catalytic converter question

[cormel]

I bought my 93 3.0 4runner a couple weeks back and I am still working out some 'bugs'. I was wondering if the catalytic converter should be welded to the pipes that come from the engine and to the muffler? The cat on mine does not have the flanges that you normally would see with a gasket in the middle, is only has clamps. I am going to get under it tonight and see if there is any exhaust coming from either end of the cat but i wanted to get some opinions. I just recently changed the Muffler and tail pipe and the sound form the exhaust is better but it still seems loud. Thanks

 

[ovrrdrive]

A stock cat would definitely be welded in...

I bet someone changed in a high flow cat. That could account for the increased volume too. Did you go with another stock muffler?

 

[cormel]

I did go with another stock muffler and I am sure the one that was on it before was not a 'performance upgrade' if you know what I mean. He must have put on a generic brand Cat. Should I be welding it do you think? I checked it last night and it seems pretty air tight but I only checked it once the motor was warm. Maybe I'll check with smoke near the connections to see what happens.

 

[kylextrisler]

I welded mine on, but only because it got stolen and i didnt want to lose another one...

 

[sethB]

I have a 90 and my stock cat is bolted in. I'm not sure if that was changed in later models or not. I'm about to replace mine too though, any suggestions that are California legal?

 

[fourwd1]

I have a 90 and my stock cat is bolted in. I'm not sure if that was changed in later models or not.

No it didn't, the stock CC is bolted in on all of them, not welded.

 

[chevydan04]

Another good way to check for leaks in your exhaust system is to go to your exit pipe and (wear a glove or an oven mit) but plug the exit pipe with your hand. If it is air tight you wont hear much other than hissing. Dont plug it for to long ( max 10-15 seconds) Should sound pretty obvious if you have a leak.