Does Catalytic Converter Cleaner Work?

Catalytic converters are very effective in reserving the environment making sure the toxic gases that cause global warming are not emitted by the engines. But these converters start to fail with time, and in this article, we discuss catalytic converter cleaners. 

So the first question is does the catalytic convertors actually work or not? No additive will restore the effectiveness of a damaged catalytic converter, but it can remove deposits from a working converter. In essence, the platinum or palladium coating on the catalytic converter matrix oxidizes unburned fuel to remove raw hydrocarbons from the exhaust when heated by the exhaust gases. The rear oxygen sensor keeps track of this rise in raw fuel content in the exhaust as converter efficiency declines.

This article discusses everything you need to know about catalytic converters and we invite you to stick around until the end to find out what you’ve been looking for. 

Table of Contents

• What is a catalytic converter cleaner?
  • Can catalytic converter cleaner cause damage?
• What are the symptoms of a blocked catalytic converter?
• What is the best way to clean a catalytic converter?
  • How to clean a catalytic converter without taking it off?
  • Is it worth cleaning the catalytic converter?
  • What happens when you clean your catalytic converter?
  • How much does it cost for a catalytic converter replacement?
• Some related FAQs.

What is a catalytic converter cleaner?

Addictive catalytic converter cleaning dissolves and then eliminates carbon from the gasoline. As a result, the amount of carbon emissions that contaminate the air is decreased. In gas-powered automobiles, clean control facilities are just as well.

Don’t get me wrong, but I want to be clear that using these specially formulated cleaners won’t completely correct and eliminate converter defects; rather, they will only maintain and regulate the converter’s operation. Cleaning the catalytic converter with vinegar may also have a positive impact on symptoms due to the addition of additives.

So you have to be aware of how they really work and what they really do inside the vehicle. If not, you may use those additives in case of cleaning the convertors without any prior knowledge about them. 

Can catalytic converter cleaner cause damage?

Yes. Acetone, in particular, is a chemical component of catalytic convertor cleaners. Despite its effective cleaning capabilities, it damages the catalytic converter. Metal, varnish, or plastic are all dissolved by their other chemical solvents. As a result, they risk damaging the vehicle’s engine.

So you must aware the cleaner you are using does not damage the converter because there is no use in cleaning if it damages the convertor’s interior.

What are the symptoms of a blocked catalytic converter?

When the C. Convertor fails, your car gives out many symptoms that helps you to identify that the converter is failing and needs a repair. So what are those symptoms? 

• Problems starting the car. 

Sleepiness or having trouble getting out of bed in the morning is one sign of liver failure. The same thing can happen to your car with a clogged catalytic converter, making it challenging to start the car quickly or at all.

• Check engine light. 

It’s a sure sign that something is wrong with your car when the check engine light suddenly comes on, and the catalytic converter may be to blame. \

Your engine may be underperforming or inefficient for a number of reasons. Making an appointment with one of our mechanics to perform a thorough diagnostic on your car is the next step.

• Noises in the engine. 

You run a higher risk of damaging and wearing out the catalyst-coated honeycomb-shaped mesh inside your converter if you use a super-rich fuel mixture. 

When this occurs, the components disintegrate and move around inside. When your car first starts, you’ll particularly notice this.

• Acceleration problems. 

When all other components, such as spark plugs, filters, sensors, etc., are working properly but you notice delays when accelerating or a loss of power when driving up hills, the catalytic converter may be the problem.

Many times, mechanics will confuse a malfunctioning catalytic converter with other parts, such as a bad oxygen sensor or any other sensor.

• The emissions test failed.

A properly installed and functioning catalytic converter aids in the reduction of environmentally harmful gases and emissions. If you take your car in for an emissions test and it fails, your catalytic converter is unquestionably broken.

• Irregular fuel consumption.

One sign of a bad catalytic converter is the better or worse gas mileage. Even though getting better gas mileage might seem like a good deal, it can harm your engine and lead to even more costly repairs.

• Sulfur smell. 

The airflow of exhaust fumes is restricted when the catalytic converter is clogged, causing the air-fuel ratio of the engine to become rich (too much fuel, leading to unburnt fuel)

The smell of burnt sulfur or rotten eggs is produced when this excess air-fuel mixture burns, which is a clear sign that your catalytic converter is broken.

Intercooler Vs. Radiator; What’s The Difference?

engine diary

What is the best way to clean a catalytic converter?

So if those cleaners do not really work, then what can you do to clean the catalytic converters? As a mechanic with years of experience, I can say that using water and lacquer thinner is the best method.

But since there is no tried-and-true method for doing this, you might want to look online for a few additive cleaners, like Oxicat or Cataclean, that help remove carbon deposits gradually before attempting.

How to clean a catalytic converter without taking it off?

If you are not a mechanic and don’t have much experience with it, you can use an addictive cleaner to clean out the clogged substances inside it. But before preceding, there are some simple things you must do. 

• The appropriate place to park Prior to starting the catalytic converter cleaning process, park your car on a flat, hard surface that is well-lit. Its hood should be opened, and the prop rod should be used to stabilize it.
• Clear any debris from the catalytic converter’s exterior face using a piece of cloth. Apply pressure to the converter with a power washer to allow any accumulated debris to be easily blown out.

So here is how to clean the catalytic converter in 3 simple steps. 

1. Get enough catalytic converter cleaner and fuel. Purchase some fuel in a can and a high-quality, compatible catalytic converter cleaner for your car. While some cleaners only function with diesel or gasoline engines, others do so as well,
2. In your fuel tank, pour the cleaner. You will find all the directions you require for pouring the cleaner and how much fuel your car needs on the cleaner’s label.
3. Go for a drive. Start your car’s engine after adding the solution, then go for a drive. Driving will help the cleaner circulate throughout your exhaust system. How long to drive for the best results is specified on the cleaner’s label.

Is it worth cleaning the catalytic converter?

The time and effort needed for catalytic converter cleaning are worthwhile, yes. Any soot buildup or other impurities preventing the converter from functioning properly will be eliminated through cleaning.

And also it is a must that you should clean it regularly because when the inside of the converter is clogged, the converter will not work as expected, and it will cause some side effects too, later. 

What happens when you clean your catalytic converter?

No vehicle manufacturer advises cleaning a catalytic converter. The internal catalyst may be harmed, making this required system useless. The best course of action is to have the catalytic converter changed by a qualified mechanic.

How much does it cost for a catalytic converter replacement?

It costs money to replace a catalytic converter. For the majority of vehicles, the average cost of a catalytic converter repair, including parts and labor, ranges between $945 and $2565. A catalytic converter can cost up to $2450 on its own. That could be more or comparable to the value of your car.

Some related FAQs.