Catalytic Converter?

[lcjr2002]

Hey guys. This is a great forum. You have helped me a lot with previous problems.

Here is the situation:

I have a 1995 Celica ST 1.8 stick shift. The car has 245,000 miles (stock engine). It was a gift from my parents (brand new) in 1995. Other than the normal maintenance requirements, the car has performed flawlessly for the last 15 years. Four years ago, the car started to burn oil but I always keep a quart or 2 of oil handy and it has not been a problem. Starting a few months back, though, I have noticed a significant performance drop. The car cannot go beyond 55/60 miles per hour. It has lost pick up. It takes over a minute to reach 55 - 60 miles per hour and it won't go beyond that. If I hit the gas pedal, there is no response from the car. It will stay at that speed until I have to decelerate or I reach the destination. The car has no starting problems. It starts at the first shot. Also, the engine does not turn off. The problem is the significant loss in performance. There is also a very weird smell from the exhaust that was never there before.

Any ideas on what this could be? Can you help me troubleshoot this problem?

Thank you.

[bajachris88]

smell at exhaust? any smoke? blue smoke?

I'm thinking oil blowby. Some piston rings playin up, destroying your compression, which explains the 'gutlessness'. pressure during your compression stroke is lost as the rings aren't sealing, and in turn oil form the sump splashing around comes into the compression chamber and burns, then out the exhaust.

Take it to a mechanics shop for a compression test, it doesn't take long, and won't cost ya much, but will definitely either support or rule out this possible diagnosis.

I hope they rule it out though. tell us how it goes.

[bajachris88]

by the way, catalytic convertor can make a car gutless if it is clogged/melted, restricting airflow. Your motor would overheat though in no time if you can't do more than 60mph, IF it was the problem.

Whats the car's running temperature like?