I'm having some issues that might point to the catalytic converter. My car starts fine however when I drive it the rpms won't go over 2K. If I push on the accelerator the engine boggs down and won't go any faster. When it boggs down I can hear it bogg down in the front of the engine where the air filter is. I took it to the Chevrolet dealership and they told me I had two problems. One is the fuel pressure is low and the other is the catalytic converter. They fixed the low fuel pressure however they didn't fix the catalytic converter because they said the catalytic converter was discontinued for them so they couldn't get the part. I replaced the fuel filter, installed new plugs, installed wires, and rotor button. When I put my hand at the exhaust I can feel heat. Can anyone point me in the right direction. Whats the tale tale sign of catalytic problems? What could it be? My car is a 1990 Chev Corvette with 113K miles.
If the car was running lean due to low fuel pressure, to compensate for that condition the computer
would add fuel. If any unburnt fuel enters the cat the fuel burns inside the cat and the material inside the cat melts causing it to clog.
Your car has 2 pre cats and 1 main cat.
You can verify if the cat or cats are clogged by doing the following.
The exhaust pipe is held to the exhaust manifold by 3 nuts on each side.
Remove the 6 nuts and the hanger bracket holding the front of the catalytic converter.
Pull down on the front of the exhaust pipe. This will leave a gap so the exhaust gases can escape and
not go through the exhaust pipe. Start the engine and see if you can rev over 2K. It will be loud because
the exhaust gases will not be going through the mufflers.
If clogged cats are the problem you can purchase a kit that eliminates the two pre cats.
Summit Racing sells a kit 15749 made by Walker with free shipping.
If you decide to go that route call them and verify this kit will be plug and play for a 1990 Corvette.
They do have a warehouse in McDonough, GA. The web-site says shipping around 6/26 so it could be it's dropped shipped from Walker.
