1992 Ford Tempo Wondering about something

1992 FORD TEMPO
211,111 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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FONZAROO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Good evening. I noticed I am very low on oil and was wondering if that could have something to do with why my indiccator in the car seems to be going from cool to just above the middle on it's way to hot. Now, the car has Not over heated yet but I'm planning a longer trip this weekend and I am a little worried about it. I'm not sure but I believe I've had the system (cooling) flushed in the last 2 years. Also, I was told over 6 months ago that the cone in my cattilic convertert is breaking down. It rattles a bit underneth when you start to excellertate. Could this finally be causing me a problem in the almost over heating? And last but not least cause I don't know if any of this is all connected, when you get out of the car, drivers side, there appears to be a lot of heat coming from under the car. If I had shorts on and touched my bare leg to this area I'd have a severe burn. I appreciate your help.
Jul 15, 2008 at 8:16 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 9,123 POSTS
The oil loss is probably oil burning and getting into the cat. You need to replace the cat, but not doing anything to finding and repairing the cause of the cat failure, will result in the cat failing again. Oil, coolant or fuel geting into the cat will kill it. Excessive carbon will also cause a cat to not work.

The broken pieces are causing a restriction in the exhaust system, creating excessive backpressure....making the engine run hotter and probably doing damage to the valves.

The cat is a component that is made from ceramic and microscopically coated with precious metals. The bad gasses chemically react with the gasses to eliminate the majority of them. When the contaminates such as oil coat the converter, it superheats and breaks down. That excessive heat you feel is very well likely from the cat. This really should get taken care of before engine damage, or fire results.
Jul 15, 2008 at 9:45 PM
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