1992 Chevy Cavalier I think its the catailitic converter

Tiny
DANZIGROB
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
I have a 92 chevy cavalier convertabil and it started shakeing and making a sputtering noise when its idleing and then get a little louder than normal when its drivin eventually it stops but when you stop again its starts doing it again I looked under the car at the catalitic conver after the car had been pretty much drivin all day and the cat was red hot 'glowing'
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 AT 10:48 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
RICHZOMBIE
  • MECHANIC
  • 173 POSTS
The purpose of the catalytic converter is to change any unburned hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water. As engines become less efficient unburned hydrocarbons and often even raw fuel can be sent out the exhaust.
Once unburned hydrocarbons get to the catalytic converter they are oxidized, resulting in the release of quite a bit of heat.
If your catalytic converter is running that hot, you SERIOUSLY need a tune-up and possibly other engine work.
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Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 AT 10:53 PM

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