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Catalytic converter was glowing red hot

Tiny
MOMMYSMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 153,000 MILES
One day the catalytic converter was glowing red hot, so someone from auto zone said it was clogged to cut it off, my husband did that and put a straight pipe and some clamps on it. After that I test drove it and it seemed like it took a while for it to start picking up speed, blue smoke was coming from the tail pipe. I drove it to my dads I was scared to drive it any further afraid I was going to mess it up worse. I asked around and tried to get people to check it out and they all said they could not find a reason that it was doing that. I went to start the car one day and it would not start, or make any sound like it was trying to start. I need help I am eight months pregnant and I really need my vehicle fixed. Thanks so much for your time.
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Thursday, June 9th, 2016 AT 7:39 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It sounds like it is running too lean. at the very least it should be scanned for codes and fuel pressure check done . You will probably find that the fuel pressure is low. auto parts can scan for free or you can buy a scanner pretty cheap for engine/transmission stuff.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
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Thursday, June 9th, 2016 AT 9:43 AM
Tiny
MOMMYSMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The car is not running so I could not take it. Thanks for your help
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Thursday, June 9th, 2016 AT 10:47 AM
Tiny
MOMMYSMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
How would I go about fixing it if it is running lean? Could I buy a new catalytic converter for the car?
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Thursday, June 9th, 2016 AT 11:03 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
You can have your hubby go to auto parts and he can rent a fuel pressure gauge and with the article I sent he can check it. If it is not up to minimum pressure then it wont run. It should be 50-60 psi and hold for at least five minutes all you have to do is make sure battery is charged and with gauge connected turn the key on. If pump is bad then it will need replacing. But keep the article or print it out so you will know what to do it is a step by step process.
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Thursday, June 9th, 2016 AT 12:21 PM
Tiny
MOMMYSMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Okay, thanks so much.
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Thursday, June 9th, 2016 AT 12:25 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hey MOMMYSMITH,

when checking the fuel pressure like Hmac300 suggested please have your husband remove the vacuum line from the pressure regulator to see if fuel is present if so the regulator is bad causing too much fuel in the exhaust making the catalytic converter glow red hot, so remove the spark plugs to see if they are black this would be another indication of too much fuel in the system. Check the plugs to get it running again and let me know what you find.

Good luck on the new baby :-)

Best, Ken
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Saturday, June 11th, 2016 AT 2:35 PM

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