Symptoms of a Bad Clogged Catalytic Converter

[@azornos09]

Really clear, no unnecessary info, perfect for helping me make an informed decision. Cheers

[@Petethebuilder]

Can a clogged converter make the car sputter or feel like a lack of fuel or spark

[@haleytaylor906]

Yes yes it can

[@mikepettengill2706]

Thanks, i am grappling with this right now. I didn't know that misfiring is a symptom of a clogged converter. I have a misfire code as well as some exhaust sensor codes so that is giving me a clue. Cataclean is easy to use but I cant tell if it worked yet. I got your cheap code reader and I am going out to check and see what it is saying since I ran the cataclean and reset the codes. Just trying to get this 2000 chevy 1500 silverado through emissions.

[@Sam-z7h8c]

Dyt

[@sillywillie5076]

Did it work?

[@mikepettengill2706]

@@sillywillie5076 Didnt seem to do the trick at all. I did see an intersting change after replacing the fuel filter and pump. No more 'Check Engine" light. I am too busy with work and my youngest turning one years old today to spend the time checking the codes yet. But I am interested to see if I can get it though emissions now?

[@cliffflood7284]

Figure it out?

[@mikepettengill2706]

@@cliffflood7284 It went through emissions without a hitch, but that was after changing the cats in March. Not sure how that fixed the misfire, had a check engine light a few days later but it has since gone away. I am suspecting electrical issues. Wiring and connectors from camping on alkali flats every year for 15 years in wind rain heat and cold.

[@billybobbarker3175]

Question: the lacquer thinner in the fuel tank method. Is there a risk of that dissolving or damaging elastomers in the fuel system? For example orings at fuel line connectors, orings and seats in fuel injectors, diaphragm in fuel pressure regulator ….. etc. otherwise the lacquer thinner supposedly works great to dissolve carbon and tar in the cat to clean it out while you drive.

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

I have never tried that method, so I don't know if it works or not. EricTheCarGuy did a video on that some time ago, and it didn't work for him. If you try it, let us know the results.

[@xinhuafan6746]

i tried. it works

[@mikepettengill2706]

Tried it after Cataclean didn't work and Lacquer thinner didn't work either.

[@dramatimefighting]

@@mikepettengill2706 was your cat just bad?

[@mikepettengill2706]

@@dramatimefighting Probably? It was one of the things that I changed before I passed Cal emissions. But, I did other things too to get the check engine light to stay off so I am not sure. A mechanic who worked on it said the Catalytic Converters should last forever, but they get fouled. So I don't know what to think. They are very expensive and I am at a loss as to why no one has come up with a reliable method to clean them if that is really the issue?

[@maplecorn2947]

Could this cause jerking or hesitation when acceleration?

[@jakelapoint]

I’m thinking yes. I have jerking and hesitation in my 06 4Runner. I replaced the fuel pump filter and it seems to go away but my old filter was Soo bad that the new one did make an improvement. I’m actually going to try seafoam.. they say pour 1/2 can directly into 1st 02 sensor hole.. let sit for an hour… re-place the 02 sensor and take it for a drive. It’ll smoke heavy for a little bit since it’s burning out all the buildup in the cats. I’m trying this. Look for the video with seafoam and clogged cats. I hear a lot of success stories. I’ll update in a few days on how my “fix” goes.

[@dianeprice1153]

That sounds like your camshaft coupler have it replaced for about 150 bucks and it will drive good

[@Sam-z7h8c]

​@@dianeprice1153fgf

[@Sam-z7h8c]

​@@dianeprice1153f

[@Sam-z7h8c]

​@@jakelapointdrreyyt

[@ms79ta]

Can that cause that muffler hair that comes out of the pipes? I know it's fiberglass or something coming loose from inside the muffler itself but I didn't know if they are related somehow. My Ford F-150 had about a 3 foot long gray and black piece come out the other day.

[@ninegeorge]

I smell rotten eggs in my 2011 Altima. It drives fine with light pedal, but if i hold the pedal to floor it accelerates slow and under powered, engine doesn't get louder, sounds like it can't breath. No check engine light, just passed smog test last week

[@SnoopPros]

Have the same issue with 2012 altima. I have no power when flooring it. Just bought a new cat converter and will replace it.

[@ninegeorge]

@@SnoopPros the old cat was clogged. It drives like a new car since I've changed the CAT

[@SnoopPros]

yeah i cant wait to change mine. im literally driving 40-50mph max on the highway its a struggle 🤣@@ninegeorge

[@TheAbeSystem]

If you smell rotten eggs. It could be your battery.

[@isaiah_parker2663]

​@@SnoopProsfr

[@irfanrahman394]

i replaced my catalytic converter last October it was all good but after 6months its started showing code P0420, im using 2011 toyota vitz 1.3L. will it be caused by EGR system? car doesn't go above 4500rpm.easily. if press the paddle long enough it eventually reaches 5400rpm... facing vibrations while at idle ... some backfires and when i press the throttle to the floor... i can smell a odor in the cabin.

[@mikeharris8365]

What about a periodic pinging noise? Can that possibly be a bad catalytic converter?

[@kaduku1112]

My car randomly dies sometimes in the middle of the street and struggles to turn back on again. I thought my starter was bad since i had issues starting it before driving. But now idk if its just a bad catalytic. Does a bad cat cause a car to stop and then struggle to turn over until i press the accelerator? I even bought a new starter if it isn't part of the reason :(

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

A bad CAT can cause the engine to run badly, but it should start. Also, a bad CAT will usually give a code. I would get an OBD scan tool and read for any codes, as there likely are codes that should point to what the issue is.

[@kaduku1112]

@HVAC_Mechanic ok yeah, I should've gotten an obd before getting the starter. I got a bluedriver obd2. My ex has my old one, so I didn't want to ask her lol. But yeah it gave the p0420 code. I wish I knew more about cars and i almost have the basic tools needed. It's expensive. but everyone starts somewhere, I guess. And Thank you!

[@dramatimefighting]

@@kaduku1112 having the same issues. Did you have tricks accelerating ?? And did you ever try cataclean ?

[@grominwithrob1339]

Sounds like a crank position sensor.

[@ChristianThomas95]

Yea it can cause your car to stop seen a video on FB where parker took off the piping the dudes car started right up after he said would no longer start so I'd say yea it can cause your car to stop turning over n running

[@gomonstor7509]

Would the engine shake too ? I have almost all the issues but my engine shakes

[@sillywillie5076]

Same.. not sure if I need a oil change or the cat is destroyed, I hear no rattle noise, no check engine light but car is shaky when I start excellerating and after I drive it on freeway I can smell rotten eggs when I park it, can be anything but I did run the engine without oil recently, had no clue it was out and for how long, could of damaged engine but I also see a oil leak, not good

[@gomonstor7509]

@@sillywillie5076 what kind a car is it and did u end up finding the issue

[@mrkat8137]

Mine sometimes loses power when accelerating, sometimes can’t get past 3k rpms and emergency relief valve pops a few times when that happens. All is well when I let go of the pedal and push it again, it like resets itself. Could that be a cat problem? I smell a burnt smell after driving it for a short while, the cabin gets hot too. Would it be a smart idea to take the cat off and check inside?

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

I would test the CAT while still connected. You can test it with an OBDII scan tool or a low-cost infrared temperature gun.

[@mrkat8137]

@@HVAC_Mechanic hmm I might have to go with the temp gun since my car is from 1981. I’d like to get an exhaust back pressure gauge but they’re kinda expensive

[@jjfernandez5044]

could a potential catalytic converter cause smoke from under hood after a good while of driving it??

[@clawhammer704]

Another symptom of a bad cat is the vehicle runs fine but when the motor get warmed up it will start stalling when slowing down to come to a stop or at idle. Rule out dirty throttle bottle first and check for codes.

[@pep3fr0g]

Hello I’ve been trying to fix my car for a while now. It’s a 2004 BMW 325xi and I hit a bad pothole that apparently hit my cats making it clogged. After replacing the coils plugs and sensors now anytime I start the car about 1-2 minutes after a loud banging noise starts (not engine knock) and makes the whole car start jerking a little. Please lmk if it’s best to straight pipe the car or it’s maybe an engine / oil burning issue. Thanks 🙏🏽

[@sipmeister3611]

Sounds like bad coil pack

[@markblackburn8685]

My son just recently bought a 1984 Cadillac Eldorado and I just got to check it out for the 1st time this evening. At 1st it ran great but after just a few miles it started missing and I could smell something getting hot then about a mile from home it over heated. I'm thinking it's a bad Cadillac converter what do you think?

[@trayjobe6995]

My camaro is doing this and mechnics cant seem to figure it out. New battery, new plugs, new coils, primary cats gutted, new maf sensor. Now my theory is that its the secondary cats that are clogged causing me a misfire, there now seems to be a rattle under the car and a smell from the car. Also, it doesnt really happen till the higher RPMs 5k+, it seems like I can go no faster than that before misfiring. Its hard to tell in theory because the secondary cats are not monitor, so it wouldnt throw a code for that set. I plan on just simly deleting them with a base tune and going from there.

[@tarekmareh4097]

Hi there will removing the catalyst converter in my bmw e65 740li will that damage my engine or its ok to delete it

[@3gcraftsman]

I heard about a guy who hollowed out his cat, and put back on. But he tried to drive it through California, and now he’s doing life prison.😢

[@chadsgonecrazy105]

@@3gcraftsmanbro what😭😭

[@jb-vz4wb]

Cat deletes are overrated in my opinion. Car exhaust will smell bad, and you will have a check engine light. Just my opinion

[@mikepettengill2706]

@@3gcraftsman you will get a fine if they catch it but very unlikely. No prison.

[@ekimbrough1413]

Thank You!😁

[@Texas_Made_]

So i have had my catalytic converter replaced the beginning of this year..my thing is,lately my car "bucks" sometimes when i start to drive..shes not getting up like i KNOW She can😂😂(2015 honda accord sport)..the guy i go to said it could possibly need transmission fluid which he said cant be used seen as easily as the regular engine oil stick🤔,i wonder what it could be

[@jb-vz4wb]

Check if your spark plugs are worn out. If you are familiar with replacing them, you can remove one at home and check the gap spark plug gap guage (they are available at most auto parts stores for under $5). If the gap is probably more than 0.010" (ten thousands of an inch) more than what it is supposed to be, that can be the cause of your hesitation when you are accelrating. The fix then will be to replace the plugs. You can look ypur owners manual under specifications for the OEM spark plug gap. If the plugs are original, this could be the problem. In my experience working at a shop, if your transmission has never leaked oil, and isnt leaking now, leave the level as it was filled at the factory. If ypu change the oil, measure how much you drain out, then add the exact same amount of OEM fluid in, at the same twmperature the old fluid was measured at. New trans fluid is very susceptible to expansion with heat, and contraction with cold

[@jb-vz4wb]

One more thing, is to visually inspect your ignition coils when they are out for cracks or arc jumping. You can google that to see photos, its kind of a subtle thing to look for. Ignition coils also can fail due to heat, and not have those symptoms. But I would say check the plug gap first, and if it is way out, then that is the most likely culprit, and least expensive place to start

[@darrenwright630]

Can I bypass that catalytic converter mines been stolen?

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

You can complete the two open connections temporarily with a fitting at an automotive store. It won't pass an emission test, and you will get codes, but it should still run.

[@GAWTHLEX]

my car all of a sudden hecame alot quiter, no power and wont go above 3500 rpm, im pretty sure my cat collapsed

[@Rico702Vegas]

How does exhaust exxxscape? Lol