- #9 of 13
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Re: Idle Problem [cesarm]
by rsht
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Jan 25, 2009 (11:37 am)
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Replying to: cesarm (Jan 15, 2009 10:37 am)
I assume the shake is much less (or almost not) noticeable when the car is moving or cruising, correct? If so, have you checked for possible vacuum leak some where in the system; if not yet, check for leak(s) first (i.e. old or hardened hoses) before spend big money on the exhaust system (i.e. clogged Catalytic converter...). Good Luck!
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- #10 of 13
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Re: Idle Problem [rsht]
by cesarm
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Jan 25, 2009 (8:23 pm)
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Replying to: rsht (Jan 25, 2009 11:37 am)
Yes, the shake is much less while running. But if the catalytic converter is clogged, don't you thing that this problem would be detected in the state inspection??.
Thank you for the info,
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- #11 of 13
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Re: Idle Problem [cesarm]
by rsht
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Jan 28, 2009 (10:10 am)
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Replying to: cesarm (Jan 25, 2009 8:23 pm)
I don't think a State Inspection is detailed enough to detect a clogged Catalytic converter. They mostly rely on the on-board computer now a days to tell them if there is any problem (almost same as if the Check Engine light is ON); unless your vehicle has a specific sensor to detect certain amount of pressure variation before and after each catalytic converter; otherwise, its hard to tell without removing them from the exhaust system... Before getting to the point of taking all the exhaust pipes apart, I was think to double check for any possible vacuum leak with a vacuum gauge, which is a lot cheaper... BTW, I did not see you mentioned anything about the Check Engine light being ON at all, is it? If the Catalytic converter is really clogged, that should cause the "aft" O2 sensor to be out of expected range from the "before" O2 sensor, that should most definitely trigger the Check Engine light to come ON... Have you also verified that all spark plugs and wires are in good condition, that can cause shake too...
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- #12 of 13
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Re: Idle Problem [rsht]
by cesarm
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Jan 28, 2009 (8:55 pm)
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Replying to: rsht (Jan 28, 2009 10:10 am)
The check engine is not ON and the spark plugs and wires were changed about 1 month ago (AC Delco brand). The motor mounts were checked as well, and they are good. The performance is very good, a lot of power, but I don't know why it shakes too much.
How does the vacuum gauge BTW work?
Thank you.
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- #13 of 13
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Re: Idle Problem [cesarm]
by rsht
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Jan 29, 2009 (6:03 am)
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Replying to: cesarm (Jan 28, 2009 8:55 pm)
I just went back and read your initial post... I am sure its pretty frustrating trying to find the cause...
A vacuum gauge can be used to detect low/unstable vacuum pressure in the system, which are indications of a leak (i.e. cracked vacuum hose, canister, or for some models even an improperly seated PCV valve and etc). I would think that you may be able to barrow a vacuum gauge at your local Auto Parts store (e.g. Advanced Auto, Auto Zone, and etc.; I have even came across them at Mijer, Sears and Wal-Mart stores if you wish to buy one), each gauge should come with description/recommendation on how and where to hook it up, and how to interpret the reading and response on a gauge (not all gauges act/respond the same way; but should be similar). This, in my opinion is an inexpensive way to narrow out other possibilities that can cause engine shake before getting to the catalytic converter. Best Wish!
Just as FYI:
http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16176
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