Catalytic converter issue

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Oct 8, 2012 | 01:44 PM

Squant74

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Joined: Oct 2012

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Catalytic converter issue

Hi. I'm new to this forum.. I own a 2000 E 250 Econoline van with 170,000 miles. I've been encountering loss of power on acceleration for months. Terrible gas mileage (8-10 mpg) and just recently, I get that rotten egg smell when I gun it and and travel above 65/70. I can feel heat from under the van when i step out as well. I've been blowing individual coil packs every other month after a long drive with alot of inclines. It all points to a clogged catalytic converter. This van has 3. A front left and right by the manifolds, and a large one before the muffler. My question is, what causes them to go bad? I want to fix the cause before spend the money on new cats. Ive heard a rich fuel mixture could do it. Are there sensors that need to be changed?

Thanks

Oct 8, 2012 | 03:56 PM

Beechkid

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Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 6,104

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From: Southern California

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squant74

in theory they should never wear out but......
heavy idling impacts converter life as well as lazy o2 sensors.
sometimes you can get lucky, remove the converters and wash them out....but ifthey are gone, replace them & the o2 sensors.