I recently started getting a whiff of exhaust and experiencing a loss of power simultaneously it is happening not at the initial acceleration from stop but as you are gaining speed most notably driving up hills. To get it through inspection I had to weld a hole where the catalytic converter meets the pipe to the muffler so that is a potential weak link. I have attempted to include two videos one is where the muffler and converter are making noise and the other is from the engine bay, both videos are shot with the XJ sitting and idling. Thanks in advance for feedback.

 

I was not able to get the videos to upload but there is no noticeable engine noise, I can rev the engine in park with no issues and there is definitely a loud rattle that is coming from the area of the catalytic converter and muffler.

 

Could be the CC has come apart inside which could explain the power loss. Did you check the heat shields on the CC?

 

No I haven't but how should I go about that ? I don't have a digital temperature gauge on hand at this time.

 

I use a vacuum gauge but basically if it rattles on the inside when you hit it you should replace it. Then again the one on our Blazer started acting up intermittently. Here is a good tread on CC's.


https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/cat...onverter-3084/

 

Thanks for the feedback, I will check that thread out. I am most likely going to replace it along with everything else after the manifold. The cost isn't terrible and I can most likely handle it in the driveway.

 

Good luck.

 

Cut it off from the converter on back this morning, the jeep now sounds really neat and the power is back. The cat was definitely the issue.