small muffler, it's usually mounted just after the downpipe. You might be able to unbolt it, or just use a sawzall.

I did, but this person did something stupid and decided to put what looks like a skidplate over the bottom, and I undid all the attachment bolts, but it still wont pry off.

what motor?
if its a modular engine (4.6, 5.4, V10) there are 2 on each side, they cost about $260 a set. the first one is immediately after the headers, the second is about 4 inches back. if I were you, I would hollow them out, put an O2 sensor spacer on it, and sell it.

Alright, once I get that plate off I'll look, and once I take off the cats, where would I go about selling them so they get recycled, as our local scrapyard doesn't buy them because they're in a town that had issues with people stealing them, so they annexed the entire buying/selling from there.
Title: Re: Catalytic on Ford Econoline 350?
Post by: Infinityshock on October 03, 2014, 12:52:52 am
post pics

there has to be something else holding the plate on.  check some more for other bolts or tabs keeping it in place.  unless it is corrosion-welded in place...in which case...use a bigger hammer
Title: Re: Catalytic on Ford Econoline 350?
Post by: MoaningLisa on October 03, 2014, 03:49:30 pm
you should be able to tell which engine it is without getting underneath it, just look under the hood. black plastic valve covers/intake with=mod motor
Title: Re: Catalytic on Ford Econoline 350?
Post by: Infinityshock on October 03, 2014, 04:26:03 pm
you should be able to tell which engine it is without getting underneath it, just look under the hood. black plastic valve covers/intake with=mod motor

Mines a mod but theyre all metal

Title: Re: Catalytic on Ford Econoline 350?
Post by: MoaningLisa on October 03, 2014, 06:55:20 pm
are they factory? I thought all mod motors came with plastic intake/valve covers/thermostat housing from the factory....at least every one I've ever seen.
Title: Re: Catalytic on Ford Econoline 350?
Post by: Hewfil1 on October 06, 2014, 09:45:50 pm
I got the bottom off, now to go about taking the cat off, should I use a grinder, sawzaw, or one of those chain cutters?
Title: Re: Catalytic on Ford Econoline 350?
Post by: MoaningLisa on October 07, 2014, 12:12:02 am
sawzall or a torch if you have it. a grinder would take forever
Title: Re: Catalytic on Ford Econoline 350?
Post by: Hewfil1 on October 07, 2014, 11:13:38 am
sawzall or a torch if you have it. a grinder would take forever

What about the chain cutter?
Title: Re: Catalytic on Ford Econoline 350?
Post by: MoaningLisa on October 07, 2014, 01:38:27 pm
you could do it if you were really motivated and it was on a lift/jacked up really high.

you can't beat a sawzall for ease of use though
Title: Re: Catalytic on Ford Econoline 350?
Post by: komokazi on October 07, 2014, 01:39:21 pm
Yep, Sawzall. [/thread]