Hi all:
Sometimes when I'm driving, I'll hear a rattling sound. When I start my car and then drive, sometimes I won't hear it but sometimes I will. I'm wondering if my catalytic converter is going out because I previously used Gumout tune up so I wonder if it messed up my car. Should I use a cat cleaner or have someone look at my catalytic converter? No engine codes at this time.
To find the source of the sound you could use a multi-channel listening device like Scotty has used in his videos. If your converter is breaking up inside and causing the rattle, using a cleaner won't help.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy5nqh3LSs4
Do you have an idea of how to put a clamp on a catalytic converter with this?
The converter would get too hot, you'd put the audio sensors at locations close to the converter. Heat shield rattle is pretty likely on a 22-year-old vehicle so check that first.
I don't know if he looked at the catalytic converter or the heat shield.
why don't you crawl underneath and see for yourself?
Maybe something to do with my brakes?
A rusting disc brake dust shield can make noise. I've had that happen.
I guess it's normal for old cars to creak and rattle here and there?
Well of course it is. It isn't realistic to expect a car whose age is measured in decades not to make some kind of noises unless it has been completely rebuilt. Part of successfully driving an older vehicle is recognizing which noises are a concern and which aren't.
To find the source of the sound you could use a multi-channel listening device like Scotty has used in his videos. If your converter is breaking up inside and causing the rattle, using a cleaner won't help.
Do you have an idea of how to put a clamp on a catalytic converter with this? I also read in another post on here that it may just be the heat shield clanking on their Civic and they removed it to stop the noise.
The converter would get too hot, you'd put the audio sensors at locations close to the converter. Heat shield rattle is pretty likely on a 22-year-old vehicle so check that first.
I had a mechanic lift the car and he said that the muffler is new. I don't know if he looked at the catalytic converter or the heat shield. Just as I was reversing and using my brakes, the rattling noise came again and went. Maybe something to do with my brakes?
A rusting disc brake dust shield can make noise. I've had that happen.
Crazy, I had two mechanics look at the car and both reported no issues whatsoever. I guess it's normal for old cars to creak and rattle here and there?
Well of course it is. It isn't realistic to expect a car whose age is measured in decades not to make some kind of noises unless it has been completely rebuilt. Part of successfully driving an older vehicle is recognizing which noises are a concern and which aren't.
Understood. If two mechanics said it's okay, then I will be ok. Thanks again!
why don't you crawl underneath and see for yourself?
I don't own a jack with wheels and I guess maybe if I do, I could store it in the trunk.
my jack doesn't have wheels either. Didn't the vehicle come with a scissor jack?
An inexpensive bottle jack costs $20. Ramps are also under $100.
my jack doesn't have wheels either. Didn't the vehicle come with a scissor jack?
An inexpensive bottle jack costs $20. Ramps are also under $100.
Yeah it does come with a jack, but I'll invest on another jack since using one alone isn't safe?
ideally you should use a pair of stands ($40)
In a pinch you could also use a wheel as backup. I've used large blocks of wood.
With ramps, you don't need anything.
ideally you should use a pair of stands ($40)
Thanks for this. I'll try working on finding the source of the sound and provide an update. But with two of these jacks, I should be able to do my own oil filter and change, etc. too correct?
you bet