catalytic converters
iLuBSkylines
12-28-2003, 01:07 AM
coupla questions:
If you have a bad pre cat, can that ruin your main cat in some way?
I'm assuming my main cat has failed because the trouble code came up for it and I can hear a rattling noise under my car. However, to the best of my ability I've noticed no loss in power or performance. I looked at the exhaust pipe while a buddy goosed the gas peddle in idle and there was no black smoke coming out. There was also the normal increase in exhaust volume as the rpms went up. I've also been getting good gas milage. The only thing is that once in a while I will smell something coming from the vents. Not really the rotten egg smell but still stinky nonetheless. Its never strong and it always goes away in a few seconds.
I'm going to bring it into the shop next week to have it looked at, but I want to learn as much beforehand so I don't get the runaraound. Any ideas on what the problem might be?
BTW: 98 kia sephia
If you have a bad pre cat, can that ruin your main cat in some way?
I'm assuming my main cat has failed because the trouble code came up for it and I can hear a rattling noise under my car. However, to the best of my ability I've noticed no loss in power or performance. I looked at the exhaust pipe while a buddy goosed the gas peddle in idle and there was no black smoke coming out. There was also the normal increase in exhaust volume as the rpms went up. I've also been getting good gas milage. The only thing is that once in a while I will smell something coming from the vents. Not really the rotten egg smell but still stinky nonetheless. Its never strong and it always goes away in a few seconds.
I'm going to bring it into the shop next week to have it looked at, but I want to learn as much beforehand so I don't get the runaraound. Any ideas on what the problem might be?
BTW: 98 kia sephia
Jporter12
12-28-2003, 01:49 PM
Catalytic converters can fail in more than one way. It sounds like your's has failed in efficiency. It's just not able to convert the exhaust gases as well as it's supposed to, and needs to in order to comply with emissions standards.
The way that converters used to be know for failing is for them to be overworked from an engine running too rich, which would cause them to meltdown on the inside which would cause them to not be able to flow the exhaust gasses through them anymore.
Hope this helps.
The way that converters used to be know for failing is for them to be overworked from an engine running too rich, which would cause them to meltdown on the inside which would cause them to not be able to flow the exhaust gasses through them anymore.
Hope this helps.
MustangRoadRacer
12-29-2003, 10:50 AM
why fix the cats, when you can buy a new kia for about the same price!
ok, just kidding.
replacing the cats is good for emissions, and that's about it. power will not be noticeable.
ok, just kidding.
replacing the cats is good for emissions, and that's about it. power will not be noticeable.
454Casull
12-29-2003, 04:37 PM
Unless they actually get plugged up with carbon, or the insides crumble.
c a m a r o
01-01-2004, 01:22 PM
i got the same problem, i hear a rattling noise at idle accompanied by a squeak which i thought at first was the belt, and it smells funny sometimes. i also see smoke coming out of it when i clog up the exhaust pipe with a rag. is it difficult to replace the converter? or should i have the mechanic do it? and could that be the reason my 'service engine' lite goes on at above 60mph?
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