k1500 5.7l can catalytic convtr be plugged?
 

pickup is very doggy if i get on it. will barely go above 65 mph. runs ok otherwise. shop sugested the cat. converter. to these go bad or plug? never heard of this being a issue. how hard to test. he said have to get a new one, (big$), as not legal to sell used one.

Re: k1500 5.7l can catalytic convtr be plugged?
 

They can get plugged up.
My son had a 93 Saturn that had a plugged cat and it wouldn't go over 20 mph. Changed it and the car was fine.
Be sure it is the cat so you don't spend good money and then not have it fixed.
Kim

Re: k1500 5.7l can catalytic convtr be plugged?
 

Yes they can plug up, or just restrict flow.

Catalytic converter test:
You can put a vacuum gauge on the engine, check the vacuum at idle, then hold the engine revved up at a steady speed and see if the vacuum drops off.

Re: k1500 5.7l can catalytic convtr be plugged?
 

Assuming the year of the truck is after 96, you would have a SES for cat efficiency.

Split the pipe ahead of the cats and try it.

If it turns out to need new cats, you can get high flow aftermarkets or do like I did.

Simply use O2 simulators on the rear O2s and gut the cats.