Odd Catalytic Converter failure question

[Mike Kelly]

Yesterday one or both of the converters failed. Y-Pipe in stock and replacing in the morning.

Today had my wife put the car into the garage and noticed the secondaries did move upon startup. I know there is a whole host of other possible issues with the secondaries not operating. They were operating hours before the converter let go.

Could a clogged/failed converter cause enough vacuum issues to cause the secondaries not to close upon starting?

Thanks Mike

 

[zak]

Check for a lazy thermostat staying open when the engine is running. The car will stay in warm up mode and add excess fuel, which sits in the converters burning and fries them eventually, leading to mechanical failure. You should be getting past the L in Normal within a few minutes of starting/driving.

 

[Mike Kelly]

Thanks Zak. I have park the car waiting for a new Y-pipe. I have a used pipe here ( Performance Plus) but after looking I decided not to trust that one. It's well used and has some road damage to one of the shields. Continuing with your suggestions I am in the down time doing a full tune up and changing all sensors, thermostat, plugs, wires, seals etc for peace of mind. I dropped the exhaust off at a local business to get a new resonator and check the mufflers to make sure they not obstructed in any manner. Mike