is my cat dead?

[victorM]

The story started a while back when the e/m light came on and it showed that the no 2 lambda sensor was at fault on the code reader, I have bought one but not fitted it yet, now the car is using a lot more petrol and has lost a lot of power especially up hill, tody it has started to sound like dried peas in a tin can and gives of a not too nice smell. Is this the dreaded cat converter that has ceased to function? the car has done 155k 1.8 engine, any idea on the cost

[lee gsi]

Sounds like it could have collapsed and now starting to block the exhaust

[victorM]

Problem sorted, last weekend I replaced the cat, both lambda sensors, rear discs and pads!!!!!!!! the difference is brilliant, far more power in both low and high gears, the code reader showed that number 2 sensor was faulty but as I`m gonna keep the motor I bought both so now i know that the complete exhaust and emmisions are like new the fuel economy should also be a lot better too, only down side was the cost of parts, altogether it came to, are you ready £405, of that nearly £70 in vat. Glad that I can do the work myself cos it would have been even worse at a garage, but if you are thinking of doing it yourself if you have a basic knowledge of mechanics other than the brakes, the cat and sensors are not difficult to replace providing you have a good tool kit!
heres hoping for some trouble free motoring in the future, keith.