P0420 and Smoke!

[MCT9891]

So the car threw a P0420 code, which probably means the cat is bad, but I noticed smoke coming from the right side of the cat.
Here's a video...


You think it's from the cat being really plugged up? I passed inspection about 2 weeks ago... and I got the code this past Saturday.

[MurkyRivers_A4]

Got any oil dripping on to the cat from the VC gasket?

[MCT9891]

Got any oil dripping on to the cat from the VC gasket?

Not that I can see but the gaskets are definitely leaking.

[MurkyRivers_A4]

Not that I can see but the gaskets are definitely leaking.

That was my issue with the smoke and smell. The VC gasket was leaking oil onto the exhaust mani and seeping through the gasket, I believe.

[MCT9891]

Just hoping the smoke isn't coming from the cat itself but I don't think it is.

[MurkyRivers_A4]

Just hoping the smoke isn't coming from the cat itself but I don't think it is.

The only way the cat would be smoking is if it was burning off oil that was getting to it. I dont even thing when they get clogged they smoke. They just get really fucking hot.

[MCT9891]

The only way the cat would be smoking is if it was burning off oil that was getting to it. I dont even thing when they get clogged they smoke. They just get really fucking hot.

Ok, it does cause damage to the turbo if it's clogged though, right?

[MurkyRivers_A4]

Ok, it does cause damage to the turbo if it's clogged though, right?

If it gets hot enough Im sure it can coke up the oil. If its clogged, its only going to allow so much air through and the turbo will not be able to create as much pressure as fast.

Mine was clogged and it ran like shit. I gutted it, problem was solved.

[MCT9891]

If it gets hot enough Im sure it can coke up the oil. If its clogged, its only going to allow so much air through and the turbo will not be able to create as much pressure as fast.

Mine was clogged and it ran like shit. I gutted it, problem was solved.

What did you use to gut it?

[MurkyRivers_A4]

What did you use to gut it?

A large screwdriver and a hammer. Mine had been clogged for some time before I bought the car and it was pretty much solid. It took me 2.5 hours and a lot of cussing.

[MCT9891]

A large screwdriver and a hammer. Mine had been clogged for some time before I bought the car and it was pretty much solid. It took me 2.5 hours and a lot of cussing.

Lol ok that's what I'll probably end up doing.

Thanks man

[MurkyRivers_A4]

Lol ok that's what I'll probably end up doing.

Thanks man

Before you go gut crazy, inspect it first. Check to see if the catalyst has moved at all or if there is visible damage, like there was to mine. No point in ruining a good cat if you dont need to.

[MCT9891]

Before you go gut crazy, inspect it first. Check to see if the catalyst has moved at all or if there is visible damage, like there was to mine. No point in ruining a good cat if you dont need to.

Yeah I will, thanks.

[MCT9891]

Before you go gut crazy, inspect it first. Check to see if the catalyst has moved at all or if there is visible damage, like there was to mine. No point in ruining a good cat if you dont need to.

How long is the actual catalyst and how far deep into the cat is it?

[MurkyRivers_A4]

How long is the actual catalyst and how far deep into the cat is it?

Its a two piece catalyst, at least it was for mine, and it goes pretty deep. I had a 12" screwdriver and it wasnt quite long enough once I got to the end. I needed to use a tire iron, which was even less fun.

[MCT9891]

Its a two piece catalyst, at least it was for mine, and it goes pretty deep. I had a 12" screwdriver and it wasnt quite long enough once I got to the end. I needed to use a tire iron, which was even less fun.

Ok thanks again.