How can you tell if your cat is toast??

Lately, I've noticed that I got a funny smell after driving in higher RPM's for a period (maybe a few minutes - between 5-10) and I've also noticed that I hear a sound coming from under the car (around where the cat is situated) if I close my door a little harder then normal. Sounds kinda like dropping alot of pins in a tin can.

Is ANY of that normal??

 

If it was a blown cat, I'd think that you car would be ALOT louder. Very noticeable louder too. True though, this doesn't sound like normal behaviour.

 

it could be the flange....the connector between downpipe and cat...?

if you hear some kind of valve sound.... maybe ....

FranK...

 

Does it smell like rotten eggs?

 

Yeah, I haven't really noticed it being louder, but then again, I always have the system up AND I already have a louder exhaust anyways.

Could it be on the way out? Would a blown cat be more or less restictive?

 

ive heard the 'roten eggs' description a few times b4 too. like sulfur. that should be a dead giveaway. if you hear the 'pins in a can', might wana check the flexpipe, while you are at it.

 

Not quite that bad. But similar to that.

No valve sound...definetly some kinda of rattle....much like pins in a tin can.

 

that sounds like the same problem I have.... bang on the flexpipe.. you'll know.... the rattle actually is coming from there.... not sure what the problem is or why... but everyone keeps telling me to get the Downpipe from RRM and that will fix the problem. The dealer downpipe cost 800....
I recently got an aftermarket exhaust installed and Im sure it has something to do with extra pressure.

 

Hmm....OK...I'll try that.

 

wtf 800$....It's under warranty no?....does Mitsubishi want you to pay for it???

 

^^ i dont think the warranty covers that :-/

 

it's not 5 years from bumper to bumper warranty?....

Or maybe I misunderstood his problem...

 

It doesnt sound like you have a blown cat, not only would the smell be ungodly, but youd lose a noticeable anount of power because its clogged. Catalytic converters usually last just as long as the car, and considering you have an 04 vehicle, its not the cat.

 

yes.. I called mitsu... and because I have an aftermarket exhaust they are saying its the cause of the problem and so its not covered under warranty.

 

damn...and if you engine blow they will says it a exhaust problem and they will not respect the warranty?...I hope they are more wise than that!

they could say that because you have more air flow than the internal components of the engin can support...