Expert: Rob Painter - 2/5/2012

Question
QUESTION: Hi...we just replaced the catalytic converter on my ford escape but now it pops and you can see it pop back as well...Please help me on what we did wrong or forgot to do...thanks

ANSWER: Hello,

First, you did not say why you changed it in the first place. Was the converter bad because engine running problem,was it plugged, what was the story?

You could have the wrong converter on it as well. Did you install an after maket converter of a factory OEM Ford converter?.

This could be a chicken/egg situation. If the engine was backfiring in the first place due to valve timing issues, if could have cause excessive fuel to go into the cat, plugging the cat.

There is not that much to installing them, and it's pretty hard to install incorrectly, and I would be looking at the engine operation an the possibility you have an incorrect or bad cat.

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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi ...also i thought the Cadillac Repair said catalytic repair at a quick glance :) its actually a 2004 ford escape and yes it was running like crap and misfiring and when we removed the c-converter there was charcoal stuff falling out...we ordered the converter from advanced auto and it looks just like the one we removed...when we turn on the truck it actually sounds and runs great till you hear the POP from where the converter is and you can see it move like jump back ( if u can picture it :)  )  it starts to do that about 30 sec after having it on...we have replaced the spark plugs, fuel filter and checked the timming chain which is tight..

Answer
Hello,

Not a bad guess for an old timer eeey?


The converter may look the same on the outside, but could have internal differences from Ford. Would not be the first time I have seem such issues especially with Ford. I would be curious if the pop is gone with the converter disconnected in the front. Sounds like an internal back pressure situation.

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