Paul Winey

Short of taking the cat off, how can you tell if it is plugged. Any specific problems you will notice? This is first diesel and haven't driven others to know truck's normal idiosyncracies vs. true problems. Have noted lower than expected fuel mileage (14 mi/gal) but it's winterized. Slower pickup but it's still stock. Any advice is helpful.

mymaur

Well, here are some tips. Change your fuel and air filters first. and see if you notice anything. Drop a K&amp;N air filter, #2036, in. As far as the cat goes. My advice is get rid of it. DC makes a filler pipe the part # is:P52019170AB. If the guy tells you the # is too long then just drop the P. They come in 3 lengths based on if you have a short or long bed and or and ext cab.<br><br>Just cut out the cat and put this in. or have a muffler shop do it.<br><br>How many miles on your truck, Could also need a valve adjustment and timing adjusted as well.<br><br>Good luck,<br><br>Gary

DieselDaze

mymaur had some good advice.<br><br>Make sure everything is in order, valve adjustment, fuel and air filter and make sure all the turbo fittings are tight.<br><br>Do you have any guages? An exhuast temp guage may show the state of the your cat. If the cat is plugged, I'd think that the egt's would be high.<br><br>I took my cat off, gutted it out, and placed it back on the truck. <br>It looks stock. But the cat is empty.<br><br>However, I did not notice any improvement in power, but I did get another 1/2 mile to the gallon.<br>I went from an average of 19.5 mpg to 20mpg.<br><br>Rich.

Paul Winey

Thanks for the suggestions. K&amp;N already in (first thing). Been through all fluid/lube changes but haven't done the valves. Adjusting them and doing KDP this Saturday. Wish me luck. This computers is at work and I'll be at home with the truck. Hope I won't have to make too many trips to seek advice.

MnTom

How to tell if the cat is plugged:<br>1. Loss of power that came on gradually<br>2. Boost gauge won't go up as high<br>3. Pyrometer WILL read way high<br>Mine plugged so bad that if I stompped on it in park and counted to three the pyro went from 400* to 1000*.<br>Tom

Paul Winey

Sounds like the time for some gauges. I did the filters and will check timing. Otherwise &quot;Cat gut&quot; your tongue. Thanks for all the great info on this site. It's been indespensible in getting started with the truck.

Neal C.

With engine running and vehicle parked, go back to the tailpipe and listen for a distinct turbo whistle. If you don't hear it, cat is plugged.

mymaur

I've got the cat off my 4x4 and the only difference I have noticed is a much clearer tone, or maybe resonance is the word, when I listen at the tail pipe while idling. Almost a slight ringing sound. Perhaps this is what Neil C. is speaking of.<br><br>Power and all seem the same. I am anxious to see if mileage comes up. Just one extr mile is all I am expecting.