Runs fine, ses light on shows code P0420. I'm thinkin plugs & wires?

Nope, that's a bad Catalytic Converter. It could have been a misfire that ruined the Cat but your looking at a new Cat now.




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida

Thanks, will inform.

You can get an aftermarket cat installed at an exhaust shop for usually around $200 to $250.




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida

Yea, that;s kinda what I was thinking. My brother passed 4 years ago & we have inherited the maintainence on all belongings for his widow, in the 70's. Maybe put plugs & wires on then a cat. Will see how her finances work out. Thanks Hammer

Spoke with her today, the cat was replaced less than 1 year ago. Again, car runs great. Does not feel like any misfire but the way the coils fire it would be hard to detect. Will put in plugs & wires next.

No, that code can be nothing but a bad cat.




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida

Hammer- I was going on the theory that if the cat only lasted less than a year, replacing the cat will be temporary because the plugs may be bad allowing unburned gas to stop up the cat. Was not looking to cure the ses light with a tune up.

OH, OK
In that case you would be right. If you have a bad misfire or if it's burning coolant, it will wipe out the cat in pretty short order.




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida

Up date, gave the car back to her. Running fine. Seems the ses light has been on since she replaced the cat. No one shut it off. I don't have an obd2 & battery disconnect is of no use. At least she dosen't mind the light. Thankx Hammer.

How did you read the code? Whoever read the code should have been able to clear it. If she has an Autozone in the area, they will read and clear it for free.




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida

I took it too Autozone & had them scan it. In Heber Springs AR, they are not allowed to reset the computer.

That's strange. They do everywhere else.




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida

Disconnect the battery for 10 minutes, turn the headlights on & pump the brk pedal about 20 times & then hook it back up.....That should clear the light.

HEY- I'll try it! Do I have to hold a coat hanger in my left hand out the window, right foot in the glove box & well, you know. Just kidding. I will try this. Thanks sidom!

Here in Illinois,they're not allowed to clear any codes either.

They do for me when i'm there,but normally they won't .

That's bout as dumb as dry counties- in which I live! Sorry, got off topic.

In Reply To

Actually that's trick #2.... Disconnect both cables & touch them together, if they are to short & won't reach you can use a wrench or COATHANGER to bridge the gap....... . . .. In a pinch I use that one...... It's faster. . . . Either one, besides erasing codes resets all adaptive memorys to factory defaults.... Basically might drive a little different for a couple of days until the comp relearns..........

Quote

That works best when done in a thunder storm. It erases all memory, including your own...................LOL




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida

Trust me, I know. Will get the car back next week. Thanks guys

Try burying a dishrag in the moonlight. Works every time. Ooooops. That's for warts.
Loren
SW WA

NO CRAP! She was talking about that when I gave her the car back!! You guys know each other or just go to the same "old wives tale " school?

>>"old wives tale " <<
Hey, don't knock it 'til you try it! Of course, if your neighbors see you doing it, you may have some 'splainin' to do.
Loren
SW WA