Does the Three-Way Catalytic Converter Need Cleaning?
2 Answers
The three-way catalytic converter needs cleaning. It is the most important external purification device installed in the automobile exhaust system, and regular cleaning is necessary to ensure its exhaust function. The cleaning method for the three-way catalytic converter is as follows: 1. Place the removed three-way catalytic converter upright in a container. 2. Shake a bottle of three-way catalytic cleaner well and pour it into the high-pressure spray gun's container, then tighten it. 3. Connect the air hose and spray evenly onto the inner grid of the three-way catalytic converter. More information about the three-way catalytic converter is as follows: 1. The three-way catalytic converter primarily oxidizes carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. 2. The three-way catalytic converter is the most important external purification device installed in the automobile exhaust system. It converts harmful gases such as CO, HC, and NOx emitted from vehicle exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions.
In my experience, the catalytic converter does require regular maintenance, but it might not be what you think. While driving, try to keep the engine running at high RPM for a few minutes, such as flooring the accelerator on the highway. The high-temperature exhaust can burn off some carbon deposits, which counts as natural cleaning. As for disassembly and cleaning, it's only considered when obvious symptoms appear: the exhaust light suddenly turns on, annual inspection data approaches the limit, or a strong sulfur smell comes from the exhaust pipe. Once, a friend's car had a severe loss of power, and upon disassembly, it was found that the catalytic converter's channels were mostly clogged with carbon deposits. After cleaning, the power was restored. Nowadays, some repair shops recommend drip cleaning, but personally, I think the effect is limited—it's not as thorough as a direct disassembly and cleaning.
