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Calling Car Experts

A

Afro000Dude

Senior member
So my car didn't pass smog when I went to get it registered. I took it to a mechanic 2 days ago and they did a whole inspection on the engine and emissions controls. The guy I talked to today said that there was oil being burned in the engine somewhere which was messing with the catalytic converter. I know the catalytic converter was replaced when I smogged it 2 times ago and I'm not too thrilled with the idea of shelling out for that again. And even if I do that there's still the bigger problem of oil burning in the engine. So a few questions:

1. Is what he telling me plausible or is he trying to suck money out of me? The mechanic came well recommended and the shop was nice so I'm inclined to believe him =(
2. It seems the actual catalytic converter can be bought online for $100 - $250. Is this a difficult part to install? I don't need to pay someone to tighten a few bolts for me. But how would I then diagnose/fix the oil burning issue?
3. In case this doesn't work out, how hard would it be to register the car in Arizona using a friend's address? Would I need to drive to an AZ DMV?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Before I even clicked on the thread, I knew your engine was burning oil. I've seen way too many Mitsu's on the road burning oil that i'll never buy one. Search google, that has to be a common problem. I'd bet it's the oil control ring on the pistons. Not an easy fix.
 
Yea the Mitsu car did burn oil even when taken care of after a good amount of miles.

Try a heavy oil like 20w50. Clean out the intake with some carb cleaner and clean/replace the PCV valve. Then try again.
 
Solution, move to Florida. Then you won't have to take any emissions testing, because they banned it 7 years ago!
 
Originally posted by: OrganizedChaos
HC,CO,or NOx
?
Click to expand...

HC

I did some more research last night on Mitsubishi forums and such. It seems that the valve seals break down and harden and the valve cover gets dirty and clogs up the PCV system. Doesn't sound like stuff I particularly want to replace myself.

So Arizona registration? How about it?
 
Originally posted by: Afro000Dude
Originally posted by: OrganizedChaos
HC,CO,or NOx
?
Click to expand...

HC

I did some more research last night on Mitsubishi forums and such. It seems that the valve seals break down and harden and the valve cover gets dirty and clogs up the PCV system. Doesn't sound like stuff I particularly want to replace myself.

So Arizona registration? How about it?
Click to expand...


The PCV valve is usually one of the cheapest, quickest fixes you can do. It's usually about $5-10, roughly the size of your car lighter, in plain view under the hood, and basically just pops out/plugs in.

For high HC though I'd replace the plugs/wires and cap/rotor to take care of potential misfire issues, as well as checking to see if you're running too rich/lean in the fuel/air mixture
 
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