How Often Should the Three-Way Catalytic Converter Be Cleaned?
2 Answers
The three-way catalytic converter should be cleaned every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. The cleaning method for the three-way catalytic converter is as follows: 1. Start the engine and turn it off after the water temperature normalizes; 2. Pour the cleaning solution into a specialized device, and connect the device's output connector to the vacuum tube; 3. Start the engine, maintain the RPM at around 2,000 rpm, open the flow control valve, and slowly drip the cleaning solution into the intake manifold; 4. After cleaning, keep the engine running for three to five minutes. The benefits of cleaning the three-way catalytic converter include: 1. Helping to improve the performance of the vehicle's engine; 2. Reducing frequent alarms from the exhaust system's oxygen sensors.
When it comes to cleaning the three-way catalytic converter, I think it depends on the vehicle's condition and mileage. I generally recommend car owners to have it checked every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers. Last time, I saw an owner who drove up to 80,000 kilometers without cleaning it, and the acceleration was particularly sluggish, with a strange smell from the exhaust. When we opened it up, it was completely clogged. Cleaning it isn't a hassle; the most common method used by repair shops is the drip cleaning method, where the cleaning solution flows through the exhaust pipe to dissolve the carbon deposits. The whole process takes about an hour. If you frequently drive long distances or use poor-quality fuel, you should clean it more often. Remember, don't wait until the fault light comes on to deal with it, as that could end up costing a lot more to fix. Regular cleaning keeps the exhaust system flowing smoothly, saving fuel and being more environmentally friendly.
