Catalytic converter??? 1997 4.3 4X4
 

Ok, I'm looking for some sudjestions here. I normally hang out out on the 67-72 side as I drive a 72 C10, but, prior to that I've had quite a assortment of S10s/15s and Blazers/jimmys. my wife just bought a 1997 blazer 4dr. 4.3 vortec 4x4 auto. It has 165,00 miles on the odometer. While searching thru the truck I found Some paper for old registrations. repairs, etc... To the point! the service engine soon light is the only dash light lit up so the wife stopped bt advanced and had the code read. It came out to sat 1) MAF sensor, and 2) O2 sensor #4. She then went by a mechanical and trans mission shop to get opinions. both places agreed that the trans and Tq Con. are fine and they believe the CAT is clogged up. ??? It runs great, no leaks, but it wont tach up above 3000 RPM, and it wont shift up or down properly. theres no slipping in it, but i cant get it to get up to higher speeds either??? any Ideas???? :chevy:

Re: Catalytic converter??? 1997 4.3 4X4
 

what are the code #s?
a TPS will affect engine and trans operation

I wish people would stop getting codes read at parts stores.

Re: Catalytic converter??? 1997 4.3 4X4
 

I have an 03 2.2 that did the same sort of thing. A piece of the catalyst honeycomb inside the converter broke off and turned sideways, blocking exhaust flow. Wouldn't shift right or go above 20mph.

If it were me, I would pull the converter off and see what it looks like inside. Worst case, you're out a couple hours and $10 for gaskets and bolts.

Re: Catalytic converter??? 1997 4.3 4X4
 

he lives in a rust state, just like me. Pulling the exhaust apart is NOT a simple job. I'd either look at the data on my scan tool or hook up a vacuum gauge and drive it. A plugged converter will make the vacuum drop to nothing under steady cruise

Re: Catalytic converter??? 1997 4.3 4X4
 

The most accurate test would be to test back pressure. Install a back pressure gauge(most vacuum gauges are capable) in one of the upstream oxygen sensor bungs. Start the engine and rev it to 2500 rpm. If the gauge shows more than 2.5 psi, there is excess back pressure.

I just put a cat on a 99 zr2 yesterday. The pre cat fell apart and caused a blockage in the main cat.

There were also 2 codes stored on this s10, a p0104, maf out of range and a p0404, egr position out of range.

Re: Catalytic converter??? 1997 4.3 4X4
 

Hey Fellas, sorry for taking soooooo long. Work has been hectic, we've had alotta rain here lately and I run a small landscaping buissness so I had to play catch-up. I got stuck in the mustard, lol. Anyways 68C15; the codes that came up on the reader at advanced auto are; 1) = P0101 mass air flow circuit A , 2) P0300 = random multiple misfire , 3) P1406 = EGR pintle position sensor circuit. Those are all that came up, (this time!). I am off work and home today, I,ve pre-purchased the gaskets and nutz n boltz for the cat. converter and will be pulling it today to determine if it will be re-used, re-placed, or re-worked, (indian style, = drive a pipe thru it, lol). I'll post the results tonite for more opinions, questions, or sudgestions. thank you all for the help. :chevy: