Topic: catalytic converter 1995 Wrangler problem?????

[couplajeeps]

Hey, I'm the proud owner of a 95 Wrangler, 4 banger and an 01 Wrangler as well.     Letting my son drive the '01 as a first vehicle, figured none of his buddies would be asking to drive his standard jeep since most of them never saw a stick!

I'm starting to fix up the 95 wrangler, had a "new" rebuilt motor put in about 8 months ago after sitting up for 3 years with a blown motor in it.    I'm now finding trailing issues which I figured I would but not being a mechanic I figured I'd ask the experts.      Trying to get it to pass inspection at the moment.     Passed everything but the over 25 MPH emissions test.      Burning out old gas still left in tank, but after driving around for 20-30 minutes or so notice a bad smell, not like gas or oil, different.    Once there was either smoke rising from the rear possibly b/c it drifted to the rear when I was pulling into the drive.     My suspicions are the catalytic converter is clogged up and probably needs to be replaced.    I'm also experiencing a noticeable loss of power and some pops/backfires every now and then when accelerating...or trying to at least.     

Any thoughts b/4 I start replacing parts all over the place?      Also, does anyone know if there was a recall on the catalytic converter on the 95 Wranler?

[Jeffy]

Hey, I'm the proud owner of a 95 Wrangler, 4 banger and an 01 Wrangler as well.     Letting my son drive the '01 as a first vehicle, figured none of his buddies would be asking to drive his standard jeep since most of them never saw a stick!

I'm starting to fix up the 95 wrangler, had a "new" rebuilt motor put in about 8 months ago after sitting up for 3 years with a blown motor in it.    I'm now finding trailing issues which I figured I would but not being a mechanic I figured I'd ask the experts.      Trying to get it to pass inspection at the moment.     Passed everything but the over 25 MPH emissions test.      Burning out old gas still left in tank, but after driving around for 20-30 minutes or so notice a bad smell, not like gas or oil, different.    Once there was either smoke rising from the rear possibly b/c it drifted to the rear when I was pulling into the drive.     My suspicions are the catalytic converter is clogged up and probably needs to be replaced.    I'm also experiencing a noticeable loss of power and some pops/backfires every now and then when accelerating...or trying to at least.     

Any thoughts b/4 I start replacing parts all over the place?      Also, does anyone know if there was a recall on the catalytic converter on the 95 Wranler?

There was one back in the late 90's early 00's for CA vehicles only.  I forget the actual # but ou  you can look it up on http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/

I bought mine many moons ago from http://www.performancecenter.com/catalytic-converters/carsound-direct-fit-catalytic-converters for $114 shipped.  4.0L and 2.5L use the same cat.  It's about half the weight and size of the stock and will bolt right in.  Well, you might need to separate the old cat from the muffler but it will clamp on after that's out.

[mgramann]

I would start by checking out the distributor cap, just to see if its corroded.  Next i'd check the spark plugs, just to see if they are black with oil-although with a new motor it shouldn't be an issue, but check them anyway.  If you wanna check the cat, pound on it gently with a hammer to see if the "guts" are still in place.  It is rattles alot-it is probably bad.  Usually a bad cat won't cause a backfire though.  A spark issue could though, or if your running too rich.  Those are the places I would start though.

[couplajeeps]

what do I need to check if I'm running too rich?    I know that could be a problem if one get's a small backfire and that doesn't happen often.   Problem is I had some buddies put the engine in for me, saved a ton of money and they are mechanics and body guys but still....don't know what could have gotten overlooked.

Thanks

[jfrabat]

You can check the fuel mixture with a wideband 02 sensor...

[mgramann]

http://www.theultralightplace.com/sparkplugs.htm

This may help as well.

Symtoms of running rich could be caused by an ignition (spark) problem.  My YJ wouldn't even start in certain types of weather because the dist. cap was so corroded.  I'd start there.  Ignition problems can make an engine very inefficient.

You could also add a few gallons of e85 before the test. :)  It burns cleaner.  A little in the system for a short period of time won't hurt, but I'd only add 10-15%, and after the test top off the tank with regular gas.  No guarantees with that route thought!  I'm going off other people's information!

[Jeffy]

what do I need to check if I'm running too rich?    I know that could be a problem if one get's a small backfire and that doesn't happen often.   Problem is I had some buddies put the engine in for me, saved a ton of money and they are mechanics and body guys but still....don't know what could have gotten overlooked.

Thanks

What does your emissions printout say?  That will really tell us what's wrong without having to guess as much.  Saying you failed the 25mph test doesn't really say much since there are usually several parts to that test.

It's probably good to replace the cat.  It's 15 years old and who knows what condition is in.  They do wear out naturally which is why they usually have a 7-10 year extended warranty.  After that, it's your problem.

Pull the spark plugs and see what they look like.  That will give you a good sign of how the engine is performing without having to buy expensive parts.

[bestos]

i have 95 JEEP YJ, my power SUCKED and i could SMELL how rich i was running.  got new cat on and POWER and no more rich.  old cat can be big prob.  cost me 175 straight up from muffler joint, cat included