1994 SE
175k
All standard except the sound.

Well, I've had a stalling problem for a couple weeks and I finally got the cash to do something about it. I know that the Catalytic Converter has issues but I'm trying to tackle the cheaper and easier stuff first.

Installed the new O2 sensor today. Took the advice from another thread to get the ACDelco even though it meant getting to a dealer since no one else had them. Took a while to get everything cool enough to reach back there. Especially since I drove around town finding a long enough Breaker Bar to turn the thing. So far I don't see a differance. It'* a 175k mile O2 sensor. It had to be burning out, so maybe I'll see a differance later.

I'm thinking about buying a Catalytic converter tomorrow. I'm hesitant to do this one myself. What should I expect? I'm expecting to cut a few inches of exhaust pipe off each way from the Cat. Then I'm assuming that there are clamps to attach the new Cat. But I see bot a direct-fit cat on the store'* inventory list as well as an install kit for a little more $. Anyone do these to know the differance?

Either way, I thought I was getting somewhere last year when I replaced the ignition module and computer after sinking $300 into some fool who told me it might be the Crank or Cam Sensor, replacing one and not fixing the problem. Then I replaced the other somewhere else and they said neither was ever bad. So now I'm ready to take on the exhaust. Maybe I'll keep this running another $75k.

Thanks.

A polluted O sensor should not cause a stall. They will go far lean or far rich when they go, and most of the time go rich. So you may see better mileage in the future.

Is the thing stalling when you lift the Pedal? -- check IAC valve in the throttle body. This thing controls the idle speed by regulating metered air when the throttle is closed. They get senile and wont behave. Might be a quick fix before messing with the cat.......

Get under the car and kick the cat, or bang it with a rubber mallet. If there'* no noise, don't change it. Another couple symptoms of a clogged cat are bogging down under power and increased engine temps.

It'* definately rattling and the power'* been getting less and less. I suppose the temp has been rising a bit too, but not fast enough that I noticed it.

But, the stalling'* been happening mostly at idle and sometimes accelerating from a stop. I was thinking that the pressure build up was stalling the engine at low speeds but that the higher RPMs on the road were powering through it more.

I'll give it all a shot. Thanks.

I had a Cat converter go out in my 81 Bonneville it was real sluggish and the gas mileage was like 4 miles to the gallon.

Bad turn of events...

I got the old IAC off and while starting the screws for the new one, they both fell into the engine. Borrowed a friend'* car to go to Auto Zone to get new ones or a magnet stick to drag them out of the darkness. AZ couldn't look them up and as I was buying the $4 magnet, I thought, "You know, they're probably Stainless or Aluminum. They looked too clean to be magnetic." I think I was right. Fishing around in there was a waste of time. Too many things to grab the magnet. So, I guess I'm calling the dealer down the road in the morning.

At the same time, I got my Cat question resolved. It'* got to be welded. That sucks. I thought I'd be saving some $ by doing it myself. Guess I'm still depending on a shop.

Until next time...

You dont have to have the cat welded, i didnt i did it myself with a hacksaw, and a few exhaust clamps and adaptors from autozone,havnt had one probem yet with it falling off. Much cheaper too, but welding is the safest way to ensure its not gonna come poping off.

I'm feeling much better now. I went a few miles with my new AIC in place and the difference is amazing. I'm back to 90% power from 50% or so. Just amazing. Now to finish on my schedule with a Cat. At least I can wait for my next paycheck since I won't be driving this weekend.

Don't know what year car you have - Please put it in your signature.
There was a TSB on deceleration stalling on 88 -91 C motors.
If your original IAC has a green spring its probably the one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2466801069

These are various magnaflow hi-flo and regular cats for $44. Just click on the eBay store and do a quick search for the one you need.