1994 p/u...how do I know if it needs new cat conv?

[dave42]

I have a 1994 2wd pickup with the 2l EFI engine 22RE. It failed emissions, and the 2 things noted were needs new oxygen sensor and new thermostat. It bombed on both HC and %CO.
I did both, but the oxygen sensor was so loose, it was barely being held in the pipe (both nuts were missing). They also recommended replacing the catalytic converter, which is big bucks.
Anyways, I replaced the oxygen sensor as well as the thermostat.
How would I know if the catalytic converter were bad? I knocked on it, and nothing sounds loose.
Should I just go get it retested now?
Also, the oxygen sensor I bought was a Bosch. It is flanged and did not come with any type of gasket. The instructions said it doesn't need one, but the old sensor had one....is that correct?
Thanks.
Dave

[sonofmayhem]

My bosch sensor came with a neew gasket, my old one was almost gone! I don't know about the converter, but test it w/o buying one and see what happens, retest is free right?

[peterng]

I just bought an entire exhaust system from napa for my 89 toyota pickup 22re 4x4 xcab model RN110 from the manifold back including the oxygen sensor for $385. They misquoted me at $330, then said $485, then the guys across the street at Sanels said $440, so napa came down to $385. So thats not too pricy I wouldnt say.

Is there any suggestions as far as no nos with exhaust component brands?
Thanks,
Pete

[Bakemono]

I would think that as long as you dont hear anything rattling around inside the cat you would be OK.
I had an '85 4Runner back when I was in highschool and it needed a new cat. You could hear this constantly rattling sound in the exhaust tha was basically the honeycomb inside the cat that was breaking apart and rattling around.
Since there dont have emission testing where I live, I let it go. It was kinda cool though you could really hear it rattle when you took the foot off the gas and were going fast enough for engine braking to take effect!
Cap'n

[85yoda]

dave too bad your in ct. I have a brand new one I could loan you Its only been used twice for 1 day each in the last 4 years . the one I run the other 729 days is convieniently hollow. 85yoda