Can a clog cat-converter blow your ??
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Can a clog cat-converter blow your ???
I was wondering if that is possiable? and when you should replace your cat? 40k, 50k miles?? I have an random tech cat.
your 2 cents would be greatly appreciated.
regard
94' fd
your 2 cents would be greatly appreciated.
regard
94' fd
Last edited by Blade7; Jun 29, 2002 at 05:53 PM.
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From: Manhattan
i'm not very experienced with fd's yet but from my honda n/a days, a clogged cat would obviously restrict exhaust flow and create back pressure. in a naturally aspirated car, that would rob horsepower.
in a turbo, i'm not sure if there are further repercussions, but I'd just get a high flow cat. you won't have to worry about that clogging up as much and it should last you for the rest of the life of the car. in addition you get a little more hp out of the deal.
in a turbo, i'm not sure if there are further repercussions, but I'd just get a high flow cat. you won't have to worry about that clogging up as much and it should last you for the rest of the life of the car. in addition you get a little more hp out of the deal.
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From: Manhattan
just found some more info for you that expertly describes the problem and its repercussions:
Exhaust System
The exhaust system on the 3rd generation car consists of 2 catalytic converters, a front unit, called the pre-cat, and the main converter under the floor pan. The front converter has a reputation for disintegrating and subsequently clogging the exhaust system, which results in skyrocketing exhaust temperatures, backpressure, and probable engine failure. A large number of 3rd generation cars have had engine replacements as a result. The current year (Japan only) cars no longer have the pre-cat, just a straight downpipe.
Unfortunately, it is hard to determine the pre-cat's condition without removing the main-cat and actually looking into the pre-cat. A clogged pre-cat will often cause boost pressures to be low and slow to build up, but blockage is usually extreme when this happens.
If legal in your area, it is highly recommended that the pre-cat be replaced with a downpipe, which is readily available from the aftermarket. A downpipe will also significantly lower underhood temperatures, extending the life of all underhood components.
If you cannot use a downpipe, it is advisable to check the pre-cat and replace it with a new one if there is any question about the original's condition.
The pre-cat has a high failure rate between 50-60 thousand miles. I believe that the pre-cat is one of the big reasons that 3rd gen engines have a reputation for being short-lived.
Exhaust System
The exhaust system on the 3rd generation car consists of 2 catalytic converters, a front unit, called the pre-cat, and the main converter under the floor pan. The front converter has a reputation for disintegrating and subsequently clogging the exhaust system, which results in skyrocketing exhaust temperatures, backpressure, and probable engine failure. A large number of 3rd generation cars have had engine replacements as a result. The current year (Japan only) cars no longer have the pre-cat, just a straight downpipe.
Unfortunately, it is hard to determine the pre-cat's condition without removing the main-cat and actually looking into the pre-cat. A clogged pre-cat will often cause boost pressures to be low and slow to build up, but blockage is usually extreme when this happens.
If legal in your area, it is highly recommended that the pre-cat be replaced with a downpipe, which is readily available from the aftermarket. A downpipe will also significantly lower underhood temperatures, extending the life of all underhood components.
If you cannot use a downpipe, it is advisable to check the pre-cat and replace it with a new one if there is any question about the original's condition.
The pre-cat has a high failure rate between 50-60 thousand miles. I believe that the pre-cat is one of the big reasons that 3rd gen engines have a reputation for being short-lived.
