Hello

I suspect my catalytic converter is blocked up because of the following symptoms :

(1) the van recently blew a hole through the "j" elbow pipe just prior to the catalytic converter

(2) something is making a rattling noise inside the catalytic converter

(3) i replaced elbow pipe but seem to have air escaping between the gasket of the catalytic converter and the new pipe.

(4) van works ok but since replacing the elbow pipe the van seems to have a 20% loss in power.

Is it possible the cat is clogged, and caused the elbow pipe to blow a hole (for air to escape) ??

Is it possible that the new pipe has no hole, so pressure is collecting again inside a bad cat and causing the loss of power?

We are leaving for holidays on Friday and I want to everything as great as possible.  

Any comments are much appreciated.

Thx
Shawn