alexherz0g
09-07-2025, 11:02 AM
Hey all,
New member Alex here, (I’ll do an intro post soon with photos of the van). I recently picked up this 1985 2WD 5-speed Van out in California from another VanTech member, then after a brief inspection and learning to drive a manual (hah), drove it about 3,000 miles back to Chicago. It made the trip with no major breakdowns but many small drivability issues that of course with such a journey became more evident by the end of the long drive.
I’m going to post my questions individually to avoid a super long-winded post.
First off, I wanted to see if anyone has had experience with rough/hesitant acceleration, along with a severe loss of power at highway speeds DUE TO A CLOGGED CATALYTIC CONVERTER.
I know I have other issues to address but from the amount of oil that the van burns right now (going to replace valve seals ASAP), I’d say it’s a pretty safe guess the cat is at the very least partially clogged, but more likely severely clogged. I also hear the specific rattle in the exhaust accelerating from a stop. What other effects would a buildup of back pressure have on the engine?
Of course burning oil would also lead to severely fouled plugs which I am in the process of replacing today along with plug wires, cap/rotor, and fuel filter. I know the problems I’m having could also very well be caused by fouled plugs, fuel pressure issues and potential other ignition issues, but the clogged cat is one I can’t check until I just cut it off. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
New member Alex here, (I’ll do an intro post soon with photos of the van). I recently picked up this 1985 2WD 5-speed Van out in California from another VanTech member, then after a brief inspection and learning to drive a manual (hah), drove it about 3,000 miles back to Chicago. It made the trip with no major breakdowns but many small drivability issues that of course with such a journey became more evident by the end of the long drive.
I’m going to post my questions individually to avoid a super long-winded post.
First off, I wanted to see if anyone has had experience with rough/hesitant acceleration, along with a severe loss of power at highway speeds DUE TO A CLOGGED CATALYTIC CONVERTER.
I know I have other issues to address but from the amount of oil that the van burns right now (going to replace valve seals ASAP), I’d say it’s a pretty safe guess the cat is at the very least partially clogged, but more likely severely clogged. I also hear the specific rattle in the exhaust accelerating from a stop. What other effects would a buildup of back pressure have on the engine?
Of course burning oil would also lead to severely fouled plugs which I am in the process of replacing today along with plug wires, cap/rotor, and fuel filter. I know the problems I’m having could also very well be caused by fouled plugs, fuel pressure issues and potential other ignition issues, but the clogged cat is one I can’t check until I just cut it off. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!