95 SL cat converter trouble

[samprix]

I wanted to pass this on for others who might have the same trouble I had. I was beating my head against the wall trying to figure out why my SL-2 wouldn't run right. Tried everything, plugs, wires, coil packs, fuel fitler, air filter, you name it. I even hollowed out the cat converter, still no luck. Turns out the exhaust system was clogged with pieces of the converter "honey comb" to the point where there was too much back pressure for the car to perform properly. The pieces were wedged in the first bend of the pipe and were not rattling. Removed the exhaust system and cleared the pipe, reinstalled the same exhaust system, ran like a champ. Talk about a cheap fix.

[drew300]

But replacing the cat is a bit pricey?

[samprix]

Probably will replace the cat eventually, but even if I had replaced the cat, it wouldn't have solved the actual problem.

I may try to see if it will pass emissions without a cat.

[saturnspeed_12]

with the typical other problems from saturns that yours probably has, i doubt it will pass. the converter should not have done that unless there is a problem with the engine like burning oil, running rich, or burning coolant, or if the cat has A LOAD of miles on it. im talking in the range of like 200,000+. most cats last quite some time.

[samprix]

The car's got 140k on it and uses about a quart of oil every 1000 miles like most. Probably is burning some coolant, but not much. Hard to tell about the coolant right now. Plastic rad is cracked now.

[rajjhauf]

Originally Posted by samprix

I wanted to pass this on for others who might have the same trouble I had. I was beating my head against the wall trying to figure out why my SL-2 wouldn't run right. Tried everything, plugs, wires, coil packs, fuel fitler, air filter, you name it. I even hollowed out the cat converter, still no luck. Turns out the exhaust system was clogged with pieces of the converter "honey comb" to the point where there was too much back pressure for the car to perform properly. The pieces were wedged in the first bend of the pipe and were not rattling. Removed the exhaust system and cleared the pipe, reinstalled the same exhaust system, ran like a champ. Talk about a cheap fix.

My daughters car has a rattle from inside the cat. and I wanted to hollow the cat. but didn't know if that would make check engine light come on. I know its not the obdII system but does have O2 sensors in front of and behind the cat. Hers is a 95 sc2 DOHC with low miles.

[drew300]

I guess you've checked the heat shields? Mine have rattled. I glued them to something cool with silicone. That takes high temperature. It's worked so far.

[samprix]

There is no O2 sensor behind the cat on my 1995 SL-2, but it is possible that the design changed mid year. I did not get a SES light on when I gutted the cat on mine so it's worth a shot. But, as already stated make sure the rattle is coming from inside before you tear it up. And if you daughter's car is anything like mine she'll have a very slim chance of passing a smog test.

[rajjhauf]

Thanks samprix,
We have no smog or safety inspections here in Oklahoma. I will look and see if a sensor behind the cat. The rattle is coming from inside the cat.
Many thanks