Expert: Robert Summers - 8/25/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi my brother has a 91 camaro rs 3.1L v6 a month ago it started well and ran good about a week or two ago it started up but when u press the gas it would start to bog and the idle would be peaking at 2-3,ooo rpm but it will not accelerate at all  he replaced the fuel filter and pump changed out the IAC,FPR, and the mass air sensor,TPS but still acts the same it feels as though it might not be getting enough air the throttle body is sucking air but when revved loses it and starts to die if u could figure it out that would be very helpful

ANSWER: Hi Adam... check for plugged exhaust or cat converter.... just undo exhaust at the manifolds and run the engine, if it runs ok then the exhaust is where your problem lies.if that doesn't solve it then the only other thing that comes to mind is an intake leak....take a can of air intake cleaner and spray around the intake listening for an increase in rpm. if you get any then you may need to re and re intake and install new gaskets...this is a common problem with those 3.1 L engines....check for vacum leaks and collasped vacum hoses as well....hope this helps

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QUESTION: is there anyway to unplug or unclog the catalytic converter i havent disassembled it yet i just wanted to know if it was that would i have to replace it or could it be cleaned out

Answer
Hi Adam... depending on what state your in and what laws they have on emmisions....you may have to replace it....just disconnect it to try and see if it runs ok...there is some additive that you can buy but i don't put a lot of faith in that stuff...it's called cat converter cleaner....you can try it but usually when cats are plugged they are beyond that kind of help...hope this helps