HELP!

[blueb3]

It threw a code about a week ago P0420 http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/ ... bank-1.php (http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gen...hold-bank-1.php) So, following this, I reset the code with a scanner and went on my merry way, thinking it was caused by my cat disintegrating (very distinct noise on vibration)

Well, it started running rough on the way into work this morning, (little stutters under acceleration) and the check engine light came on. No big deal, almost to work, 1 exit to go, I'll just take it easy. Well, as I am pulling into work, the car is stuttering like mad, the CEL is FLASHING and I smell coolant. (WTF!) So I pull into the nearest space and pop the hood. Coolant is all over the top of the block. Any suggestions on where I should take it, next step? Are the two related? I'm at a loss here, and come to you guru's for guidance.

[Huffer]

Did you pull the code?

Its possible your cat failed and was sucked back into the engine, causing major damage. I think that's a worst case scenario then.

[blueb3]

:shock: WOW! :shock: That would be some major suckage. I don't have the scanner here, it's at my friends shop. Never heard of the engine sucking pieces of the cat in.

[Huffer]

Well the engine doesn't "suck" so much as there's a vacuum created.

[blueb3]

:grin: Meant that it would really "suck" to have that happen :grin:

[blueb3]

Well I limped it over to Meade Engineering and they pulled the codes. ONly thing showing is "engine misfire cylinder 1" and there is a leaky top radiator hose. Replacing hose, wires, and plugs today while I'm at work (car is damn near undriveable with the mis-fire) or else I would take it home to work on it.

[Huffer]

Well that's a relief.

Leaky radiator hose could have been a huge problem - not enough coolant in system + hot day = overheating.
Make sure they burp the cooling system for air bubbles too.

At some point you probably will want to do a full coolant flush and refill (w/ Subaru Conditioner too).

I had a misfire on #4 awhile back, replaced all the plugs just to be sure.

[blueb3]

I am thinkinig the two could have gone hand in hand. Old wire being sprayed with coolant causes misfire? It was the top radiator hose and the spray was right at cylinder 1's wire. Will know in a little bit when he calls me back. The cool thing was that he drove me back to work in a heavily modded EVO MR. Fun ride.

[Huffer]

that's good deductive reasoning!