Am on Xmas vacation, so this is first time I've seen list all week... It is indeed possible to melt the guts of a honeycomb style catalytic converter. Not sure why (stuff has consistency of ceramic), but I did so when my car ran too LEAN (remember guys: fuel cools. Until Martin G's PRV man diagnosed my re-tuned, hence over-advanced engine -- still getting used to life without a carburetor -- was so rich I could actually hold exhaust tips in my hands). Telltale sign of stopped up converter is glowing exhaust AFTER the the thing. I think it's heat from added resistance. Do you live in an area with emissions testing? You'd be amazed how much restriction a converter puts on exhaust flow. And even when properly functioning is unreasonably hot. Bill Robertson #5939