10 minutes ago I was plodding along the M6 on my way home (a bit faster than usual I might add) and I look out my rear view mirror and I see rather a lot of sparks originating from my car!!
No change in engine or wierd sounds (engine water temp was as usual), even so I immediately slow to 55 and cruise very gingerly to the next junction (a service station) 1 mile down the road. As soon as I slowed, the sparks subsided slightly, and by the time I got to the service station they seemed to have completely disappeared.
However, at the service station I got out and my passenger reved the engine a little and a few sparks flew out the exhaust. I thought if it was a heat issue I'd better get back on the road and go slow so atleast some air is circulating. So I got back on the road and cruised home rather slowly - but engine seemed fine and nothing seem out of place.
I didnt see any more sparks but then again they probably didnt make it up into my sight range (rear view mirror) even if they were still there as I was going rather slow. I just tried reving the engine again at home and sure enough, sparks were flying out the exhaust when reved.
Is this serious?
Is it my catalytic converter on its death bed? Is it just the exhaust getting over hot and just needs to cool down? I will try tomorrow and hope that it has cured itself!
No change in engine or wierd sounds (engine water temp was as usual), even so I immediately slow to 55 and cruise very gingerly to the next junction (a service station) 1 mile down the road. As soon as I slowed, the sparks subsided slightly, and by the time I got to the service station they seemed to have completely disappeared.
However, at the service station I got out and my passenger reved the engine a little and a few sparks flew out the exhaust. I thought if it was a heat issue I'd better get back on the road and go slow so atleast some air is circulating. So I got back on the road and cruised home rather slowly - but engine seemed fine and nothing seem out of place.
I didnt see any more sparks but then again they probably didnt make it up into my sight range (rear view mirror) even if they were still there as I was going rather slow. I just tried reving the engine again at home and sure enough, sparks were flying out the exhaust when reved.
Is this serious?
Is it my catalytic converter on its death bed? Is it just the exhaust getting over hot and just needs to cool down? I will try tomorrow and hope that it has cured itself!
