How To Clean A Clogged Catalytic Converter?

Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd

To clean a clogged catalytic converter, you can try a few methods. One option is to use a catalytic converter cleaner. Simply pour the cleaner into your fuel tank, drive your vehicle for around 150 miles, or run the engine at higher RPMs for 30 minutes, allowing the cleaner to circulate through the converter. Another approach is to use lacquer thinner by adding it to the gas tank and driving the car to burn out impurities. Sodium hydroxide-based products, such as New Brite, can also be effective. Soak the catalytic converter in a mixture of New Brite and sodium hydroxide, rinse it thoroughly, and reinstall it.

How To Clean A Clogged Catalytic Converter?

1. Cleaning with Catalytic Converter Cleaner

Catalytic converter cleaner is an affordable and accessible solution to clean a clogged catalytic converter.

• Reduce the fuel level: Before adding the catalytic converter cleaner, reduce the fuel level in your car to approximately one-fourth of a tank.
• Pour the cleaner into the gas tank: Carefully pour the appropriate catalytic converter cleaner into your gas tank.
• Mixing and acting on the buildup: As you drive your vehicle, the catalytic converter cleaner mixes with the gasoline inside the fuel tank. As the mixture enters the catalytic converter through the fuel lines, it begins to act on the buildup of deposits and contaminants inside the converter.
• Driving or running the engine: To allow the cleaner to thoroughly circulate and clean the catalytic converter, you have two options:
  • Driving: You can drive your car for around 150 miles. This distance ensures the cleaner reaches all parts of the catalytic converter, effectively breaking down the buildup and cleaning the unit.
  • Running the engine: Alternatively, you can run the engine at approximately 2000 RPMs for 30 minutes. This method helps achieve a similar result as driving for a specified distance.
• Effectiveness for addressing the P0420 error code: The cleaning process using a catalytic converter cleaner can effectively address the P0420 error code.

2. Cleaning with Sea Foam

Sea Foam catalytic converter cleaner is another way to clean a clogged converter.

• Sea Foam as a preventive measure: It is essential to note that it is primarily a preventive measure and may not completely clean a severely clogged converter.
• Pouring the cleaner into the fuel tank: Pour the Sea Foam catalytic converter cleaner into your fuel tank, regardless of whether you have a diesel, petrol, or hybrid vehicle.
• Driving to circulate the cleaner: Drive your vehicle for a few miles to allow the cleaner to circulate through the engine and the catalytic converter.
• Cleaning engine components: Sea Foam primarily helps clean the engine components and is a preventive measure against clogging and inefficiency in the catalytic converter.
• Effectiveness for severely clogged converters: It’s important to note that Sea Foam may not completely clean a severely clogged catalytic converter. If the converter is significantly damaged or clogged beyond the point of recovery, replacing it may be necessary.

3. Cleaning with Lacquer Thinner

Lacquer thinner can be an alternative solution to clean a clogged catalytic converter.

• Adding lacquer thinner: When the gas tank is around half-full, add a gallon of lacquer thinner to the tank.
• Driving or running the engine: Drive the car for approximately 160 miles or run the engine at around 2500 RPMs for 35 minutes to allow the cleaner to burn impurities and clean the converter.
• If the converter remains clogged, Removing and cleaning it thoroughly can be an effective solution.
• Soaking in laundry detergent soap:  Soak the catalytic converter in a bucket filled with laundry detergent soap overnight to remove accumulated debris.
• Reinstalling and testing performance: After cleaning, reinstall the catalytic converter and test the vehicle’s performance.

4. Cleaning with Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide in certain cleaning products like New Brite can also clean a clogged catalytic converter.

• Preparing the mixture: Prepare a New Brite and sodium hydroxide mixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Pouring the mixture into the converter: Pour it into the catalytic converter, allowing it to soak for approximately 20 minutes.
• Thorough rinsing: Thoroughly rinse the catalytic converter to remove any remaining cleaner.
• Reinstalling the catalytic converter: Reinstall it and take the vehicle for a drive to bring it up to operating temperature.
• Temperature measurements for evaluation:  Perform temperature measurements at the front and rear of the catalytic converter to evaluate its efficiency.

Conclusion:

Addressing a clogged catalytic converter is crucial for maintaining vehicle performance and reducing harmful emissions. While replacing the catalytic converter is often the most effective solution, there are cleaning methods available that may help restore its functionality. Catalytic converter cleaners, lacquer thinner, and sodium hydroxide-based products offer potential remedies. However, it’s important to consider the clog’s severity and the converter’s overall condition. Regular maintenance, addressing underlying issues, and preventive measures can help prolong the lifespan of the catalytic converter.

FAQs:

Key Points and Important Notes:

• Cleaning a clogged catalytic converter is crucial for maintaining vehicle performance and reducing emissions.
• Catalytic converter cleaners, such as Sea Foam, lacquer thinner, and sodium hydroxide-based products, can be used for cleaning.
• Pouring the catalytic converter cleaner into the fuel tank and driving the car allows the cleaner to circulate through the catalytic converter, breaking down buildup.
• Lacquer thinner can be added to the fuel tank and burned during driving to clean the catalytic converter.
• Soaking the catalytic converter in a bucket of laundry detergent soap or sodium hydroxide mixture can help remove debris and improve its efficiency.
• Severe damage or extensive clogging may require catalytic converter replacement.
• Regular maintenance and addressing underlying issues like misfires or oil burning can prevent catalytic converter problems.