Clogged catalytic converter or something else?

[KAOS]

Hi All ~

I'm curious about a problem that I've been having lately. My 1990 Celica runs fine, but I've been noticing that I get a hint of exhaust, sometimes strong, sometimes faint, but what puzzles me is the fact that it lacks the usual sweet smell that a car with functioning catalytic converter has. My MR2 has it. Hell, the Celica still has it ... most of the time. My Rx-7 does not and the smell that I get from the Celica is more akin to the Rx-7 when it happens.

Every once in a while I get a slight stumble from a dead stop (I performed a recent tuneup so that's not the cause) and I was thinking maybe the oxygen sensor, but the check-engine light has never come on. So that's why I thought it may be the cat about to die. I just want to know if this might be a possibility or should I look elsewhere.

I checked the exhaust for leaks off the head and at the cat, but there are none. That's all I could think of. Any suggestions or ideas are appreciated.

Thanks,
1

[KAOS]

no ideas, eh?

[marcuslogsdon]

on my celica i have a cracked header. thats where my exhaust smell comes from. are you sure you dont have any leaks? you shouldnt be smelling exhaust!!!!!! it sounds to me like there is a leak somewhere. try checking your emissions controls maybe something is clogged there... but ive never had to replace a muffler or cat on my '91 nor have i ever heard of anyone that has.... i guess there could be a first time for everything. but it sounds to me like there is a leak!!!! if you had no leaks, you wouldnt smell exhaust!!!! let me know how it goes

[KAOS]

thanks for the reply ... i will go through once again and check for leaks, but i didn't find any the first time i checked. the flex pipe was changed within the last 3 years, so i assume that they changed gaskets with it, but i don't know. i just bought the car from my sister about 8 months ago.

thanks again. i'll post my findings when i get the chance to check.