View Full Version : Catalytic converter... I've questioned this before, but just got around to checking the test pipe...


aerohr
12-18-2005, 10:30 AM
So, following some suggestions from people on my previous posts... I checked for boost leaks, and also checked my cat for blockage via the "pull off the blue cap and feel for backpressure deal"

Boost leaks were found at the dipstick and slightly at the oil fill cap. Also somewhat in the middle of the intercooler... a few bent fins... looks like that isn't getting done immediately. other than that, no apparent leaks. Interestingly, the car will run with the oil fill cap off or with the dipstick pulled out... hmm... intercooler leak causing this?

Catalytic converter test yielded these results: decent pressure coming out of sniffer pipe at idle, If given throttle - pressure increases signficantly... to the point that the flesh on the tip of my finger was noticibly being indented. I don't have a gauge to put on it, but I would put it at more than 5 PSI without question with a little bit of gas applied. The car also seems to run a little better with the blue end cap pulled off. Also, there if the cat is shaken you can hear crap clinking around in there.

So, I guess this would probably indicate to me that I need to do the following: Get a new oil fill cap, get a new dipstick, bring the car to the shop and have them put on a new catalytic converter for me, and while I'm at it, perhaps get a bosch 710n BPV because A.) it only can help as my BPV is stock and B.) performance gains will also occur.

Does this sound like a reasonable strategy? Would I just be smarter to have the exhaust people fab up an entire cat back for me? I've got the 20v dual 2 inch exhaust.

birdmanmt
12-18-2005, 06:27 PM
take your cat(s) off and get a hammer, pipe, and a mask and knock the guts out. that makes perfect sense for causing the turbo to LIGHT UP under light driving.

do that first, then worry about the other stuff.

jeff

aerohr
12-18-2005, 08:11 PM
Also, I can't get under the car because I have a few inches of ice surrounding my parking spot so that I can't jack it and put it on stands safely...

I doubt I'd pass emissions on my already expired inspection...

The other thing I don't have is time - I am driving home with a friend tomorrow afternoon because I need to be home to drive another car to the airport a few days from now... So, I'm going to bring it to a shop and have them install some new cats for me, I think... I'm just running out of time, its fricking cold lying under the car, I have no spot to jack it up safely, and it can't be more than a few hours of labor to install a few cats... there... I've justified it. =)

Anyway, thats the strategy for now.

Any good high flow cat suggestions?

birdmanmt
12-19-2005, 04:13 AM
i guess you're only choice is to get new cats. i've known more than a few people to pass emmissions without any of that stuff, but that's with standalone where you can tweak it just so.

Too bad you can't drop the exhaust and go driving just to make sure this is your problem. it sure sounds like it could be.

cheers
JEff

aerohr
12-19-2005, 05:39 AM
and considering I don't seem to have any major boost leaks, there is obvious increased pressure coming out of the sniffer pipe, and the catalytic converters are obviously rattling and have been for some time... I'm getting new cats!

Now... What to buy?

That is the next question.