Should I even attempt to change out my catalytic converter myself?

[justint]

I ordered a direct fit bolt on catalytic converter for my 98 Honda along with gaskets and new hardware. I have also been spraying the bolts and nuts with PB wrench for about two weeks now. The question is, should I try and get it off myself? I have never worked on an exhaust before and understand the nuts can be a beaatttccchhh. Did I mention I am mechnically challeneged?

 

[Smaulz]

I wouldn't personally just because the hassle isn't worth the few bucks you save doing it yourself. But that's just me.

 

[iamwiz82]

its not hard if you can cut the cat out. I wouldnt waste my time trying to take off a cat without cutting it because it has a few years of extreme heat to make those bolts very tight

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
its not hard if you can cut the cat out. I wouldnt waste my time trying to take off a cat without cutting it because it has a few years of extreme heat to make those bolts very tight

Pay to have it done.

 

[T2T III]

The liquid wrench oil that you've been putting on the bolts should have little effect. There's a whole lot of rust that needs to get penetrated. If you have a breaker bar, you could crank on the nuts until the bolts break off - and then replace the old bolts/nuts with new bolts/nuts. This would probably be the easiest way to do it. If you're intimidated by the process, just call a local mechanic for a quick estimate. I'm sure they'd charge less than $50 to do the task and have it completed in 30 minutes.