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Since the computer defaults to a 'full-rich' mixture, you're dumping in a lot more gas than is needed to keep the engine running. This can cause carbon deposits to build up in the cylinders and also in the cat. If too much carbon accumulates in the cylinders, it can lead to a detonation problem where the superheated carbon detonates the gas/fuel mixture before the spark plug fires.
Carbon buildup in the cat is not good. It restricts exhaust flow and if there's too much unburned fuel passing through it, you can actually melt the ceramic core. If the core melts, then you'll have a big obstruction and your only option will be to replace the cat.
If you can use/borrow another car while waiting for your AMM to arrive, by all means do it. I wouldn't drive more than a couple miles with the AMM disconnected, just long enough to get it home and only if I'm less than 10 miles away.
FYI, in a box in my wagon, I keep the following items:
1. Spare Main Relay.
2. Spare AMM.
3. Spare Fuel Pressure Regulator.
4. Spare Timing belt.
5. A couple of open end wrenches and screwdrivers.
So far in the last year, I've used 2 Main Relays, 1 AMM, and 1 Fuel Pressure Regulator (all were replaced on the road with used parts, typical 'down' time was 30 seconds to 5 minutes). By planning ahead and spending $50 at the pick-n-pull parts yard, I've been able to keep my car on the road during several otherwise debilitating situations. I'm an Eagle Scout and I like to be prepared for just about any reasonable situation. Most people probably don't need to carry a Timing Belt with them, but I keep one with me in case it should fail while I'm driving through a mountain chain and there's no place to get one for +100 miles.
God bless,
Fitz Fitzgerald.
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'87 Blue 245, NA 225K
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