91 acura integra ls. i noticed a leak on the tip of the catalytic converter and everytime i turn the car off, the fan still continues and it smokes. has anyone had a similar experience. the car was hit on the right side but wasn't damaged too badly, only the fender and door where affected, which im replacing. Also has a wheel alignment problem which im going to get checked out. Anyone have any thoughts as to how big this problem is? or just any ideas in general?
2006-09-05 09:20:25 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
the smoke is more like steam, its not the type that comes from the exhaust, its very light in terms of texture.
2006-09-05 09:30:33 · update #1
DO NOT remove the catalytic converter. For one thing, it will cause you to fail any emissions test your state/city requires. Second, it is a federal offense, and can cost you more money than the cost of the car, as well as jail time.
That said, the "leak" and the white smoke are indeed normal. The steam can be condensation or results of combustion.
The end result of COMPLETE combustion is carbon dioxide and water vapor. If the exhaust has cooled even a little bit after a drive, the water vapor begins to condense on the inside of the exhaust, and will drip when there is enough to collect.
The catalytic converter further processes the exhaust gas, and breaks up the leftover hydrocarbon and carbon MONoxide into water vapor and carbon DIoxide, as well as break up the oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
As for your fans, if they turn off eventually without draining the battery, it is normal. Many cars' cooling fans remain on after shut-down until the coolant temp sensor registers a change in the temp. Most don't but many do.
Good Luck
2006-09-05 10:25:05 · answer #1 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well the fans stay on when the car is off for a while thats normal. What kind of smoke and what color. It could just be water in the converter. Im not sure where the smoke is your talking about. an alignment is about 40 bucks that can even save ya some gas milage and tires.
2006-09-05 16:27:23 · answer #2 · answered by mike L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's not too big, i'd recommend just getting rid of the catalytic converter, but you'd have to check if there is any laws around there that require you to have one first.
2006-09-05 16:25:01 · answer #3 · answered by tomasbabcock 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yea, here's an idea, SELL IT!!!
2006-09-05 16:23:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋