Is my catalytic converter failing?

[clipod]

Hi,

I have a boxster 2001 with 75000 on it.

My cars performance keeps on failing and these days its becoming bad.

I have been going through this link http://www.andysautosport.com/hi_flow_catalytic_converter/porsche_boxster.html where its written,

"If your Boxster engine seems to be losing power or your temperature gauge reads a little high, one possible culprit could be that a rich condition is feeding excessive unburned fuel into the catalytic converter, which can overheat it as well as damage it."

My cars temperature is a little high if I drive for more than 20 min, few times when I idle at a signal light and when I press gas to move the car, I feel I am pulling a big truck with my car and I had to give more rpm around 2k to move the car or it vibrates. Also one more thing which I have noticed was the car performs ok with in the first 10 min of my ride but after that it performs really bad. If I am going uphill with my ac on I think even a pick up can over take me.

My mechanic keeps on saying there is nothing wrong with the car all the time and last time when I gave my car for its 60k service he said it did not throw any error codes. Since then the performance even got worse. Please guys I need help really bad with this problem.

[Loren]

Instead of guessing what the issue is with your car I suggest you have some diagnostic work done.

Find a shop with the appropriate diagnostic software (Durametric, Porsche PST2, or PIWIS tester) and have them go through the car.

[wvicary]

I agree with Loren. A MAF sensor that is biased can cause a performance issue and not set a fault code. Does the check engine light come on with the ignition key?

[clipod]

Instead of guessing what the issue is with your car I suggest you have some diagnostic work done.

Find a shop with the appropriate diagnostic software (Durametric, Porsche PST2, or PIWIS tester) and have them go through the car.

Does any porsche dealers read the error codes for free?? Mine is an old one and dont have a warranty on it.

What about advanced auto parts or autozone. Do they have regular reader or Durametric stuff???

[clipod]

I agree with Loren. A MAF sensor that is biased can cause a performance issue and not set a fault code. Does the check engine light come on with the ignition key?

yes the check engine light comes and then goes out once I start the car.

But I wonder can this happen with MAF failure, "performs well at the beginning and once temp raises performs like crap"

Also one more thing, if I switch on air conditioner performance is pretty bad.

[Loren]

Yes, there are a few dealers that will read codes for free - usually because they expect your business.

The generic readers will not be as detailed and will not Porsche specific fault codes. If you plan on keeping the car you might consider Durametric $287 (for 3 car version).

You have an 11 year old car and the Durametric may save you many times it's cost.

[Jager]

Yes, there are a few dealers that will read codes for free - usually because they expect your business.

The generic readers will not be as detailed and will not Porsche specific fault codes. If you plan on keeping the car you might consider Durametric $287 (for 3 car version).

You have an 11 year old car and the Durametric may save you many times it's cost.

I also have a 2001 Boxster and purchased the Durametric system about 3 years ago. Not only did it pay for itself in a very short period of time, it's enjoyable to use because you will learn many more things about your car. BTW I have over 232,000 mile on my Boxster, original motor, no major work other than upgrading the IMS bearing at 204,000 miles.

[clipod]

you said 287 right???

Its showing 347. Is it the same thing that you are referring to??

http://www.durametric.com/content/2001-porsche-boxster-986.aspx

[Loren]

you said 287 right???

Its showing 347. Is it the same thing that you are referring to??

http://www.durametri...oxster-986.aspx

Go to this page - see option 1.

http://www.durametric.com/buyus.aspx

[clipod]

you said 287 right???

Its showing 347. Is it the same thing that you are referring to??

http://www.durametri...oxster-986.aspx

Go to this page - see option 1.

http://www.durametric.com/buyus.aspx

Does that tool come with a manual?

Also I have a question. My friend has a bently manual. Is it worth it for my boxster?

[Loren]

you said 287 right???

Its showing 347. Is it the same thing that you are referring to??

http://www.durametri...oxster-986.aspx

Go to this page - see option 1.

http://www.durametric.com/buyus.aspx

Does that tool come with a manual?

Also I have a question. My friend has a bently manual. Is it worth it for my boxster?

It does have built-in lookup of fault codes with some explanation.

It does not come with a full service manual like the Bentley manual. The Bentley manual is very good.

[mikefocke]

Go back to Loren's first post. Find an expert Porsche mechanic with the correct diagnostic equipment, manuals and experience.

Even having the Durametric sw/hw, you still have to understand the theory of operation, the diagnostic flow chart, and have the other diagnostic tools sometimes. And the experience to put it all together and not just shotgun parts. Sometimes there is no substitute for knowing how to do it right the first time.

By all means do the simple things yourself, buy OEM parts, use a generic mechanic where appropriate but also know when the problem calls for the experience and equipment that only an expert can provide.

My scan of the web says Jones might be the place I'd try.