Hello paulmorris
it sound like the Converter is pugged.
You can check for a plugged converter by removing it, holding a shop light at one end and peering in the other end. No light means a plugged converter.
Converter failures usually occur because of ignition misfire or a leaky exhaust valve that has been allowing unburned fuel to enter the exhaust system.
Catalytic converter When that unburned fuel hits the converter, it ignites, sending the converter's operating temperature soaring. This breaks down and melts the honeycomb substrate that supports the catalyst, creating a partial or complete blockage.
Replacing a plugged converter will temporarily restore free breathing, but unless the cause of the converter failure is also diagnosed and corrected, chances are the replacement converter will suffer the same fate.
As for checking converter performance, there's probably no need unless the vehicle has failed an emissions test. On 1996 and newer vehicles with OBDII, a downstream oxygen sensor monitors the efficiency of the converter and triggers the Check Engine light if the converter is not doing its job.
There should be an engine light.
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Saturday, December 26th, 2009 AT 8:42 AM
