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Catalytic Converter Bypass?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by TomasV, Dec 29, 2015.

  1. TomasV

    TomasV Junior Member

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    Since my Prius has 240k miles on it it started burning oil. And lots of it. So the engine light came on, I ran diagnostics and the error comes back to the catalytic converter.

    So now I have a dilemma. If I replace it it's going to get ruined in a month since the engine is eating oil.. I don't want to be replacing it every now and then since it's a rather expensive part.

    Is there a way to bypass the sensor, so it would not cause the engine light to come on? I don't want to have a serious trouble and not know about it.

    The car is in Florida, so there's no inspections that I would have to pass, if that helps anything about this case..

    Thank you all for replies!
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You can buy an aftermarket catalytic on Amazon or ebay for around $100
     
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    ... and an engine for $400 to $500ish, by many reports ...

    -Chap
     
  4. dpeverhart

    dpeverhart Member

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    I'm not sure what it's called but there is a product that will create space between the cat and the sensor. You unscrew the sensor, screw in this thing and then screw the sensor into it. I think it's called a non-fouler, not sure. Any NON-reputable exhaust shop should know!
     
  5. stephane

    stephane Prius v owner

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    Revove the cat, take long steel Rod knocking the inside and pass it true it. the inside is like ceramic and you could create a hole in easily install it back and problem solve. Using a ticker oil like 5w40 should reduce you oil consumption 0w20 is water
     
  6. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Putting a resistor and capacitor (and maybe another resistor) to the lines of rear o2 sensor will create the same effect.

    All these do is to fool the ECU into thinking that cat is better than it actually is.

    That will only “fix” the clogged converter not cell caused by inefficient cat.

    Of course all of those are illegal…
     
  7. tvpierce

    tvpierce Senior Member

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    Have you checked what's causing your engine to burn oil? If it's rings, then you'd need a rebuild or replacement engine. But it could be as simple as valve guide seals.
     
  8. TomasV

    TomasV Junior Member

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  9. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    If you have 2010 gen 3 then neither one. First is for gen 2 from 2004 to 2009 and second one is for gen 1 from 2001 to 2003.
     
  10. TomasV

    TomasV Junior Member

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    I currently have both, gen III and gen II, but the cat problem is on the gen II. Thanks for the reply. Stupid of me not to figure that one out on myself.
     
  11. JohnInArizona

    JohnInArizona Junior Member

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    I've got the same problem 2010 370k eats oil, cat code's and all. Will the efficiency or power be affected with an ebay cat or all the all the same? I see some that are not allowed in California also?