Catalytic Converter from wrecked Prius

I have just gone through the entire research loop trying to install a new cat for my 2005 Prius. I first started looking at aftermarket. I am not convinced. I tried to clean it out with Seafoam. Nothing yet. I finally decided I was not going to have any choice but to buy a new one for ~$2000 installed. The car is not worth that. So I think I am going to try a cat from a wrecked Prius. I can get a few here in town for around $140. I am willing to do that a few times if it will work, even for a few 10's of thousand miles. What I would like to know is how many differences there might be in the Gen 2 cats? I know I need one that is precisely for my 2005. But will a 2009 work? What are, if there are any, differences in the cats? I know there might be all kinds of legal problems that I have heard of. I am not worried about that. If it means saving nearly $2000, call me an outlaw.

Also, I intend to buy the cat without the sensors. Or at least they will be clipped off the salvage car. Would there be any reason I should try to save the sensors from the new cat off the salvage car? It will mean a lot of extra work.

BTW: I am certain it is the cat. I have gone through extensive testing with my mechanic to make sure it was not a sensor or some other problem.

 

I am looking for OEM. I have decided not to install an after market cat.

 

Yeah, I know. Not looking forward to the price. That is why I am trying to find out if any Gen 2 cat will work on my car so I can get it from a salvage vehicle. I have tried everything else. I am trying to find out what, if any changes there are in any of the Gen 2 cats.

 

I know. I have done enough research to make me just not want to go that route.

Good news is my O2 sensor popped off with a light hammer tap to the wrench! After 220K, I was not looking forward to that. That makes me think of another question. When I put this O2 sensor back in, should I use a lubricant at all? If so, would there be any reason not to use a lithium grease or something that might help me keep this from freezing up? Not that it was difficult this time, but I have heard the stories of people that were not so lucky.

 

OK. Thanks

 

Thanks so much. Do you know if all Gen 2 models match? I got some info earlier that they do, but I am trying to get as many opinions as possible. I'm
hoping to pick up a 2006 tomorrow.BTW It has only 86K on it so I am hopeful

 

Sounds great. I was not expecting the cat to be worth $175 or so in scrap. That would put me way ahead in the end. I am picking mine up today for $140. At least he did not say anything about a core. Even still, it is still worth it as long as I get some decent miles out of it.

 

Just a follow up for future reference. I bought a cat from a salvaged Prius for $140 total. I did not need to return a core. I believe that was probably a great deal. But the others I found were in the $150-$250 range +core. I found a Prius with 86K on it so hopefully the cat works for a good while. I replaced mine with the new on and used the original gaskets. It was the easiest thing ever to replace. I was out from under my car in about 15-20 minutes with the old one out and the "new" one in. My gas mileage has gone up a couple mph, and my check engine light is off. I feel like it was totally worth the risk. And it is a CARB compliant, OEM part. Even if it only has 20-30K left in it, it will be worth doing again if I even keep the car that long.

 

Sure. I agree. I have it regularly maintained still so it is still in good shape I believe. I am under the opinion that it is really hard to mess up a Toyota engine. (Although my Honda Accord with 300K has been impossible to kill).