Catalytic Converter Help - 2017 Expedition XLT 3.5 Turbo

[AlysonGross]

I recently had a coolant leak from the turbo coolant line. I had to replaced, and when they replaced it, they had to replace the exhaust manifold also because they stripped the bolts or something. I got it back and it was smoking like crazy still. Took it back to the shop and after a couple weeks they diagnosed that the turbo was bad. Paid for the new turbo. Got it back, check engine light came on with the P0420 code and was also leaking oil. I took it to a different shop and they told me it needs both catalytic converters (and have to be OEM ones), which would be $3700 cause it has a "California Emissions System" or something like that. They also said the oil was leaking from the turbo line. I called an actual exhaust shop and they told me I can put aftermarket cats on it. I am very confused and do not know what to do at this point. It's currently at the original shop getting the oil leak fixed. I am looking for advice about the cats. I live in PA and have emissions in my county. My inspection is due in April so this is something that needs fixed within the next month.

 

[JasonH]

Any replacement cat would need to be CARB approved. CARB publishes the list of approved converters. The cat was probably contaminated from oil making it into the charge air. When I was in CA, the inspection stations didn't automatically check for replacement parts, but things may have changed. I wouldn't risk buying one that's non-approved because (1) they sometimes fail and (2) it likely won't pass visual if one is performed. I had a CARB EO for my cold air intake and the inspection station still gave me a hard time about it.

Sometimes you can use the desulfuration process to burn off contaminants on the cat.

I used an acid bath to clean my cat. It got rid of the code long enough for me to pass inspection, but the code returned after a few months of driving and I could see the oxygen ratio creeping up in my scan tool.

Good luck!

 

[drscanman]

Understand first hand the issue. I like CRC Guaranteed To Pass Emissions System Cleaner, then installed Walker CARB compliant CATs from RockAuto and Ford OEM sensors.

 

[Randy Bassett]

Do NOT put aftermarket cats on the Expedition. I had two, from name brand companies, and both continued to throw codes that the cats were bad. Independent shop informed me that Ford cats are the only ones that will not cause the computer to freak out. Had them put on the Ford cat, problem solved.

 

[3rd Expyowner123]

I had a Ford Service Advisor comment that they have used aftermarket cats to fix used Ford vehicles for resale and commonly had issues down the road.