How to Clean Catalytic Converter – Step by Step Guide

Catalytic converters are a device that is used as a substance that can speed up a process of converting harmful chemicals from an exhaust engine of a car/vehicle into harmless chemical compounds. The harmful compounds usually present in the exhaust engine are:

• Carbon monoxide
• Nitrogen oxides
• Hydrocarbons

For any air-breathing, person carbon monoxide is a nightmare. While it is dangerous, the other chemical compounds such as nitrogen oxides are also very deadly. They cause acid rain and smog resulting in acute air pollution and water pollution. Hydrocarbons also produce smog.

Under normal circumstances, the engine of your car produces pollutants during combustion. Those are really harmful. It’s the converters job to perform in a way that the harmful compounds are converted into a certain gas that is less harmful.

This happens through a chemical reaction between the gases present in the engine’s exhaust systems and the metals of the catalytic converter.

If you see that the vehicle is still dodgy, then more rich fuel is needed to do the job. The unburned fuel can damage the converter and create an unbearable smell. The converter will help you by eliminating all smells and damages.

How to clean a catalytic converter: a complete guide:

You can clean your catalytic converter by two methods. With or without removing it. If you want to clean it while it is removed then here are the steps:

With removing it:

The catalytic converters use a cleaner to get all cleaned up. When you find a specific converter cleaner all you need is that and here is how you use it:

• Pour all contents of 16 ounces of the catalytic converter cleaner into the gas tank.
• Now drive until it is close to getting empty to ensure that the chemical is all used up.
• Clear all OBDII error codes if there are any.
• Refill the gas tank as you usually do.
• Drive around the road for at least 50 miles to adjust the OBDII error code

Without removing it:

Are you feeling that it’s a hefty job of cleaning your catalytic converter? And you finally realize that you want to clean the converter without removing it? Then don’t worry, here is a complete guide that will solve all your worries:

Things to consider before the process:

You cannot remove your catalytic converter and repair it if it is loosely placed in the car.

Clogging in the catalytic converter can also prevent you from cleaning it without removal of the converter itself. You will have to remove it and then clean it if it’s too clogged.

Safety checks are also important if you are going to clean the converter without removing it.

The converter with a hammer to see if there are any weird noises, loose parts or anything suspicious. The loose parts can eventually cause the converter to clog, so make sure there are no loose parts as they also stop the car from driving.

Oil consumption can be a reason to clogging of the converter. It is the most common aspect, and you need to repair any internal oil leak if there is any of course. Clogged crankcase ventilation, broken valve seals and piston rings are symptoms of oil leaks.

The process:

Here are the steps of cleaning a catalytic converter without removing it. In order to continue with the process, make sure you read and follow every step carefully and not miss out on any step.

Get yourself the best cleaner:

The essential step of cleaning a catalytic converter is that you need to make sure you are getting the most efficient and good quality cleaner.

People suggest a lot of things but do not compromise on this. Read customer reviews before purchasing any product, also invest in a good one as it will benefit you in the long term.

This item is the main thing. You need this to clean the whole exhaust system, and it can work for any car, whether a petrol, diesel or hybrid engine is present.

Check any faults in the converter:

If you have any doubts about having a loose or broken part in the engine that needs repair, do it now and do not hesitate.

This product that you will use will not repair the faults in the parts if they are cracked, broken or clogged even.

It can be utilized if the car has had some oil burn before but nothing more than that.

Remove the catalytic converter:

You will first take off the O2 sensor in the car; then once you separate the sensor, you will unbolt the converter and slide it down the exhaust pipe.

If it is welded underneath your car, you will need to detach it by using a rotatory saw. It is best that you take measures by raising your car using a jack stand.

Use the cleaner:

Now is the time to pour the contents of the cleaner into the gas tank. The amount of cleaner that you need to use will be written in your vehicle’s manual guide. So read it from there and find out how much you need to fill in.

Attach the converter back:

Follow the opposite steps of removing the catalytic converter. Put the sensor back on and bolt the converter back as only the contents needed to be poured in it.

Drive your car:

In this step, you need to drive your vehicle around after the contents have been poured in. Drive a couple of miles to see if your car is running and functioning better than before.

You can try a tip and drive your car at RMP’s higher than 3000 for a long distance.

You will reach the hot catalytic temperature that will be hot enough to burn out the clog inside of it. That is why you need to make sure it is oil-free because it can be ignited.

Make sure your vehicle is not heating up.

Save money:

You can save some cash by cleaning the catalytic converter with water and lacquer thinner if it is just a bit clogged. This can save you a lot of time and hard work as well. But this is not good for the long term.

Finish it off:

Now make more inspections and if everything seems okay and the car is running smoothly than there is nothing to be worried about.

But if you seem to feel that the car still has issues than you might need to replace the converter and there will be no other choice. This will cost you some bucks, but they are mandatory.

Benefits of using a cleaner for catalytic converters:

Some people are always looking for homey DIYs to solve their small repairs such as cleaning cars, rewiring them and also while they need to clean their catalytic converters.

Here is why you need to purchase a branded, high quality and recommended catalytic converter cleaner instead of using water and foam.

Read Also: How Long Do Catalytic Converters Last

Lower emission levels:

The modern catalytic converters have been already functioning great. But if you want to enhance its function and keep it maintained, then you need to get yourself a converter cleaner ASAP. It will reduce the engine’s emission levels instantly.

Better engine performance:

If you suddenly notice that the engine is not performing as it should then you might consider this that the converter is all dirty and junked up.

The cleaner will help a lot in cleaning out the whole converter in one go and as well as the injecting fuel system, cylinders and improving overall engine performance while cutting down the fuel consumption as well.

Cost-effective:

Thanks to lower maintenance and fuel costs, you can save money if you use a simple converter cleaner to do the job. You won’t have to replace the catalytic converter as well because if it is increasing the engine performance, then it is going to be in good shape for quite some time.

Reduce smells:

Most car engines develop a disgusting smell over the years. It is caused by the catalytic converters which you might not know.

If you notice this smell, then you should know the converter needs a cleanup, and the speciality of a converter cleaner is to remove all bad smells.

Protects your engine:

The branded cleaner is very powerful. It has a lot of benefits, including this one. That it protects your engine from any damage, let the engine run cleaner and smoother by making the exhaust flow and fuel better.

It will also cut down the costs needed for maintenance.

Final Thoughts

So the confusion is cleared! Here is a complete guide on catalytic converters, how to clean them, and why to use a proper cleaner for the cleaning procedure.

Here in this context, you learn a few tips on why you need a cleaner and what exactly are the harmful gases that are present in your exhaust engine.

Those harmful gases can damage your car immensely; this is why you need to use a catalytic converter to merry all the harm away.