I cleaned up my EGR Valve and Throttle body today. After that I noticed alot of smoke coming from my Catalytic Converter. Any ideas on why. I hadn't driven it very long...don't think it is leaking oil that is burning, but it could be.

Also wondering if this would coincide with a loss in power and a high pitched sound when I accelerate.

A brief history. I have been told by mechanics that I have piston ring wear on one of my pistons. I think I heard it knockin' around, when I was checking the car over after cleaning the throttle body.

The most recent episode of loss of power was noticed after driving on low oil. I noticed nothing in the coolant to make me suspect a head gasket.

As I apply more gas, it seems to be gasping for air. Could it be a vacuum hose leak?

Any help is appreciated.

Any help would be greatful.

Do a compression test on the engine and report the results.

Check your oil for a strange appearance. Do a pressure check on your cooling system. Do a leak-down test on your cylinders.

Had a mechanic do a compression test awhile back. Said cylinder one was not so good, due to the piston ring wear. It just wasn't as bad before, as it is now.

Did he give you the numbers on the cylinders?

I don't remember the actual compression numbers. It was the first piston that had the trouble.