A clogged catalytic converter could
have caused the flex pipe on the
exhaust to leak due to excessive
back pressure. Also the added back
pressure from the engine not being
able to "exhale" would greatly reduce
its power. Put your hand about 3
inches behind the exhaust pipe while
its idling, you should feel a rapid puff
puff puffing of air hitting your hand. If
its just a steady weak flow or even
nothing at all then there is a
blockage somewhere in your pipe. It
also sounds gross but a small
animal may have been looking for
warmth and climbed into your
exhaust and passed away from
carbon monoxide poisoning causing
a clog.
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