How can u tell if the catlaic converter is stoped up?

Maybe catalytic converter

engine check light means fault codes to be read are stored in ecu

fuel pump delivery
timing
idle control sensor
air filter /maf ?

got spark if it starts up again after stopping?

Generally when a catalytic converter is clogged, you will have backpressure issues. This would not be a random issue. Also, if the catalytic converter was failing to the point where the engine's performance would be affected the check engine light would come on. Generally it would trigger a P0420 catalytic converter failure code.

Is the check engine light coming on at all when the vehicle runs poorly? If you suspect that you converter is clogged due ot lack of acceleration, simply disconnect the catalytic converter to front down pipe and test drive. If you have more power and acceleration, then you know the converter is at fault. Sometimes a converter that is clogged will make a rattling noise if you bang on it with your fist.

Jack up front end so that you have room to crawl under vehicle to unbolt the converter from the down pipe. You will probably need to spray the bolts with PB Blaster or WD40 and allow to soak in before trying to unbolt. The exhaust hangers will keep the converter and rest of exhaust system up while you test drive. For extra security you can use a wire coat hanger to wire it up so that it doesnt drag when you take for test drive.

If the inside of the converter comes apart, part of it can get stuck in the exhaust pipe and clog it, other parts will stay in the converter and rattle if you hit. Other times the inside will either break up in two large chunks and turn sideways and clog it and it might not rattle when you hit it, or the inside melts and wont make any noise.

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it could be a number of thins.
1. the timeing is off.
2. needs new spark plugs and wires
3. distibuter and button
4. or the cattlittic converter is stoped up and the back preasure is causing it to pop when you put the gas to it.

Have you used a fuel pressure tester?If it is okay check the rlay and the fuel pressure relay.

is the fuel free of moisture? Add a couple cans of Heet then try to drive a while.

If you can keep it idling after start,with your foot on a accel. pedal , then most likely your idle control valve is acting up.

It sounds like maybe a blown head gasket causing coolant to leak into the combustion chambers. If you have a mechanic friend, Better offer him a meal or something to get him/her to have a go at it. Taking it to a shop won't be cheap.

Does the exhaust sound muffled? Could be a bad catalytic converter.

try checking your cadlist convert on your exhusted

Well this could be in your timing. As cars get some miles on them the timing chain stretches therefore causing you car to lose alot of power.So you may want to have your timing set on this car. Also I had a taurus that had a bad torque converter, and it lost alot of power on hills and under loads, also when i gunned the gas pedal. so try the timing first. Hopefully you dont have a bad head gasket or a cracked head these symptoms you are describing are all signs of head gaskets or blown heads