1999 Cadillac Catera Possible Catalytic Converter Problem?

TCOVE300

MEMBER
1999 CADILLAC CATERA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
78,850 MILES

Just completed EXPENSIVE repair work at dealer to correct TBS/ABS lights and loss of power steering.
New Steering Gear Assembly, Selector Shaft Seal, Electronic Brake & Traction Control Module & New Power Steering Pump. Car has been driven less than 50 miles since repair. Now I smell very hot, tarry smell when driving even short distances. Exhause fumes are entering through A/C even with recycle on. Exterior exhaust (drivers side) seems very, very hot.

It was suggested that engine may be running too rich and catalytic converter is heating up? Is this related to the work I just had done?

1 Reply

FACTORYJACK

MECHANIC
4,159 POSTS

It could be related, is it possible theree is power steering fluid burning off the exhaust. Another possibility is valve cover gaskets leaking oil onto exhaust. If you pull the coils(or plug wires)and the plug ports are full of oil, the valve covers are leaking. If you were running rich, more than likely you would have a check engine light.