• Welcome to The Truck Stop! We see you haven't REGISTERED yet.

    Your truck knowledge is missing!
    • Registration is FREE , all we need is your birthday and email. (We don't share ANY data with ANYONE)
    • We have tons of knowledge here for your diesel truck!
    • Post your own topics and reply to existing threads to help others out!
    • NO ADS! The site is fully functional and ad free!
    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

    Problems registering? Click here to contact us!

    Already registered, but need a PASSWORD RESET? CLICK HERE TO RESET YOUR PASSWORD!

ATF and cat converter

1999gmc

1999gmc

Active Member
Messages
345
Reaction score
180
Location
Carmichael, CA
Has anyone had a problem plugging the cat. when running ATF in the fuel. I usually put 1/2-1 gallon of ATF in with each tank, but here shortly I will be running with a cat., and was wondering if I will plug it quicker or if that amount should burn ok.
 
what atf you using? modern atf have a laundry list of additives in them that may not burn so good. unless its a very basic type you might look into switching to what Heath uses-a non-detergent basic 30 weight motor oil or two-cycle oil. I had optic issues with atf and 2cycle, its clearing since move to motor oil. different opinions, try a search and you'll get plenty.
 
blowinsmoke99stroke said:
Sounds like a bad idea to me.....the cat that is......

i have a split personality, i hate cats, but i love P*$$y! :)
Click to expand...

Unfortunately here in CA any diesel 98 or newer will start being visually inspected in 2010. So those of us who removed them years ago now need to put them back on.
 
Holy cat - echo chamber - gutted kitty?
Oil and ATF are cat plugging problems over time.

You should get some Biodiesel to run as an additive or use a kitty safe additive.

I assume 1 gal ATF to ~25 gal of diesel - that appears to be a little overkill?
 
I don't run that much. The question was actually for a friend with a 2002 F350. He has to put his cat back on. Everything with this guy is overkill. He doesn't go on any forums so I told him I would ask. I use stanadyne and either some filtered canola oil or ATF. I have a 40 gallon transfer tank, so I usually use 1-2 quarts of oil depending on what tank I am filling.
 
1999gmc said:
I don't run that much. The question was actually for a friend with a 2002 F350. He has to put his cat back on. Everything with this guy is overkill. He doesn't go on any forums so I told him I would ask. I use stanadyne and either some filtered canola oil or ATF. I have a 40 gallon transfer tank, so I usually use 1-2 quarts of oil depending on what tank I am filling.
Click to expand...

Double check how strict they will be on that. alot of superdutys in that era rolled out of the factory without a cat:eek:
 
With the 4" exhaust, you can use the high flow cat from SS Diesel. Either that, or make yourself a fake one that has a straight pipe right through the middle -but add some baffles or webbing inside so it doesn't sound hollow to the inspectors. I find it hard to believe that the fake cat from Frozen Boost would fool anyone. Maybe if you put it on a Honda Civic, but not on a big diesel truck.
 
What do we know about this visual inspection in CA? When does it take place, change in ownership or something like the every 2 year smog inspection. I have my cat out but stored it in the shed, good thing! I can pound the interior material out (as I did on my VW's back in the '80's) but how can I make it sound solid, not hollow?

L
 
I talked to the BAR and they said it will be every 2 years, visual inspection and a smoke test. Starting in January DMV will send out the notices to people having to renew in March or April.
 
Another bad idea about running ATF (besides all the previously mentioned ones) is that it dyes the fuel red. THAT is a big no-no. Any DOT or emissions test official is going to see that as offroad fuel and you're in deep financial shit! They aren't going to believe you and they aren't going to patiently wait for some lab to analyze it... In some states you may also lose your truck or at least that was a proposal in several states. If you don't want to use a commercially available additive and bio isn't available then 2 cycle oil is frequently favored by several guys here and elswhere.
 
A friend of mine had that problem, but was able to convince the authorities that his fuel had ATF in it, so they let him go.
The off road fuel is no longer dyed in my neck of the woods anyway.
I used ATF in my mechanical 6.2L, with no problems, but I don't put it in my 6.5L internal combustion computer.
 
1999gmc said:
I talked to the BAR and they said it will be every 2 years, visual inspection and a smoke test. Starting in January DMV will send out the notices to people having to renew in March or April.
Click to expand...

Go get a sticker now. Should buy you a year anyhow.
 
Matt Bachand said:
Go get a sticker now. Should buy you a year anyhow.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately that wont work. Here in CA they won't give you a sticker unless you have your smog cert. You can pay early but you still have to get the smog done. Doesn't matter when you pay.
 
Wow..................
Ok, will a 99 6.5 with Heath ECM and ATT pass the smoke test? Is this based on being a stock rig or will modifications count against us? Or is the smoke test strickly a tail pipe only test? Will an empty cat cause problems?

I hate California and still can't figure out why I live here! I do have a summer job in Alaska each year but its too cold and dark to live there the rest of the year!

Lance
 
From what I'm told they snap the throttle and the smoke has to be gone by 3 seconds. Real scientific, ha? I am not sure on the turbo. If they notice it is aftermarket they might say something. Worse case you throw the GM 8 back on every 2 years. I think the Heath ECM will be fine.
 
I'm thinking I'll pound out the interior to provide an end to end hole about 4" in diameter. The cat will still feel solid if someone "thumps" it but with the lack of restriction, should be just about like not having it there at all.......

I remember hours spent with a concrete star drill and a hand sledge back in high school pounding out the rattling ceramic interior on my volkswagon Rabbit cat convertors!
 
5akman said:
Wow..................
Ok, will a 99 6.5 with Heath ECM and ATT pass the smoke test? Is this based on being a stock rig or will modifications count against us? Or is the smoke test strickly a tail pipe only test? Will an empty cat cause problems?

I hate California and still can't figure out why I live here! I do have a summer job in Alaska each year but its too cold and dark to live there the rest of the year!

Lance
Click to expand...

Look at the under hood sticker for your answer. If the vacuum hose to the waste gate is on sticker, well, the ATT doesn't have one. Missing vac hose and you can fail. :mad2:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top