How to Deal with Clogged Small Holes in the Catalytic Converter?
3 Answers
The clogged small holes in the catalytic converter can be improved by cleaning. Here are the relevant details: 1. The function of the automotive catalytic converter: As the most critical component in the vehicle's exhaust purification system, the automotive catalytic converter is responsible for the catalytic reduction of harmful gases in the exhaust, such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). It converts these three main harmful gases into non-toxic and harmless substances like water (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), and oxygen (O2), which are then expelled. 2. Symptoms of a clogged catalytic converter: (1) Mild clogging: The specific manifestation is a reduction in the vehicle's exhaust purification capability. (2) Moderate clogging: The specific manifestations include a continued decline in exhaust purification capability, along with increased fuel consumption, reduced engine power, and the possible illumination of the engine fault indicator light. (3) Severe clogging: When the catalytic converter is severely clogged, in addition to the above symptoms, the normal operation of the engine will be significantly affected due to the accumulation of high-temperature exhaust gases that cannot be effectively expelled. This may even lead to engine stalling. In more severe cases, the exhaust pipe may become red-hot due to high temperatures and could potentially catch fire.
Recently, the small holes in my car's catalytic converter got clogged, causing poor exhaust flow, a significant increase in fuel consumption, and engine shaking. This is usually due to carbon buildup or poor fuel quality leading to internal blockage. I immediately took it to the repair shop for inspection. The mechanic first tried to clear the small holes with high-pressure air, but it didn’t work. Then, they attempted to flush it with a specialized cleaner, but the effect was limited. Finally, they had to replace the entire part. The whole process was quite troublesome and cost some money, but thankfully, the performance was restored to like-new after installing the new part. Prevention is crucial—using high-quality fuel, regular engine maintenance, and adding cleaning agents to avoid carbon buildup. Don’t underestimate this blockage; it can damage the emission system and even affect engine longevity. It really needs timely attention.
Last time I drove, I noticed an unusual and strong odor from the exhaust. Upon inspection, I found that the small holes in the catalytic converter were clogged, likely due to carbon buildup from using low-quality fuel. I immediately took it to a professional repair shop. The technician confirmed the issue and used cleaning tools to flush the passages, which helped somewhat but didn’t fully resolve the problem. It was only after replacing the part with a new one that the issue was completely fixed. Now, I make it a habit to regularly check the exhaust system, use higher-quality fuel, and avoid short trips to minimize carbon buildup. If you encounter this situation, don’t delay—high fuel consumption or damage to other components could result. It’s best to find a reliable repair shop for peace of mind and safety.
