my 86 monte, v6 4.3 is having some problems running...i think it might be a clogged cat...the thing is, i don't have money to buy a new one right now...so i was hoping to cut the old one off, and stick some straight pipe in it's place for a while to see if it corrects the power problem i'm having...but will it start throwing codes, and running worse?....

 

You have OBD2 in an 86?

It will throw a code. But no, if it is clogged, it will run better with a straight pipe. Just make sure there are no exhaust leaks after you do it.

 

thanks for the info...i removed the CAT and i could see daylight through it...i blew it out with my air compressor and some junk came out, but nothing bad...i assume it's good if i can see to the other side, right?....

 

I give up...i can't figure out what the problem is...i found a wire, while changing them, that was cut almost completely in half...i figured i had found the problem...put on a new set of wires, plugs, cap, rotor, TPS, MAP and still have no power to get it up to speed...i'm just gonna have to tow it to a mechanic and pay for diagnostic...i hate that....

 

Describe what's going on, how it's "running bad", and I'll see what I can figure out for you.

 

hi nitehawk...the car starts up great, idles good...i can rev it and it sounds good...i put it in gear and go to give it gas, and it chokes almost...i have to feather the gas because if i give it too much, it pops under the hood and shuts off...if i feather it, it will slowly accelerate, creeping, up to 25 or 30 then cruises fine...as soon as i hit a light, or a hill, it's back to feathering it and creeping...like i said, i changed the TPS and MPS because i got the code...i also changed the fuel filter, plugs, wires, cap/rotor...i can see that the injectors are both spraying, the fuel pump is turning on...i removed the cat and looked inside and can see through, so i put it back on...i guess that's it...any help is appreciated...

 

How about the MAF? Have you cleaned it? Other than that, check your fuel pressure - it could be that or an issue with spark, but it sounds like once too much load is put on, it chugs. A scan gauge would be most useful.