81 gl wagon 4WD 1800. Idling after a bit, smoke (whitish) seems to be coming from the converter. This car hasn't been run in about 10 years. If the cat or O2 sensor is leaking, should I replace with a new cat or just eliminate it ( theoretically of course). What would be the repurcussion of eliminating it? Oh we are a no emissions test state so that's not an issue.

 

Does the dash light up if the O2 is disconnected? I did a search but didn't really find an answer.

 

If new cat, thoughts on which one. Online search has them all over the board. How about a new cat without the O2 sensor?

I don't know specifically for EA81.

 

In general, you want the O2 sensor. So the ECU can adjust the mixture properly.

 

Cat only effects emissions.

 

White smoke could be burning coolant.