Hey Scotty,
I have a ‘09 Honda Pilot, 4WD, 181,000mi. I’ve had this P0430 code for several months. Once in a blue, P0420 would also pop up. I just found and patched up an exhaust leak from the rear cat under the vehicle using this epoxy bond. Now I’m getting a burnt smell, like rotten eggs/plastic. Could it be the epoxy I put on? The rear cat itself? I don’t know. Please help.
Thanks.
Your epoxy is burning. Get it fixed properly at a muffler shop.
Why on earth would you use epoxy for that? Unless you bought a high-temperature product specifically designed for it, epoxy is not meant for the kind of temperatures developed in an exhaust system. Of course it's burning. The fumes are probably toxic.
As @doc says, get your exhaust system repaired properly.
It was a high temp product. Came in a small pack in sticks. Was recommended to me by this guy from autozone. If this was a bad route to take, so be it. Still trying to learn. Not sure what else to do since i have other problems w/ this vehicle. Clunking from front & back, oil burning.
Is it best to just trade this in, or just continue to work on this thing? I'm a month late on this. But need some guidance.
It was a high temp product. Came in a small pack in sticks. Was recommended to me by this guy from autozone.
Guys at Autozone typically aren't mechanics and can't be relied on for repair information, unless you get lucky and happen to get a retired mechanic working there. Catalytic converters as well as the rest of the exhaust get very hot - too hot for epoxy as you experienced.
Is it best to just trade this in, or just continue to work on this thing?
Sounds like that vehicle has some serious issues, loose suspension parts and possibly worn out piston rings. If it's turning into a money pit and you can swing buying a vehicle that's in better shape that would be a good idea.
Cool, thanks! i appreciate it.
Now I’m getting a burnt smell, like rotten eggs
Rotten egg smell, which is hydrogen sulphide (H2S), would indicate that the catalytic converter, whose job it is to break down H2S, is not doing its job. Either it's broken or worn out (which would also explain your trouble codes), or you still have an exhaust leak. Since you already found one leak, it's likely there are others. If the exhaust is very rusty, with your mileage it may wise to replace the whole exhaust system (if you plan to keep the vehicle longer).
Cool, I appreciate that. Thanks.