How to tell if Catalytic converter is bad?

[Twoelouie]

We own 4 third gen Camaros and my 1991 RS (6 cyl,at) feels like it has no power at all ! It will sit and idle all day but when you step on the gas it coughs and sputters and has no BALLS at all !! I have changed the fuel filter and I am getting NO codes from the computer. Also the exaust has that "rotten egg" smell !! Is there a sure fire test to see if the catalytic converter is bad ?? HELP ???????all

[Genopsyde]

rotten egg smell is sometimes caused by a lean exhaust condition, but the converter could also be a culprit. replace it, they're not expensive and it won't hurt to upgrate to a higher flow one anyway.

[supervisor1886]

1 cat is super super hot
2 doesnt rev high enough at idle (3000-3500 max)
3 no power-super bog
3 very loud if u stand next to it while someone revs the engine
4 Sudden bad gas mlg
5 oil becomes very quickly dirty (unusualy quickly)
6 burnt O2 sensor or lean reading due to gases going back to combution chambers.
7 egg smell

There is a test for it:

Use a vacuum gage
When the engine revs up suddenly the gage should drop to 2 in then back to 20-25 in. If it doesnt happen than the cat is bad.

[supervisor1886]

4 third gen camaros? Thats cool

[daman]

Originally Posted by Genopsyde

rotten egg smell is sometimes caused by a lean exhaust condition, but the converter could also be a culprit. replace it, they're not expensive and it won't hurt to upgrate to a higher flow one anyway.

what he said

[Twoelouie]

Originally Posted by supervisor1886

4 third gen camaros? Thats cool

I forgot to mention my 1987 IROC cause its my "parts car" !! I guess that my cars are my additcion !! Thank God I have an understanding wife !! Have a great day !!

[89IROC&RS]

another test we did at the dealership is to remove the cat and pour water out of a pitcher into it, the water should flow right through and out as fast as it goes in, if you can fill the intake pipe of the converter with water then its bad.

[Topher9393]

Who makes a good high flow cat. converter? i have been looking for one and dont know which is the best to get and which is an easy install so that i do not have to weld or anything, also getting new headers that come with a y-pipe and gmmg exhaust, if that helps any, thanks

[goldz28]

Just so you know the moderators dont like it when people bring up old threads. Like this one is 7 months old. If you want to ask a question just make a new thread, trust me I learned the hard way...lol