How to Clean a Clogged Three-Way Catalytic Converter?
2 Answers
Methods for cleaning a clogged three-way catalytic converter: 1. Add cleaning agent to the fuel tank; 2. Perform a hanging bottle cleaning, where the cleaning agent is drawn into the combustion chamber through the intake vacuum suction, and burns inside the three-way catalytic converter to restore its activity through oxidation-reduction reactions; 3. Disassemble and clean by removing the three-way catalytic converter, soaking it in oxalic acid and toilet cleaner, then rinsing with clean water. The working principle of the three-way catalytic converter is: when high-temperature exhaust gases pass through the purification device, the purifying agent in the three-way catalytic converter enhances the activity of CO, HC, and NOx gases, promoting certain oxidation-reduction chemical reactions.
Last time my car felt sluggish when accelerating with obvious black smoke from the exhaust. After inspection, it turned out the catalytic converter was clogged. I went to a reliable repair shop where the mechanic first removed the entire catalytic converter – the exhaust pipe part was quite troublesome, requiring removal of screws and connectors. During cleaning, they used high-pressure air to blow out carbon deposits and oil sludge inside, then soaked it in specialized cleaning solution for half an hour to remove chemical residues. After drying, it was reinstalled, costing me several hundred in labor. The disassembly cleaning worked well, restoring most of the power, but it's important to fix any engine issues first to prevent re-clogging. The catalytic converter purifies exhaust – when clogged, it not only increases fuel consumption but also pollutes the air. Regular maintenance and using qualified gasoline can prevent this. Severe blockage might require replacement, which costs thousands and is quite expensive.
