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I have a 91 300zx twin turbo and a service like just came on. it looks like its the catalytic converter with smoke coming off of it. i looked in the owners manual and i don't understand cause everything is in Japanese. the picture beside that service light shows the car driving with a cloud of smoke coming out of it with flames on it. does this mean i need a new cat or do i have to replace the 02 sensor?
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all cats must meet oringional equipment manufacture OEM specifacations to be sold in US none are regulated by NY., go to auto zone and look for universal fit catalytic converter ,cost 110.00 each .
You're burning oil and it takes the catalytic converter a bit to start doing that for you. Something's come unsealed!
It's common enough; try to sort valve clearances and EGR/turbo obstructions by looking at the computer log, then if not sorted pick a date to pop the head and seals off and place seals anew. Nice car. https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080905054217AADx8Gj
Have the engine pressure washed then change the oil and install dye that glows under a UV light, then put the car on the lift and look for oil leaks after you drive it about 25 miles. Yes this is best left to a shop as the light is about $100.00 and the dye about $5.00. You can do the pressure wash top and bottom of engine at the car wash
There are many different manufacturers for audi, also make sure you are looking at the correct ones for your engine, either a 2.8 or 1.8T. That is another big difference for the turbo model it comes right off of the turbo.
Your mechanic is spot on. The A4's are notorious for turbo overheating and failure. The oil burn is coming in the TURBO itself and then being distributed to 2.3.4 as a side effect. Your not noticing blue smoke because your catalytic converter is doing its job and the minor smoke being generated is being taken care of in the CAT. If you continue to drive as is you will run a certain risk of catalytic converter damage, cylinder damage from fouling (cylinder wash) build up, sludge, etc. If your mechanic has the knowledge on this specifc model there is a way to test the turbo output and turbo heat generation to absolutely confirm. One last thing. in ANY turbo car its imperative to run QUALITY oils not your local wal-mart brand or no name. Many people are not familiar with the demands on a TURBO engine and oil change facilities pull standard oil from 55 gallon drums via a pump.. so you arent feeding your car properly. The AVG (Audi/Volkswagen) company recommends FULL SYNTHETIC and either Castrol or Mobil 1. I have a Turbo Diesel and use Mobil1 as my choice. The recommended oil for your car via their web page is
Current Vehicle:
Year:
2003
Make:
Audi
Model:
A4 Quattro
Engine Type:
4cyl. 1.8Liter Turbocharged Mobil 1 0W-40 A fully synthetic motor oil, Mobil 1 0W-40 with SuperSyn Technology exceeds industry standards and the major leading builder requirements, enabling the product to keep performing well after conventional oils cannot. Mobil 1 is recommended by leading car manufacturers as initial fill
Here's what the code means, P0420 -- Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1).
Causes: Bad O2 senor, bad catalytic converter, and/or leaking exhaust manifold.
The error is coming from the O2 sensor number 1 between the exhaust manifold and the catalytic converter. The sensor itself may not be the problem. From what your describing is maybe a leak coming somewhere near the exhaust manifold. This would set off the P0420 code. Look around the exhaust manifold down to the catalytic converter for leaks that will leave black marks from burned fuel. If this can't be easily found, you may have to take the car in and have the exhaust hooked up to a smoke machine. This will inject smoke into the tail pipe and any leaks will be found by the smoke coming out of it.
2003
Make:
×