666mike666

Today i started up my 84 gsl took it out of my garage did about a 2 foot peel out. then i was just sitting there then i got smoke coming from under my car and my cat is on fire then i turn it off then put the cat fire out with a hose. start it back up and a have a very bad idle it goes up and down very fast and i dont know if it is because i am running low on gas or if my cat is done or is my motor going to blow (it has over 240k on it)

PLEASE HELP ME FIND MY PROBLEM

Roundabout

iTrader: (8)

Is there anything leaking on the cat?

Kentetsu

Check your timing...

666mike666

some gear oil probobly got spilled on the cat but would that cause a bad idle ?

Siraniko

iTrader: (13)

clogged cat can cause fire and rough idling.

666mike666

so i gusse i should take my cat out and go from there right ?

Roundabout

iTrader: (8)

if you don't get tested for emissions, get rid of it

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

sounds like a clogged cat to me, too. however, checking underneath the car for oil that gets splashed while moving from a leaking engine or transmission is not good for fire safety either. so you might want to address any major leaks, too.

666mike666

i get tested for emissions so i got to get a new cat .....anybody know of a good high flow cat for my car?

Kentetsu

Okay, but before you run out for a new cat, please check your timing. If you lost your lead ignition, or if your timing is retarded (firing too late) it will roast your exhaust in no time. Only takes a minute to eliminate this as a cause, but could save you lots of $$$...

666mike666

ok i will check the timing first but how

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

get a workshop manual (or print a .pdf one)
clean the main pulley
locate the timing marks
get a timing light
use it

OR

take it to someone that knows what to do.

bliffle

You can get a pretty decent electronic timing light for $60-70 at the autostore and it's well worth it.

Kentetsu

Any news on this yet? How's your timing?