I have a 2000 f150 4.8 that I bought new way back. I rarely if ever use it anymore. I'm getting old and not doing too well. I do have sentimental value to this truck. It runs good but is rusting out. My exhaust got loud and I got a check engine light. PO156. I got the old O2 sensor out but noticed a rotted out hole in the cat.
What should I do? Inspection is coming out next month. New Jersey. I'd love to get it through one more time (two year inspection).
Is there any easy cheap fix for this? I just have to get it through inspection, don't care about the noise.

 

[QUOTE=chuckp;6611105]I have a 2000 f150 4.8 that I bought new way back. I rarely if ever use it anymore. I'm getting old and not doing too well. I do have sentimental value to this truck. It runs good but is rusting out. My exhaust got loud and I got a check engine light. PO156. I got the old O2 sensor out but noticed a rotted out hole in the cat.
What should I do? Inspection is coming out next month. New Jersey. I'd love to get it through one more time (two year inspection).
Is there any easy cheap fix for this? I just have to get it through inspection, don't care about the noise.[/QUO

Does your state offer any assistance? Here is what happens in Texas:

"Many car owners fear failing their Texas vehicle inspections because they worry they can’t afford the repairs. The state recognizes many people can’t fully afford to pay for the repairs necessary to help them pass Texas emissions testing. For this reason, they offer assistance up to $600 to those who fail the test. However, in order to qualify, individuals must find a Texas DPS recognized emissions inspection repair facility to complete the repairs, as well as meet certain income criteria. Using any other repair shop will cause the car owner to take full responsibility for the cost of making any needed repairs."

also:

"If the cost of necessary repairs is too high, you may be able to apply for a waiver so you can spread the cost of the repairs over a longer period of time. In the state of Texas, car owners are required to spend at least $250 on repairs when they fail Texas vehicle inspections. If you attempt the repairs yourself or don’t choose a DPS recognized repair facility, the money you put into the repairs won’t count toward this limit. For this reason, it’s best to choose one of the approved facilities so you can protect your interests."

 

I'm sure NJ doesn't offer anything but problems.

 

Inspection Extensions

If there is an acceptable reason according to NJAC 13:20-43.12, that you cannot present your failed vehicle for re-inspection, you may be eligible to receive an inspection extension:

• Vehicle is out of state at time of inspection. See FAQ’s
• Ill health of the vehicle owner, however, a vehicle can be presented for inspection by any individual with valid credentials required for inspection.
• Extensive repairs that cannot be completed within the re-inspection time period. A customer requesting extension for repair issues must present the vehicle to a facility for repair and obtain invoices for parts that have been ordered to repair the vehicle. These invoices will be required to be faxed to receive an extension.

Extensions are granted for no more than two weeks per inspection cycle. Please call 609-633-9474 or 609-633-9460 for more information or to request an extension of your vehicles inspection.



https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/inspection/failedinsp.htm

 

Will a hole in the bottom of the cat resulting in an exhaust leak trigger a PO156 code, or could it just be a faulty O2 sensor? Thinking of maybe stuffing in some steel wool and getting a new sensor, being I got the old one out.

 

Sorry, cant answer that for you. Last suggestion I would have is take it to a certified shop, get the estimate, then create a go fund me page and see if others will help you.

Good luck, maybe someone else more knowledgeable in your question will post.

 

How big is the hole?

 

about the size of a quarter on the bottom, downstream of cat. element.

 

If it were me, I'd see if you can get someone to weld that up for you, then go from there. Of course, I can't actually wee what you are seeing, but I've seen cats get holes welded shut before.

 

wow! are ALL the DPS recognized repair facilities owned by the same legislator's brother-in-law?