My 86 carbureted wagon has been gradually losing power for about the last 6 years. I checked the compression, timing, carburetor, and everything I could think of but everything was ok.

 

Yesterday I was replacing the tie rod boots but the exhaust pipes were in the way so I dropped it to get more working room. Out of curiosity, I attempted to shove a rubber hose up the outlet end of the pipe and at about 12" ran into a solid blockage so I cut the pipe in half. I found the remains of the catalatic converter jammed into the pipe. After removing the junk and welding the pipe back together, I took it out for a test drive. That car hasn't performed that good in many years if ever. I'm anxious to see how much my gas milage has improved.

You'll see a big improvement. I bought a full-size van that supposedly had a bad motor. While I was working under it I noticed a rattle in the convertor. I pulled off the convertor and when I stood it on end, the guts fell out. It was like having a brand new engine.

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yes thats common a cloged catalytic converter or collapsed exhaust system I would suggest thinking about a new exhaust system too, maybe even get back a little more power.

 

 

nipper

I'll try posting this photo again!