Catalytic Converter question

So I got a 12 Tacoma trd offroad with the 4.0l (1grfe) and trying to diagnose an issue with power loss/ sluggish not really sure what to call it but Its been off and on for quite sometime and have been trying to figure it out and having no lick doing so

But have been watching the catalytic temps using techstream and also with infra red temp gun the temps seem very high to me typically running around 13-1400 deg but have seen them over 1600deg that is sensor 1 which I assume is pre and sensor 2 typically is below a 1000deg I can get exact numbers if need be.
When i use infrared temp gun to see temps after a drive the temps precat are always higher then post cat reading usually a100-200deg difference. I get those reading shooting the second cat not the one on the manifold.

Everything i read says thats not good. Truck has 125,000 miles and all maintenance done TB has been cleaned, new denso plugs, MAF cleaned, installed urd fuel pump upgrade, fuel pressure reads 41 all the time, all new denso AF and 02 sensors.. Has new SAIS system per recall, engine oil looks good doesnt loose any coolant temps look fine FUEL MILEAGE sucks lucky to get 200 miles out of a tank. Yes I have 33”s but also have 4.56 gears.

Basically are my cats good still and or how can i better trouble shoot them to be sure?? And if they are bad which ones thpically go bad the one on the manifold or the ones further down stream…

EDIT: Also forgot to mention when this is happening it feels like there is a vibration or something can feel it in the seat and kind of seems like its coming from the rear of the truck no vibrations in steering wheel or pedals. Suspension seems to be more stiff in the front

 

What are your fuel trims?
I think you can pull the A/F sensor and check back pressure. But I’m not 100% sure if that’s the way you do it on the Tacoma. Maybe @Dm93 knows how to properly check one.

Normally, you get a p0420/0430 code.

 

Using temperature to diagnose converters can be misleading and inaccurate and the temperature in scan data is calculated based on other parameters, there are no temperature sensors in the exhaust system.

Converter function can be checked using AFR and O2 sensor readings (downstream sensors should be fairly steady at 700-800mv if the converters are warmed up and working) but as @TnShooter said you would likely get a P0420/430 if they were not providing there are no other codes set that would prevent the catalyst monitor from running.

A backpressure test would have to be done to determine if you have a plugged converter or not, there are several methods of doing backpressure testing but the most common is to remove the O2/AFR sensors 1 at a time and screwing a backpressure tester in (backpressure should be less than 2 psi @ 3000 RPM in park/neutral).

Are you getting any codes at all?

 

No codes had prior bank 2 lean codes did a backpressure test a while back from what incan remember it was less then 3psi but dont recall exact numbers ill pull up my logged data tomorrow and see what o2 and aft are reading exackly. Fuel trims are good Short term is around 3 usually at idle and cruising at 65 closer to zero Long term is higher at idle around 8 and at 65mph its between 0-2

 

I mean a non-functioning converter isn't going to affect performance, a plugged converter however can greatly affect performance.
3 psi is kinda high, ideally it should basically be 0 anything more than 2 psi at 3k RPM is a restriction.
Did you check both sides?
Alot of times you can hear a hissing or whistling noise when a converter is severely plugged and the engine will sound like it's struggling at higher throttle.

 

Do the p0420/0430 codes mean bad catalytic converters or can it be caused by bad O2 sensors?

 

Yes a lazy sensor can set an efficiency code.. so can an exhaust leak

 

cheaper to start with sensor replacement than whole cats
especially if the sensors may be worn out regardless of cat

 

Sensors are new and not fetting any codes so i doubt its the sensors

 

I cant remember if i did both sides want to say i did but do t recall what the numbers were and at higher throttle conditions the truck performs normally just that mid range is where I have the issue

 

here is my data list with numbers

 

I don’t see anything that sticks out.
But I would like to know what the Knock Feedback and Learn Values should be for these engines?
Your’s seems to be @15’ which, with my very limited research, seems to be the default after “resetting” the ECM?

Maybe the guys below can help us (me) understand what these values should normally be?

@tonered @JustDSM @Dm93

 

KCLV is generally around 27. I can't remember if that number is positive or negative. It will bump around when knock is sensed. KFB is something that should be kept higher than about -4. Knock will cause it to go more negative.

 

Is this when your problem is occurring?
I don't see anything wrong with those numbers at first glance.

I'm not sure myself on the knock values.

 

No its not just a random time i clocked on to while driving is there any way to beable to upload the entire file that shows the entire drive its a techstream data list file?

 

Ive always wondered myself what the knock sensor readings ahould be never could find any good info either the couple tomes ive tried reading up on them.

 

I would imagine one would need Techstream to read it which I do not have.

 

Gotcha ill see what i can come up with tomorrow possibly comverting it or something

maybe i can try logging some data with HP tuner software and see what that file saves as

 

I can read Snapon or HP Tuners data logs but I don't have apps for anything else.

 

Ok ill try and get one for ya if you wouldnt mind taking a look at it. Whenever you have some spare time if not thats totally cool as well appreciate the help and advise