Check engine light came on.. Catalytic converter

[primov8]

Hey finally got to installing my stage 2 exhaust from Cajun pipes! Definitely a pain in the ass job.... But we got there. I did try something a little different from the instructions. Instead of lifting the engine(my engine mount bolts were seized) I removed the studs. It gave enough clearance for the headers to slip out. When installing the new headers it was tricky lining everything up and the lower header studs took a lot of fenagling to get all the way in and tight(the headerpipe denies an etorx socket access on the three lower rear bolts). In other words with the right tools this job might be easier without lifting the engine!

Nice. Enjoy the new mods!

It is so true that the right tools, makes the job that much easier. Back when I had my 04 LE and did these JBA LT headers, it took me some time to get it done since I didn't have some of the tools I have now. With just the use of universal joints, universal sockets (14mm & 18mm), offset and flex head wrenches (14mm), got this all done in under 8hrs.

 

[chrisrach3]

These GDI Engines build up carbon deposits easily and will cause all types of issues. The first thing I’d do is to have the intake valves, chambers and manifold cleaned up. Trust me, guaranteed those valves and chambers are caked up with carbon deposits. I wouldn’t be surprised if the injectors themselves also have carbon deposits as that was what I had found on my truck.

DIY’ing it isn’t fun, takes time and elbow grease if you’re not up for it. Another option is finding an independent shop or dealership that utilizes an induction cleaning service for GDI engines

There are four. Two are directly attached to the manifolds and that is why they are so expensive. Infiniti's method to replace would be replacing both engine manifolds - parts and labor to do that is insane. The other two cats are downstream in the muffler pipes and can easily be seen if you look under the car. I doubt that those cats are bad, unless your first cats have broken up and are clogging the secondary cats.

Call some of your local muffler shops - they can weld off the cats and replace them for somewhere around $1500. It would be more if you actually need the secondary cats too, but I'd start with the first cats.

And if you are getting a misfire, you are sending gas into that cat and damaging it more, so fix that first.

Back to the catalytic converter on my 2011 QX56, the check engine light (P0430) was on for a while and I ignored it since it ran fine. Then the cold (0 degrees!) weather hit and the light finally turned itself off! Makes me think it’s a sensor? Still runs great, just burns a little oil.

 

[marctronixx]

if theres a code and it goes away, that doesnt mean its fixed itself. there could be some issues with the o2 sensor, spark plugs (you are losing oil , do you see oil inside where the plugs are?), air leak at the cat, fouled injector...

 

[chrisrach3]

if theres a code and it goes away, that doesnt mean its fixed itself. there could be some issues with the o2 sensor, spark plugs (you are losing oil , do you see oil inside where the plugs are?), air leak at the cat, fouled injector...

Thanks, it burns oil, no leaks though. I always thought the burning oil gunked up the sensor because no performance issues. Strange that the light turned off in super cold weather. First time in a year we’ve had weather this cold, and first time in a year the light’s gone off.

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[chrisrach3]

Thanks, it burns oil, no leaks though. I always thought the burning oil gunked up the sensor because no performance issues. Strange that the light turned off in super cold weather. First time in a year we’ve had weather this cold, and first time in a year the light’s gone off.

Tonight, for the first time in 2 years, my truck started going limp again then would sputter and die after I started it. I keep a code reader under my drivers seat, plugged it in, cleared the codes, and now it runs great again. Thoughts on that? I’ve taken it into the dealer, they told me a year ago that I need a new $17,000 engine at 115K miles. I don’t believe them. It runs great until the computer throws it off.

 

[marctronixx]

would help if you posted the codes...

 

[chrisrach3]

would help if you posted the codes...

I believe P0430 was always on there. Until it started acting up, then a misfire code showed, maybe a couple others. I was in a hurry and had to pick up my kids