Catalytic converter fault

[rajen44]

Hi guys,

I gotta resurrect this again, sorry.

I've got a 2.0 about 80k on the clock and the same code tug had cropped up. Very rarely I get the grey/blue smoke when it's idle. I've been told I dont have a crack on my manifold but maybe the cat needs replacing? I did use the can to put into my fuel tank. Im losing a bit of oil from time to time due to head gasket not being fitted in properly so that needs looking at. Could I get away with doing what Tug mentioned, smashing it into 4000 revs or am I looking at replacing the cat converter? I'm a bit lost at the minute as to what the right answer is and whether to try and get an MOT done to see how the emission is etc.

Look forward to hearing from you guys.

Thanks.

 

[tug]

Hi rajen, unless you are really unlucky the cats will be fine. I used to fear the worst when i first got my 2.0 & the pesky light kept coming on.

I have a really helpful BMW indie near me (he found the crack in the cat container by thorough inspection) While the light was on he tested the emissions for me (FOC ) they were perfectly fine and would pass the strict MOT easily.

There is a trick on the 2.0 where the throttle can be reset.

Turn ignition on (all dash lights on, engine off) count to 15.

Turn ignition off, count to 15 then start engine.

This will wipe the adaptations the ecu has made according to your and previous owners driving styles. Now you should get on the nearest motorway and open the zed up taking it up to at least 4000 revs in each gear not 6th unless you can get away with it (it will be doing over 100mph )

Then whenever possible, always (only when engine is warmed up) run the car in this style. I have been driving mine like this for a few years now & the engine is smooth as silk & no pesky emission light for as long as i can remember.

Cheers, tug

 

[Z4paul]

Hi rajen, unless you are really unlucky the cats will be fine. I used to fear the worst when i first got my 2.0 & the pesky light kept coming on.

I have a really helpful BMW indie near me (he found the crack in the cat container by thorough inspection) While the light was on he tested the emissions for me (FOC ) they were perfectly fine and would pass the strict MOT easily.

There is a trick on the 2.0 where the throttle can be reset.

Turn ignition on (all dash lights on, engine off) count to 15.

Turn ignition off, count to 15 then start engine.

This will wipe the adaptations the ecu has made according to your and previous owners driving styles. Now you should get on the nearest motorway and open the zed up taking it up to at least 4000 revs in each gear not 6th unless you can get away with it (it will be doing over 100mph )

Then whenever possible, always (only when engine is warmed up) run the car in this style. I have been driving mine like this for a few years now & the engine is smooth as silk & no pesky emission light for as long as i can remember.

Cheers, tug

Some really helpful suggestions Tug, thanks for these. Just a few months into e85 2.0 ownership and i think these are fantastic cars but owners need to not jump to the worst case scenario i think. Read a number of times about the 'need for speed' or revs at least! My light has come on a couple of times but only when in town traffic - i have adjusted my driving style, when able, and used cataclean once - clear since then. Not read about the throttle re set before - did you notice a difference or is the goal of that to reduce EML coming on? Cheers, paul

 

[tug]

Hi Paul, yes you do notice a difference. When i first got my zed i thought it was quite sluggish for an aspirated sports engine, but knowing the previous owner was a woman living in a city centre i thought that it probably needs a good run out, not just to the supermarket :lol:

After a while it got no better and the emissions light kept appearing. So after a lot of reading and asking questions i found the throttle reset procedure. After doing this the zed was like a different car. The engine seemed to be a lot more responsive and revving a lot better and didn't feel like it was being held back.

Although the pesky light kept coming on, the zed was a lot better. Like a lot of new owners i didn't want to thrash it too much in case it hurt it :lol:

But after 6 years ownership and minimal trouble i found that the N46 needs to be thrashed regularly to "keep it clear" so to speak. Like i posted before, i drive my zed "like i Stole it" whenever i can and never have problems with the pesky light.

Cheers, tug

 

[Z4paul]

Fantastic, i will try this and see if i get a similar outcome.
Thanks again, paul

 

[Jfgoldfish]

Glad you got it sorted jock, can i ask how much to have the valve stem seals replaced cos i think mine are not 100%

Just thought I would mention; there is a place in Nuneaton that will do valve stem seals for £390 flat rate. Many garages charge twice that, it is a job worth doing on these 2 litre engines.