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Clearing Catalytic Converter; Need help to clean cat
Topic Started: May 12 2011, 10:51 PM (5,985 Views)
TheKid
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I noticed the motor cuts out after a minute or so of idle run time. :die I try this several times with same result.
All systems checked out fine, including gas delivery, etc.

But I remember reading here on our great forum where the cat can caused this. :news yup!
So I disconnected the exhaust from the flange and try again, guess what.... it ran just fine...continuosly.
Indicating that the catalytic converter maybe block preventing free flow of exhaust.

I also read here where a few folks have cleared their cat when it clogged up.
I am thinking junk yard, but I may end up with another clogged cat. Risky eh..

So guys I would really appreciate some help or instruction on how this is done. :(

Thanks a bunch.
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allmountain40
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Most junkyards will not sell you a cat since it is against federal emissions laws. Normally when a cat is clogged, it is because the insides have melted down into a solid ball that blocks the exit pipe. What most people do is pull the cat off and get the ball of crap out of it and reinstall it as an empty shell. If you are required to go through emissions, you are best off replacing the cat. If you dont have to pass emissions, then just empty the cat out, or straight pipe it. Good luck. :thumb
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JoeBob
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Why you Mutt!

Installed, a new cat for my '91 was under $200. Having been a kid in the L.A. area in the '60s, and experiencing first hand the effects of unbridled smog (watery eyes, not being able to breathe after playing outside for half an hour or so) I think it is a small price to pay. Keep the emissions equipment functional.
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DesmondGhostRider
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I poured a bottle of seafoam down the exhaust manifold. Then I let it sit for a a few hours then started it. Bunch of black gunk shot out the back for a few min. Just make sure u dont do it in ur garage or ur gonna get black crud all over ur ground.
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Johnny Mullet
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Fear the Mullet

Your only option is to replace it or gut it.
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Memphis metro


Johnny Mullet
May 13 2011, 04:37 AM
Your only option is to replace it or gut it.
Agreed.
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TheKid
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enginedoctorgeo
May 13 2011, 06:03 AM
Johnny Mullet
May 13 2011, 04:37 AM
Your only option is to replace it or gut it.
Agreed.
Thanks guys. How do you gut it..., sorry I just have no idea.

I can try Bryan's approach first, if fails then I'll just gut it.
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Tofuball
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Strange Mechanic

Take it off, cram a pipe down it till all the parts break out of it. Don't breathe the dust, save what comes out and turn it in at a scrap yard for some $ :P
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Memphis metro


Well you could remove the exhaust and cut the front pipe at the convertor almost all the way thru but not all the way. Bend it back and punch it out with a long chisel or metal prybar and shake the stuff out of it and then bend the pipe back over and weld it back.
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TheKid
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Well, the seafoam work just great today. Lots of smoke...yuck! But it's back to normal idle just fine.

I guess will gut it if it happens again.

Thanks y'all.
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Lil red metro


I guess that seafoam is some pretty powerful stuff. Doing that is a lot easier than taking the exhaust off and putting it all back together. I think in the long run, hollowing out the cat would give you a free flowing exhaust. I learn something new everyday.
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Car Nut
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Cats usually go bad for a reason. #1 is engine's not running right. Like running rich, 02 sensors bad, engine missing for a long time, etc.
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dayle1960
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Fastest Hampster EVER

The best way to clean a cat is to chop it off and run a straight pipe.

Posted Image

Works for me, if I get ambitious enough I'll just solder it back on.
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TheKid
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Car Nut
May 14 2011, 01:35 PM
Cats usually go bad for a reason. #1 is engine's not running right. Like running rich, 02 sensors bad, engine missing for a long time, etc.
I am not sure, but when I just bought it I ran the motor on gas that were 5yrs old. Ran great but didn't think of possible effects at the time.
It runs great now but if it coughs... guttin' her.

I heard of Seafoam all the time but never tried it ...until now. Yup! Good stuff.
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starscream5000
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Got 70 MPG?

dayle1960
May 14 2011, 02:10 PM
The best way to clean a cat is to chop it off and run a straight pipe.

Posted Image

Works for me, if I get ambitious enough I'll just solder it back on.
Amen!
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