Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Raymienets on 26 May 2010, 22:35:45

Title: Cat removal advice
Post by: Raymienets on 26 May 2010, 22:35:45
Need to change or repair the cat on my 2.2 any advice about removing the 4 bolts at manifold. Heard of the horror stories about them snapping.
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 26 May 2010, 22:37:14
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Need to change or repair the cat on my 2.2 any advice about removing the 4 bolts at manifold. Heard of the horror stories about them snapping.

For a couple of days before you do the deed, keep spraying plusgas on them liberally.

Really makes all the difference  :y
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: Raymienets on 26 May 2010, 22:41:08
Whats plusgas will wd40 do the job?
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: Andy B on 26 May 2010, 22:43:52
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Whats plusgas will wd40 do the job?

Plusgas is err............ Plusgas (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PlusGas-Dismantling-Lubricant-250ml-/290437292080?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item439f696030) exactly what is says on the tin.
WD40 won't do it, not good enough.  :y
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: Erzy on 26 May 2010, 22:47:27
Hi Raymienits, seems you might be able to help me. What are the signs of a failing cat on the 2.2, any distinct noises/codes etc...?
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: tunnie on 26 May 2010, 23:39:02
before you go taking anything to bits, why does cat need replacing? Are we actually talking about the cat, or the flexi join after it?
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: PhilRich on 27 May 2010, 00:25:13
As already said... give us some more info on why you feel the
need to change the the cats? Bear with us, you could save a lot of money/ effort!? :y
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: Erzy on 27 May 2010, 00:37:05
Can you let me know the symptoms/if any of a failing cat or pre-cat on the 2.2. ? :y
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: Erzy on 28 May 2010, 01:15:32
Bump :y
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: Sixstring on 28 May 2010, 08:19:44
Please read the rules of the forum regarding "bumping", I think you will find its frowned upon.........
(just a friendly word)
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: Raymienets on 28 May 2010, 20:15:58
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before you go taking anything to bits, why does cat need replacing? Are we actually talking about the cat, or the flexi join after it?


Sorry for taking so long to get back on this work shifts. The reason I need to take it of is that the flexi joint is burst and when I had to replace the mid section on the exhaust the bolt snapped so had to drill it out and unable to get it airtight using a nut and bolt. Was told on here that I could replace the flexi joint but cat would have to be removed to have it welded all the way round. I Maybe wrong Only guessing.
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: Raymienets on 28 May 2010, 20:20:02
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Hi Raymienits, seems you might be able to help me. What are the signs of a failing cat on the 2.2, any distinct noises/codes etc...?

Car driving poorly and very noisy underneath. All other parts of exhaust renewed in the last couple of months so no corrosion there.
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: RobG on 28 May 2010, 20:47:02
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Quote
before you go taking anything to bits, why does cat need replacing? Are we actually talking about the cat, or the flexi join after it?


Sorry for taking so long to get back on this work shifts. The reason I need to take it of is that the flexi joint is burst and when I had to replace the mid section on the exhaust the bolt snapped so had to drill it out and unable to get it airtight using a nut and bolt. Was told on here that I could replace the flexi joint but cat would have to be removed to have it welded all the way round. I Maybe wrong Only guessing.
Had my flexi done last week. Took car to a custom exhaust outlet. They done it without removing cat. Unbolted the cat bracket and supported it on single acro prop type stand, cut flexi out, welded new one in job done :) :y
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: tunnie on 28 May 2010, 21:28:05
Quote
Quote
Quote
before you go taking anything to bits, why does cat need replacing? Are we actually talking about the cat, or the flexi join after it?


Sorry for taking so long to get back on this work shifts. The reason I need to take it of is that the flexi joint is burst and when I had to replace the mid section on the exhaust the bolt snapped so had to drill it out and unable to get it airtight using a nut and bolt. Was told on here that I could replace the flexi joint but cat would have to be removed to have it welded all the way round. I Maybe wrong Only guessing.
Had my flexi done last week. Took car to a custom exhaust outlet. They done it without removing cat. Unbolted the cat bracket and supported it on single acro prop type stand, cut flexi out, welded new one in job done :) :y

Assuming they had a car lift for that to get good access? Can't see that being done on a driveway  ;D

DIY approach is exhaust bolts off, 4 bolts where exhaust bolts onto manifold and finally the cat bracket, flexi costs about £15, and as mentioned needs to be cut off and have  a new one welded on  :y
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: Raymienets on 28 May 2010, 21:34:59
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
before you go taking anything to bits, why does cat need replacing? Are we actually talking about the cat, or the flexi join after it?


Sorry for taking so long to get back on this work shifts. The reason I need to take it of is that the flexi joint is burst and when I had to replace the mid section on the exhaust the bolt snapped so had to drill it out and unable to get it airtight using a nut and bolt. Was told on here that I could replace the flexi joint but cat would have to be removed to have it welded all the way round. I Maybe wrong Only guessing.
Had my flexi done last week. Took car to a custom exhaust outlet. They done it without removing cat. Unbolted the cat bracket and supported it on single acro prop type stand, cut flexi out, welded new one in job done :) :y

Assuming they had a car lift for that to get good access? Can't see that being done on a driveway  ;D

DIY approach is exhaust bolts off, 4 bolts where exhaust bolts onto manifold and finally the cat bracket, flexi costs about £15, and as mentioned needs to be cut off and have  a new one welded on  :y


Thats the plan so has to come off. still worried that the bolts sheer.
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: tunnie on 28 May 2010, 21:42:29
soak the exhaust manifold studs in WD40, i've had no problem doing x2 2.2's they release fine. Exhaust bolts could be an issue, again soak well in WD, if you do end up drilling them out, use decent quality ones cause cheap ones will snap off then it will take you 10 times as long drilling them out.  :y
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: Raymienets on 28 May 2010, 22:38:28
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soak the exhaust manifold studs in WD40, i've had no problem doing x2 2.2's they release fine. Exhaust bolts could be an issue, again soak well in WD, if you do end up drilling them out, use decent quality ones cause cheap ones will snap off then it will take you 10 times as long drilling them out.  :y


Cheers will give it a go. already snapped one at exhaust . someone said wd40 wouldnt work in an earlier post.

Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: tunnie on 28 May 2010, 23:22:16
Quote
Quote
soak the exhaust manifold studs in WD40, i've had no problem doing x2 2.2's they release fine. Exhaust bolts could be an issue, again soak well in WD, if you do end up drilling them out, use decent quality ones cause cheap ones will snap off then it will take you 10 times as long drilling them out.  :y


Cheers will give it a go. already snapped one at exhaust . someone said wd40 wouldnt work in an earlier post.


WD is not a penetrating oil, no doubt someone can confirm something that would work better. But from personal experience on doing two of these jobs, its better than nothing!
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: RobG on 28 May 2010, 23:25:37
Plusgas http://www.toologics.co.uk/img/product_l/PLG801l.jpg
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: Raymienets on 01 June 2010, 17:27:06
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Plusgas http://www.toologics.co.uk/img/product_l/PLG801l.jpg


Ordered many thanks for the advice.
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: TheBoy on 01 June 2010, 21:42:10
WD40 is not a patch on plusgas, but will help is soaked on regularly for a few days before removal...
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: Raymienets on 01 June 2010, 22:23:52
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WD40 is not a patch on plusgas, but will help is soaked on regularly for a few days before removal...



Does Plusgas work quickly or do I need to leave it for a few days spraying daily.
Title: Re: Cat removal advice
Post by: Matchless on 02 June 2010, 13:42:12
I fitted a clamp-on flexible section to a previous 2.0, bought off ebay.
There wasnt much pipe length to play with but I cut the old section out with an angle grinder in-situ, leaving as much pipe as possible and then clamped on the new section with exhaust paste.
Always meant to weld it up next time the gearbox was off (dont ask) but it lasted for 3 or 4 years till I sold it on.