How to Clean a Clogged Three-Way Catalytic Converter?

[OBennett]

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.

[McKendra]

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.

[Stephanie]

I usually enjoy researching car maintenance, and for cleaning a clogged catalytic converter, chemical methods are the most convenient. Simply buy a bottle of automotive exhaust cleaner, pour it into the fuel tank, and drive a few dozen kilometers—it will dissolve contaminants and expel them through the exhaust. Another method involves using professional tools to inject cleaning fluid into the engine's intake pipe, then running the engine at idle to purify the interior. I think brands like 3M or Total are good options, priced from tens to over a hundred yuan. After a few uses, emissions and fuel consumption improve, but avoid using low-quality products. Catalytic converter clogs often result from dirty fuel or engine carbon buildup. Adding fuel additives during maintenance to prevent clogs is more cost-effective. If cleaning doesn’t work, replacement is the only option.

[Journey]

I found that when the three-way catalytic converter is clogged, the car's warning light will come on or acceleration becomes sluggish. It's important to diagnose it accurately before cleaning. When I went to the repair shop, they first used a computer to check the engine data to confirm the blockage, and then recommended two cleaning methods: one without removing the catalytic converter, using compressed air and cleaning fluid to blow it in; the other involves removing it for a thorough cleaning, which takes more time and is more expensive. I had it cleaned once and the effect was good—the car became quieter. A clogged catalytic converter is a big deal as it affects the car's lifespan and the environment, so it's best to deal with it early. Regular checks of the oxygen sensor and using high-quality gasoline can prevent most problems.