Catalytic convertor and intake problem

[chasesmom1]

Okay guys. Long story but here goes:

First of all, I am new here and a woman who knows nothing about cars.

My problem:
I have a 2002 Grand Prix GT with about 45000 miles. On a recent vacation, I experienced a severe decrease in power along with a check engine light while accelerating uphill. I used Onstar and was told that they had detected a active engine misfire.

Took it to a little body shop in the closest town. Found out it was an intake problem and with further investigation the catalytic converter was clogged.

The converter was fixed by the dealership for no charge. The intake problem however cost me $672. The invoice states as follows:

Found upper intake leaking internally and lower intake leaking externally.

In Sept of last year, I received a coolant leak recall notice. I took it to the local dealer and they did the repairs Their invoice stated:

Engine coolant leak. Install new throttle body bolts and install cooling tabs in radiator.

My question:
Could all of these problems by related? Could the converter problem have caused the intake problem? Could the converter and intake problem be related to the coolant leak recall repairs?

Thanks for reading and I hope someone can enlighten me.

[GTP Dad]

The original convertor problem certainly could have caused the leaking intake manifold gaskets by overpressurizing the system causing the gaskets to fail. Too much pressure in the combustion chambers due to a clogged cat can cause the pressure to back up into the intake and cause either the gaskets or the intake itself to fail.

It also could happen the other way around, in that the cat problem could have been caused by the leaking manifold gaskets. If you were getting coolant into the exhaust, even in small amounts it can damage the cat and cause it to plug up.

Finally, some of the throttle bodies on the newer cars have coolant that runs to the throttle body. This aids in warm up of the engine. That is why they replaced the bolts. As for the tabs it is a way they refresh the dexcool coolant in the cooling system. I really don't think the cat and gaskets were related to this issue.

Welcome to the forum!!!

[BNaylor]

To help you understand your problem you might want to review this link.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=462424

Certain GM cars including yours are probably subject to the notice concerning the CAT convertor.

So it's hard to say whether the intake problem caused the CAT convertor failure in your situation.

The upper intake and lower intake are also common problems on a Series II 3800 engine. GM Technical Service Bulletins have been published for quite some time now.

However, in most situations misfires caused by problems such as ignition or internal engine such as coolant leaks can cause damage to the CAT convertor. Hope the info helps.







Thrasher CAI, DHP v1.0 PCM, SLP Headers,
3.25 SC pulley, CAIT GMAF, 2.5 DP/Hi-Flow CAT,
u-bend delete, 160 TS, ZZP Stage 1 72mm TB,
TB spacer, MSD 8.5mm wires, Autolite 103,
Goodyear Gatorback Serp. & SC Belt,
Nitto NT555R Drag Radials
1/4 ET: 13.210 sec. @ 104.490 mph
0 - 60 ft: 1.945 sec.

[BNaylor]

Sorry Lynn (GTPDad), didn't know you had this covered. I had to get up early today. lol.







Thrasher CAI, DHP v1.0 PCM, SLP Headers,
3.25 SC pulley, CAIT GMAF, 2.5 DP/Hi-Flow CAT,
u-bend delete, 160 TS, ZZP Stage 1 72mm TB,
TB spacer, MSD 8.5mm wires, Autolite 103,
Goodyear Gatorback Serp. & SC Belt,
Nitto NT555R Drag Radials
1/4 ET: 13.210 sec. @ 104.490 mph
0 - 60 ft: 1.945 sec.[/quote]