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MomofTeens
Novice
Aug 10, 2018, 10:37 AM
Post #1 of 11
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86 GMC Suburban
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I recently purchased an 86 GMC Suburban with 42K original miles from my stepdad. His dad was a mechanic and mom had it custom ordered with a heavy frame and xl gas tank for hauling an airstream, so it’s been well taken care of minus minor cosmetic issues. My son, 19 and high functioning autistic, thinks the catalytic converter needs to come off because it’s causing poor gas mileage. I am not auto savvy, but I’m not stupid either. I’m sure it may be gunked up which can easily be cleaned. I doubt there are oxygen sensors since it’s old. Can someone give me their honest opinion so he’s not wasting money?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 10, 2018, 10:49 AM
Post #2 of 11
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Re: 86 GMC Suburban
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Not only will removing a converter not improve fuel mileage but it is against Federal law with a fine up to $25,000.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 10, 2018, 10:52 AM
Post #3 of 11
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Re: 86 GMC Suburban
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Also, I deleted your duplicate question. One is sufficient. The same people read all of them.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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MomofTeens
Novice
Aug 10, 2018, 11:02 AM
Post #4 of 11
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Re: 86 GMC Suburban
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Thank you. Does it matter what kind of converter it is? Son is saying it’s a “pancake pellet” style. Verses a honeycomb style. I’ve read that running high octane fuel will clean out the gunk.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 10, 2018, 11:06 AM
Post #5 of 11
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Re: 86 GMC Suburban
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You have to use the converter that was designed for that particular vehicle.
Why do you even think there is an problem with the old converter?
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 10, 2018, 11:20 AM
Post #6 of 11
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Re: 86 GMC Suburban
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? I think those had pellets you could replace if the shell is still good.
Family owned tons of these all were pigs and lousy power lots of choices for differential ratios for hauling helped and could.
Normal to see less than 10 poking around and best smooth long runs maybe 14-15 either the 350 or larger 454.
The most reason it would need a converter if not all corroded was people just used regular leaded fuel routinely or fuel stations put that in the tanks wrecked action of converters quickly real mess for a while. Doubt you'll find the pellets but the idea was they would shake like a maraca and usually self clean off the lead residue and work for power and economy OK just defeated "converter's" reason.
In short - don't expect crap for MPG no matter what you do it wasn't even a thought about the vehicle,
T
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MomofTeens
Novice
Aug 10, 2018, 11:23 AM
Post #7 of 11
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Re: 86 GMC Suburban
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I don’t think there is anything wrong. My son thinks it’s a faulty part because of the style and bad gas mileage. I appreciate your replies.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 10, 2018, 11:28 AM
Post #8 of 11
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Re: 86 GMC Suburban
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Your son just needs to stop listening to all his friends opinions. None of them are qualified.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 10, 2018, 11:33 AM
Post #9 of 11
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Re: 86 GMC Suburban
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Smile because I knew these new hauling was done with all and fuel was recently costly from embargo of 1973 same time "unleaded" fuel cost more and were pigs - like serious pigs but good vehicles for the time.
What I guessed they way it's used is about right. Know newer ones except for hybrids none really do squat still but the power is back. Not the objective of the vehicle, ability is can' t have both.
You can test for exhaust restriction if otherwise runs well as expected your or his call to replace converter it will still be a pig. The answer is drive less or same as anyone carpool share the expense,
Tom
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MomofTeens
Novice
Aug 10, 2018, 11:43 AM
Post #10 of 11
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Re: 86 GMC Suburban
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Thank you again. I only bought the Suburban because my mom and stepdad are retired and needed the money, AND my son is too young for something new, AND his job is 1.5 miles away. Until he pays me back, nothing will be repaired unless it’s broke. Thanks again! It’s frustrating to try and convince a man child he isn’t right lol
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