Dead Cat

[craigomatic]

Hi

I've just popped my Celica in to have some brakes done and a gasket on the exhaust replaced. And surprise surprise, the cat's gone around the lamda sensor as well.

This is fair enough. I've not replaced anything on the exhaust for 4 years, but blimey its not cheap. Just under £700 with the lambda and labour.

I've got no reason to distrust my garage, but is there not a place where cats and lamdas are, shall we say less expensive?

I sorted myself out a lamda sensor for the manifold some time back for £70. This one at this end looks like being nearly £300!

Have really got to dig so deep into my pockets?

[T600]

I'd be looking to get one second hand; there must be loads that people have removed in order to fit de-cat pipes.

[craigomatic]

I thought about second hand, but then you're never sure how long the thing will last.

My head has gone into emergency panic mode and after much searching I have found some nice people on the internet who look like saving me some money

I spoke to some cat specialists and three places came out at around £200, I need to check a couple of details with them. Fingers crossed eh.

Online Automotive: 01604 588 588

The Catman (quite different from a cat lady): 01489 588112

Cats Direct 0115-983-528

The Lambda has been more of a surprise. Cats Direct has suggested that it will be able to supply one for just £20!!!

They asked just two questions. How many wires and what colour are they

This sounds too good to be true, and possible too good to miss

Does anyone have any experience of these people and/or their products. Are they the real deal? Is there anything I should know or think about?

[craigomatic]

OK

New question...

I was just about to get out my wallet and purchase the things when the guy says "Are you sure it is a Lambda you need and not a Heat Sensor"

Now I wasn't aware there was a heat sensor down there as well.

Is there?

If so how can I tell?

[me&mygt]

I got a second hand one myself. Cost me £30 including the sensor. The sensor that goes into the cat is a heat sensor, not a lambda sensor. I have a spare one if thats all you require. Just make sure yours is the bolt on sensor type and not the screw in. If you know what version motor yo have. ie. 3s-fe or 3s-ge then i think i know where i can find a complete cat. Let me know if you want me to investigate this for you.

[craigomatic]

Hi

Thanks for that.

If it is a heat sensor then that would explain why its been so hard to find a lambda for it

If you happen to have a heat sensor going spare it may be handy I'd be more than happy to take it off your hands. How much do you want for it? I'd probably better check its the same though...

According to my garage (I haven't looked myself) mine has two wires coming from it. One black and one blue. I don't know anything else the serial number if there at all was illegible. My engine is a 3S-FE

I've dived right in and bought a cat. It was a bit of a faff. Whenever I ask, I get offered one type which is too large, mine being only 320mm long. The first I was offered was around 450mm. I guess this is one of the perils of owning an imported car.

[me&mygt]

Hi, yeh send your address to barracoota66@aol.com and i'll post it for you free of charge. It's a 3sfe fit so should be fine for you.

[craigomatic]

Will do

That's brilliant Thanks