Does Toilet Cleaner Need to Be Diluted When Cleaning the Three-Way Catalytic Converter?
2 Answers
Toilet cleaner needs to be diluted when cleaning the three-way catalytic converter. Below is an introduction to the three-way catalytic converter: Three-Way Catalytic Converter: The three-way catalytic converter is the most important external purification device installed in the automotive 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. Purification Agent: When high-temperature vehicle exhaust passes through the purification device, the purification agent in the three-way catalytic converter enhances the activity of the three gases—CO, HC, and NOx—promoting specific oxidation-reduction chemical reactions. CO oxidizes at high temperatures into colorless, non-toxic carbon dioxide gas; HC compounds oxidize at high temperatures into water (H2O) and carbon dioxide; and NOx is reduced into nitrogen and oxygen. These three harmful gases are transformed into harmless gases, thereby purifying the vehicle exhaust.
Never use toilet cleaner directly to clean the three-way catalytic converter, whether diluted or not. I've seen many car owners think they're being clever by diluting it, only to end up damaging the part. The three-way catalytic converter is a crucial component of the car's exhaust system, containing a ceramic substrate and precious metal catalysts. Toilet cleaner contains strong acids that can corrode the surface, potentially reducing conversion efficiency, causing exhaust emissions to fail standards, or even rendering the entire system useless. The correct approach is not to attempt cleaning it yourself. The three-way catalytic converter doesn't require regular cleaning unless severely clogged, in which case it should be handled by professional repair shops using specialized chemicals or disassembly cleaning. Remember, household cleaners are meant for toilets—using them on your car carries too much risk, and repairs can be costly if damage occurs.
