ron350 Posted August 13, 2016 Report Share Posted August 13, 2016 What are some of the ways to test for a partially clogged catalytic converter on a 96W? Years ago I watched a muffler shop drill a hole in front of the cat and test the backpressure. Seams like there should be a way to test back pressure without drilling a hole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfewtrail Posted August 13, 2016 Report Share Posted August 13, 2016 Pull the upstream rear oxygen sensor out temporarily to test for back pressure there. If you have an old oxygen sensor and a vacuum/pressure gauge already, you can modify the old o2 to use as a screw in adapter to put your vacuum tube on for the test. If you have neither of those you can likely source a cheap one for $20ish to get the job done. The parts stores might rent them also, so that's an almost free option once you return it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schurkey Posted August 13, 2016 Report Share Posted August 13, 2016 It's possible, but not especially accurate, to monitor engine vacuum as the engine is revved up. If the engine won't develop proper vacuum, the exhaust may be plugged/restricted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron350 Posted August 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2016 Thanks I have a vacuum / pressure gauge for the tests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leadfoot Posted August 19, 2016 Report Share Posted August 19, 2016 I was always told you can use a thermal gun and see how hot the inlet of the cat is compared to the outlet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
movielover40 Posted August 19, 2016 Report Share Posted August 19, 2016 You would think the car would barely run with bad cat.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nas Escobar Posted August 19, 2016 Report Share Posted August 19, 2016 You would think the car would barely run with bad cat.. Sometimes but not all the time. My cat on my Cutlass was bad but the car still ran. I did feel a loss of power but nothing major. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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