Is it necessary to clean the three-way catalytic converter of the New Transit?
3 Answers
The three-way catalytic converter of the New Transit needs to be cleaned. Generally, the three-way catalytic converter should be inspected and cleaned as needed every 30,000 kilometers. It is advisable to clean the three-way catalytic converter whenever the fuel injectors, throttle valve, and intake tract are serviced. Additionally, it is best to clean the three-way catalytic converter before the annual vehicle inspection to ensure smooth passage of the exhaust emission test. When fuel quality is poor, the fuel contains sulfur, phosphorus, lead, and manganese from anti-knock agents. These chemical components form chemical complexes inside the three-way catalytic converter after combustion and exhaust emission. Due to its honeycomb structure, the three-way catalytic converter is prone to clogging. The use of manganese-containing anti-knock agents in fuel, sulfur- and phosphorus-containing antioxidants in lubricants, and traffic congestion can easily lead to poisoning, failure, and clogging of the three-way catalytic converter. As a crucial component for exhaust gas treatment, the three-way catalytic converter significantly reduces pollutants in vehicle emissions, and all exhaust gases pass through it. If the three-way catalytic converter is damaged or clogged, it is akin to a blocked exhaust pipe, resulting in a noticeable decrease in vehicle power, increased fuel consumption, and severe exhaust pollution.
I've been driving for transportation for over a decade, and commercial vehicles like the New Transit require special attention to catalytic converter maintenance. Frequent stop-and-go traffic in the city can easily cause carbon buildup, with abnormal exhaust odors or sudden fuel consumption spikes being warning signs. Last time after cleaning at 60,000 km, my engine ran smoother and idle vibration disappeared. Cleaning costs 80% less than replacing the converter. Always use proper 95-octane fuel from reputable stations, inspect the exhaust pipe condition every 30,000 km, and you can extend the converter's lifespan by 3-5 years.
Auto repair shops frequently encounter owners with clogged catalytic converters, especially for diesel vehicles like the New Transit. The three-way catalytic converter acts like the car's lungs; when clogged, it leads to insufficient power and increased fuel consumption. My advice is to check the mileage: for city driving, clean it every 40,000 kilometers, and for highway driving, every 60,000 kilometers. Here's a handy tip: when starting the car cold, smell the exhaust—if there's a sour or foul odor, it's time for a cleaning. A non-disassembly cleaning costs around 300 yuan, while a disassembly cleaning is about 700-800 yuan, which is much more cost-effective than a major engine overhaul.
