Ford Focus C-Max is it the catalytic converter ??

Car: Ford Focus C-Max
Variant: 1600cc Diesel - Manual
Model Year: 2004
Categories: Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
When first starting up and until the engine gets warm I have a noise as if there is a hole in the exhaust and a lot of severe vibration. I have had this checked by 2 garages and they say no problem with exhaust. There is signifigant loss of power and also quite strong fumes when starting up.
I cannot get it to a garage until after the bank holiday.Can anyone tell me the following please:
No. 1 Does this sound like the catalytic converter.
No.2. In your opinion is it safe to drive or am I damaging the engine if it is the Cat.Conv.
Posted: Mar 20, 2008 (16 years ago)
it sounds to me like a gasket has gone on the exhaust and makes alot of noise when cold as the exhaust is cold and the gasket leaks but when it gets warm the exhaust expands as it warms up and seals up the leak so all i can say is the car is ok to drive and wont cause any damage to the car but does need looking at so when you can get it in for a new front pipe gasket as that is what it sounds like to me if you are unsure leave the car with the garage so they can hear it in the morning when the problem is at its worst and can be spotted straight away and sorted
Posted Mar 20, 2008 (16 years ago)
Message for thomkas -cars

Thanks you for your suggested solution for my Ford C Max. If this is the problem then would either of the garages I went to not have picked this up when they examined the exhaust on the ramps.
Posted Mar 21, 2008 (16 years ago)
Question for thomkas-cars

Thanks for your solution for my car problem, but would the two garages then examined my exhaust not have been able to spot that a gasket had gone. Or would this only be picked up when the exhaust is cold.
Posted Mar 21, 2008 (16 years ago)
if it is the cat do not drive goodlook
Posted Apr 27, 2010 (14 years ago)

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