My suburban, z71, vortex 5.3L engine, blew a catalitic converters. This was shortly after a puff of smoke, that dissapates quickly comes out of the exhaust, the converter goes, check engine light goes on, etc. AFter its fixed, a check engine (running lean) light goes on, and then goes back off.
Now, the puff of smoke just came out again, no check engine light, but the codes say that its running lean.
-Some people say it could be a pcv valve that would leak oil into the exhaust.
-Others say, it could be a cracked intake manifold, or the intake manifold gasket.
When I look at the intake manifold, it does appear to either have a portion pushed down that would be a stablizer on the passenger side of the manifold, but aside from that, can't really tell.
When the engine starts, generally all good, just a small amount of liquid exits and drops to the ground when its started.
--On a side note, I was confused on the starburst showing on the air conditioner, apparently when starburst is on, that means that the ac is off, I have not had it on most of the time, so the AC unit compressor was actually on, despite the fact that its pretty cold outside.
Any ideas on my mystery problem ? I really hate to blow another cat converter again, particular if I'm going to travel a few hundred miles. Last time it went, I couldn't even power up a hill & it had to be towed.