Add another problem to the list! I've noticed this distinct smell since I bought the car but didn't know what it was. Tonight we went for a drive and noticed smoke rising from the center console at a stoplight. I get out and look and the whole catalytic converter is GLOWING. It's obviously plugged.

Now I'm wondering what I should do. How tough is it to pass emissions with a gutted cat? I live in Oregon. How much does a replacement cat cost? I'm not going to be keeping this car so I dont want to sink alot of money into it.

Also, what type of problems/symptoms could a plugged cat cause?

 

i think they have a 8 yr warranty on them....

cory

 

What're you talking about?

 

i think stock cats have 8 yr warranty even if the car has a 3 yr warranty on it..

cory

 

gut it.......plugged cat can be really bad in the long run

 

Oh I see what you're saying. Well my car is a '93 so it's still not valid

What's the likeliness I'll be able to pass emissions with a gutted cat?

I also found this cat on ebay for $35 + shipping

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33629

 

you cant pass emissions at all with a gutted cat, unless its just an inspection

get a high flow cat. it will sound better too

 

Gutted cat wont pass emissions but it DOES sound better than a high flow cat.

 

You really need to find out why the cat was "glowing". It may be plugged, but you also need to look for the possibility you have a serious misfire condition, and the air and fuel from the misfiring cylinder(s) is ending up on the cat, and releasing a huge amount of heat as it burns. Simply replacing the cat might lead to a repeat of the same problem.

 

Funny you said that, becuase I believe that's exactly what's happening. When the car is running there's a very strong gas smell, and the car has a bad hesitation. Do you think it's possible the cat isn't plugged but this rich condition is causing it to get extremely hot? Is the cat bad now after reaching those temperatures?

Also, do our cats have an O2 sensor in them?

 

If it gets hot enough from burning the misfired fuel and air, the heat will eventually melt the cat. That's why in the OBD-II cars they have a flashing SES light... to draw you attention to the fact that continued driving could melt the cat.

What year is your car? If its a 93, there are no after-cat O2 sensors. No 4th Gen has a sensor located in the cat.

 

Do you think I could drive it 30 miles at freeway speeds (60mph+) out to our shop without any problems?

 

Just for shats and giggles check the air filter. Sounds stupid but my firebird sucked up a leaf one day and it did the exact some thing. Hesitating and glowing cat. It cuts off the airflow and richens it up.

 

Thanks for the tip, I did it and it's fine.