Can catalytic converter be cleaned? | AutoCatalystMarket

• When should you clean your catalyst?
• How to clean a clogged catalytic converter?
• When can self-cleaning be effective?
• Mechanical catalyst cleaning method
• Tips & Tricks
• How can one profit from used catalysts?
• Advantages of using AutoCatalystMarket Online Platform

To neutralize toxic gases emitted from an internal combustion engine, a catalytic converter is installed in a car. Catalyst Is located at the outlet of the exhaust manifold. Although the service life of every catalyst is about 150 thousand km, changing it is rather expensive. It is too expensive if you need to buy a new item. A natural question arises: can you clean a catalytic converter and thus extend its resources? The answer is simple: cleaning is permissible, but there is no guarantee of a positive result. The problem is widespread and deserves more detailed consideration.

When should you clean your catalyst?

The unit, which looks like a resonator tank, is a container with two connecting pipes. There are small ceramic honeycombs covered with a catalytic layer based on precious metals (hence the high cost of a spare part). Exhaust flue gases clog cells with soot and carbon deposits, gradually making the catalyst impassable.

Cleaning or flushing the catalyst will give a positive result and extend the life of the element in such cases:

• If the procedure is performed as a preventive measure, long before the problem with it occurs.
• When the honeycomb is not damaged and is simply clogged with soot (the initial stage of the catalyst problem).
• If the ceramic structure is not melted due to the use of leaded gasoline.

In other cases, a catalyst in a car will have to be changed to a new one or a cheaper flame arrester plus an emulator for the correct operation of the lambda sensor should be installed.

How to clean a clogged catalytic converter?

Clogging of the flow section of the catalyst is characterized by the following features:

• engine loses noticeably in power, acceleration becomes sluggish;
• fuel consumption due to the catalyst problem, on the contrary, increases;
• difficult starting of the motor;
• unreasonable stop of the engine at idle speed.

Cars equipped with two lambda sensors, show the problem indicating the Check Engine indicator on a driver's dashboard. Electronics register a decrease in efficiency and issue a corresponding error.

Regardless of the model of the car where it is installed, the catalyst is quite expensive. For this reason, many drivers are wondering how to clean a catalytic converter without problems.

The option of catalyst cleaning without dismantling is a priority for vehicle owners because on many cars this part can be removed only by cutting it out of the exhaust system with a grinder.

Whether it is possible to clean the catalyst on a car will be described in detail to exclude all doubts on this matter.

When can self-cleaning be effective?

Before proceeding with active actions, it is necessary to find out in what cases the cleaning of a catalyst can be of any benefit.

The easiest way to clean catalytic converters is by flushing. Flushing the vehicle catalyst with special fluids is effective in such cases:

• Implementation of preventive measures.
• Strong blockage of honeycombs with soot.
• If the catalytic converter has not yet failed, but a slight decrease in engine power and an increase in fuel consumption are already noticed, then chemical cleaning is performed.

With strong blocking of honeycombs, but in the absence of melting, this method also allows you to significantly extend the life of a catalyst. And also increases engine power and reduces fuel consumption.

Car repair specialists practice the following options for cleaning:

• preventive cleaning with detergent;
• multiple flushing;
• mechanical catalyst cleaning.

Preventive cleaning, as a rule, is carried out with a mileage of 70 - 80 thousand km. This method allows you to improve the situation without dismantling the part.

Multiple flushing is used to clean a heavily soiled catalyst. To clean it in this way, you will need to disassemble part of the vehicle's exhaust system.

Mechanical cleaning is carried out using a compressor and a brush. This type of cleaning is also performed on the dismantled section of the exhaust pipe.

The need for mechanical cleaning of the catalyst arises when it is not possible to remove contamination by flushing the part.

Professional cleaning liquid allows you not only to effectively remove carbon deposits on a catalyst of a car's exhaust system but also to clean the carburetor, fuel line, and the tank of a car from deposits.

After using a liquid catalyst cleaner, the following positive changes are observed in various vehicle systems:

• carbon deposits are removed;
• engine power increases;
• reduced fuel consumption;
• reduced toxicity of exhaust gases;
• increased fuel knock is eliminated.

All these transformations are possible if the only original agent is used to clean the catalyst.

Cleaning with professional liquid will only be successful if the following conditions are followed:

1. Fill the gas tank 1/3 full.
2. Pour liquid cleaner into the gas tank.
3. Fill the tank up to 100%.
4. Operate the machine until the full volume of fuel is used up.
5. One pack of liquid is enough to fill a fuel tank with a volume of 60 - 70 liters.
6. Fill a full tank with catalyst-cleaning liquid.

For maximum effect, it is not recommended to refuel the vehicle while operating on fuel with an additive. Otherwise, the concentration of active substances will decrease, which will negatively affect the process of removing deposits formed on catalyst cells.

Mechanical catalyst cleaning method

The above mentions the ways on how to clean catalytic converters without removing it. But can the catalyst be flushed if this part is heavily soiled? In this case, it is better to use a mechanical method of cleaning.

This work is performed in the following sequence:

• The catalyst is removed from a vehicle exhaust system.
• Contaminated honeycombs are gently cleaned with fine sandpaper.
• The item is purged with compressed air.

The mechanical method is the best way to clean catalytic converters of diesel-powered machines. This part is heavily contaminated in such cars, therefore, with a careful approach, it is possible to restore the throughput of a product.

Work should be done very carefully so as not to damage the inside of a catalyst, which is made of special ceramics.

Tips & Tricks

If, after adding an additive to gasoline, it is not possible to restore the catalyst's performance, then you cannot do so without disassembling the exhaust system of a car.

If the method of mechanical catalyst cleaning with your own hands for one reason or another will not be possible, then use flushing with catalyst cleaning fluid.

It is not recommended to use gasoline, acetone, or other solvents for this purpose.

Before cleaning the catalyst, make sure that its internal parts are not deformed. If, as a result of a check, significant areas with melted honeycombs are identified, a complete replacement will be required.

Despite the recommendations of many garage craftsmen to completely remove the catalyst from the exhaust system of a car, this should not be done. The absence of a catalyst in a car significantly increases the toxicity of products resulting from the combustion of automobile fuel. But if it comes to replacement and the cleaning is impossible, you can still benefit from a used catalytic converter.

How can one profit from used catalysts?

Catalytic converters aren't just another item for disposal. Within their honeycomb structure lie valuable precious metals, serving various purposes. Thus, catalytic recycling emerges as the optimaldisposal method, also offering lucrative returns. Here's a guide on how to capitalize on this opportunity:

1. Service Stations:

   Typically, service stations identifying faulty catalysts may propose purchasing your used unit. However, it's advisable not to hastily deliver your faulty catalyst to a service station. Their offers might not be equitable, as they intend to maximize profits through resale for recycling purposes.

2. Scrap Yards:

   While scrap yards represent a conventional and straightforward option, relying solely on them is a common misconception. Their pricing strategies are influenced by their turnover rates. Consequently, the payout might surpass that of service stations, but it's contingent on the particular scrap yard's business performance. Moreover, involvement in illicit activities, such as purchasing stolen catalytic converters, is not uncommon among scrap yards, posing potential complications for both parties involved.

3. Online Platforms:

   The most efficient approach to monetize your catalysts involves leveraging online platforms like AutoCatalystMarket. This platform boasts significant turnover rates, facilitating seamless transactions between buyers and sellers in the digital realm. Notably, the platform features reputable buyers listed under the 'Buyer's' section, segmented by geographical regions. Through this platform, you can obtain quotes and fair valuations, estimating the scrap worth of your catalysts accurately. Furthermore, the buyer entity manages the recycling process, offering precise pricing based on a thorough analysis of the actual precious metal content within your catalysts.

Advantages of using AutoCatalystMarket Online Platform

AutoCatalystMarket showcases an extensive array of more than 25,000 catalytic converters from various manufacturers and car brands. Easily browse through scrap catalytic converters using provided serial codes, along with corresponding prices and images, and connect with reputable buyers in your vicinity. Here's what sets AutoCatalystMarket apart in the realm of catalytic converter sales:

1. Remote Transactions: Embrace the convenience of conducting transactions remotely, perfectly aligning with the demands of the digital era.
2. Real-Time Pricing: Take advantage of precise evaluations that reflect current market rates for precious metals and their concentrations within your converters.
3. Wide Market Coverage: Enjoy enhanced catalytic converter scrap value thanks to the platform's extensive market reach and rapid turnover.

Bid farewell to the need for visiting local scrap yards fraught with illicit activities and being subjected to their localized pricing policies for catalysts. Elevate your catalytic converter's value by selling it through AutoCatalystMarket, a platform that seamlessly connects supply with demand across both B2B and B2C segments. Contribute to both economic growth and environmental conservation by opting for recycling, all from the comfort of your screen. Save on the purchase of a new unit for your car or explore opportunities for buying and selling catalysts within a network of trusted companies and verified users.