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Catalytic converter is smoking...

  • Thread starter Thread starter 90blacknight
  • Start date Start date Aug 31, 2008

90blacknight

Member
Apr 11, 2006
136
0
18
Aug 31, 2008
#1
  • Aug 31, 2008
  • #1
I noticed that one of my catalytic converters (passenger side) is smoking and the bottom of it appears to be wet. Is this condensation and evidence of it being clogged? Is it fuel or coolant? There is an obvious smell of something burning. The other cat appears to be ok. Oil looks ok and coolant level is fine. I do have a small leak in the rear main seal.

Thanks for the help.
 

Mr. Rustypwnz

Advanced Member
Jun 1, 2005
1,761
63
69
indianapolis/ valdosta ga
Sep 1, 2008
#2
  • Sep 1, 2008
  • #2
1 question: do you have to have it smogged?

if not, rip the bastards off!!!
 

90blacknight

Member
Apr 11, 2006
136
0
18
Sep 1, 2008
#3
  • Sep 1, 2008
  • #3
slow95gt said:
1 question: do you have to have it smogged?

if not, rip the bastards off!!!
Click to expand...


What if it's coolant in the exhaust? Ripping the cats out won't solve my problem. In any case, this is a street car and it must pass emissions.
 

Mr. Rustypwnz

Advanced Member
Jun 1, 2005
1,761
63
69
indianapolis/ valdosta ga
Sep 1, 2008
#4
  • Sep 1, 2008
  • #4
ok cool, does it smell sweet? coolant has that smell, it might be clogged though, check how hot its getting as well, if it is actual smoke (hazy dark smoke) it is more than likely oil, is any dripping down the h-pipe? either way if the car starts to feel laggy, or underpowered when up to temp it could very well be a clogged cat..
 

90blacknight

Member
Apr 11, 2006
136
0
18
Sep 1, 2008
#5
  • Sep 1, 2008
  • #5
slow95gt said:
ok cool, does it smell sweet? coolant has that smell, it might be clogged though, check how hot its getting as well, if it is actual smoke (hazy dark smoke) it is more than likely oil, is any dripping down the h-pipe? either way if the car starts to feel laggy, or underpowered when up to temp it could very well be a clogged cat..
Click to expand...

Car has lots of power, no driveability issues. The smoke I'm seeing is not dark, more like steam looking. I'm smelling something but not sure if you'd call it sweet (it could be I guess). If I had coolant in the cat, wouldn't I also see smoke out the tail pipe? I'm not seeing coolant on the ground but the bottom of the cat definitely looked wet.
 
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