My C70 with 296k miles has started running rough - really rough during idle. t runs fine when it is being driven around. While idling it to warm up and cool down the turbo, the engine stutters. Over the past 2 days, it dies out during idling and has to be started again.

I had recently changed the radiator on it and had cleaned the MAF and idle control valve during that time. It is also noticeably sluggish compared to when I had bought it.

Somebody told me it could be the catalytic converter? Is that the problem or something else?

 

It could definitely be the catalytic converter. Mine did the same thing, and I'm in the process of building a new exhaust system. Cats from the dealer are like 1100....and I think it's illegal to buy them from junkyards, so the only viable solution is an aftermarket one. Is your check engine light on? With mine, it didn't get to the point of dying at idle, but every now and then when I put the clutch in and the RPMs went down, it very nearly would stall out. It turned out that mine got clogged up somehow and the downpipe snapped off of the turbo because of all the extra pressure in the system. That being said, almost every time when I went to start the car, it acted like it didn't want to start and I'd have to try several times before it finally did. Hope this helps some.

 

Thanks for the advice Cactus! Things havent snapped yet thankfully. I might order it from advance (they have it for $160 and I have some coupons )

 

What codes are present? 98s have distributors/points/coil, how are yours? I have a 98 with 48k miles. 2.3HPT, AUTO.

 

A clogged cat would make it hard to reach highway speeds. My guess is that you have a mis or burnt valve.

 

As far as I remember, there were 3 codes:

Bank 1 runs rich, air pump failure and gross evap leak.

Could any of these be causing issues? I took it to a mechanic and they said that the catalytic converter was "glowing red" and hence could be the issue.

A new one is $500 + labor - so I still havent gotten around to it. Plus I am not very convinced that it is the cat after all. The car also has issues with the electric system. If I load it (turn AC on and headlight or anything that draws a lot of power, then all the lights go out momentarily just to keep the engine running). I have changed the alternator and cleaned all ground points, IAC, throttle body as well as the lead that goes into the fuse box. That problem was also present. Could they be linked?

Help would really be appreciated. I am 4K miles shy of the 300,000 miles target and would like to go past it

 

MSGTUSMC - I put new distributor and wires about a year ago and new plugs about 2 months ago. And new fuel pump and filter also about 2 months ago with a new radiator. Put in new heater core about a year ago and new steering rack about 6 months ago. After all the time and money, I really really hope that this is not a burnt valve

 

Evap leak? Doesn't that mean vacuum lines? If that's the case, that is probably your issue right there. Have a listen under the hood while it's running for some hissing noises to find the leaky hose. Also, have you ever tried cleaning the MAF sensor? I just did that to my car and I can tell the difference it made. Pretty easy process, just need a security torx bit and the cleaner product.

 

Selective spraying of throttle body cleaner around intake etc will pin point evap leak if not hissing. JMHO

 

I cleaned out the MAF when it started doing this but that hasnt solved the problem.

And I cant hear any hissing. Will try the spraying the TB cleaner. I do hear a faint "click" every once in a while whenever the car is started cold. Could that be causing all of this? So can the catalytic converter after all be fine then and that this problem is caused by something else?

 

I would bet on a bad cat ! Check the parts sources listed for a good price. Rockauto is cheap source.

 

Discount Catalytic Converters - Catalytic Converter)

 

thanks chief!

 

Chief is Navy! Master Sgt. is USMC. Otherwise known as Uncle Sam's Misguided Children. I was an air winger, flew fighter/attack jets, back seat, all helicopters and all transports for aviation electronic systems tests from land bases and carriers. 25 yrs. A lot of travel and fun! Especially high power testing of jet engines on land!! Let us know how you make out.

 

Where do you live? Sometimes nearby forum folks might help if required. I have. We both usually learn something. Cold beer may be required after repairs of coarse.

 

haha got it Master Sgt.! Wow am sure you have a lot of interesting stories to talk about. I say cold beer is always a must after working on the car - irrespective of the final result. It never fails to help

I finally decided to just cut the converter off yesterday. The car ran just fine. Sounded like a wimpy little drag car though with that sort of exhaust arrangement haha. Order a new cat and waiting on it now.

I live just outside of Columbus, OH. Used to live in Leesburg, VA until a few years - gosh I like VA so much more than here.

Happy Veteran's Day!

 

Sorry to get back so late. But I got a new catalytic converter in there and the car runs just fine. Took a 2800 odd miles trip to Key West and back. Avg mpg: 28.7 and avg speed = 89.3 mph OH YEAH!

 

Hey, that's great to hear that you're running good again! I'm also encouraged to hear that the cat ended up being your problem, maybe replacing my mine will fix my car as well =)