Hi guys, I'm the proud new owner of a 05 MR2. So I've been doing lots of reading finding out all I can about the car and this forum has been an amazing wealth of information. Thank you to the contributors!
So with such a prominent issue as the MR2 precats, I got myself a O2 sensor socket and a USB borescope and had a little probe. Good news is everything looks ok from the top. I'm safe! *dances*
Now here's the part where I need some advice. Should I gut my precats? The car is 12 years old now and looks to be in good shape. It does have fairly low mileage at 55,000.
If the precats haven't failed by now it will probably be ok? Or should I gut them asap as it's a miracle they are still in good shape? The task seems abit daunting as I'm only a dabbler, I change my own oil and filters and stuff but never a job this big.
Basically I would rather not attempt the removal if I really don't have to, but I think I do have all the necessary tools if the consensus is to get down and dirty.
Thanks for any help.
Hi and welcome.
My advice is remove them or buy a manifold with this already done.
Happy driving enjoy.
Hi, welcome along! s:D :D s:D
Replacing the manifold is actually quite easy. My replacement cost about £125 from memory. (There are cheaper ones, and more expensive ones out there!)
Many people don't worry about the pre-cats, but if you want peace of mind, it took me about 3 hours start to finish. The after market ones are much nicer looking!
Access is good, with the rear bumper off. Don't use the gaskets that come with any replacement. Toyota gaskets are very good, and highly recommended. After-market ones are known to fail on a regular basis, especially the crush gaskets between the manifold and Cat.
Spray all bolts liberally with Plusgas for a few days before you plan to do the job. Read up on the Three Amigos. Use six sided sockets, not those horrible multi point things!
As long as you follow the logical progression, it's really not hard.
Be prepared to swear, get dirty and drink lots of tea, some of those bolts won't have moved since the car was made. You are in Bristol, there are lots of very competent and helpful members in that area. Promises of lots of tea and biscuits often elicits offers of help if you get stuck s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Any pictures of your new treasure?
Welcome along
The pre cats aren't the issue so gutting is merely a precaution should the engine start becoming an oil burner
Most that are taken out are in perfect condition it's more important in early ownership to keep a regular check on oil levels if it's a daily drive then a daily check for peace of mind
Quote from: "bernie11a"Welcome along
The pre cats aren't the issue so gutting is merely a precaution should the engine start becoming an oil burner
Most that are taken out are in perfect condition it's more important in early ownership to keep a regular check on oil levels if it's a daily drive then a daily check for peace of mind
Agreed. Oil is the most important bit.
Things that are a good idea to do (regardless of what any 'service history' tells you):
Change the oil and filter. Fully synthetic 5W/30
Check your air filter.
Clean the Mass Airflow Meter. It's on the output of the air-filter box. One electrical connector and two screws. A good spray out with carb cleaner. Don't dig around inside the tube.
Have much fun driving it.
And reset the ecu whilst doing the above.
I was in a similar situation to you, in that my pre-cats looked fine. I decided to remove them from the manifold and put it all back on once they were out. It was just for peace of mind really, although the car seemed to go a bit better once they were in the bin! I used the same gasket when i refitted the manifold so it really only cost me my time....If I recall I just raised the car on axle stands, left the bumper on, no real issues with bolts either.