Cleaning a Catalytic Converter
Curious to learn different ways you can take care of your car? Our Ira Toyota of Orleans Service Center team is always here to help. However, we know there are many do-it-yourselfers out there around Orleans, Harwich, and Eastham, Massachusetts. Perhaps you’ve already perfected changing your vehicle’s oil or swapping out the brake fluid and you want a new challenge. What else is there to do? Well, you can consider cleaning your vehicle’s catalytic converter.
If you’re able to keep this important piece clean, the performance and reliability of your car will remain at its peak!
What Does the Catalytic Converter Do?
Before we begin discussing ways to clean your vehicle’s catalytic converter, it’s important to understand exactly what this part is for. Basically, the converter takes potentially harmful emissions and transforms them into less harmful gasses, helping both people and the environment in the process. It can often times turn as much as 90% of your vehicle’s emissions into a more beneficial gas.
In turn, this process of converting emissions into less harmful substances means your model also sees an uptick in efficiency and overall performance quality! How Does a Catalytic Converter Clog?
Why does a catalytic converter need to be cleaned at different times? Well, it can accumulate a buildup of carbon deposits, which ultimately make it less efficient at performing its intended task. By cleaning out the converter, you’re allowing it to do its job at the highest level once again.
Cleaning Your Catalytic Converter Without Removing It
The first option for cleaning your vehicle’s catalytic converter is to leave it attached to the vehicle. The perk of this method is you’ll also clean your vehicle’s exhaust system, oxygen sensors, and fuel system.
To begin, you’ll need both fuel and some catalytic converter cleaner. The first step is to pour the cleaner into the fuel tank, a process you can read about in more detail on the cleaner’s instructions label.
With the cleaner added, you can start your model and go for a quick drive. While driving, the cleaner circulates throughout the system to clean the exhaust.
Cleaning Your Catalytic Converter With Removal
If you prefer, you can also entirely remove the catalytic converter to clean it. This is a more detailed process, requiring various tools including a floor jack, penetrating oil like WD40, a wrench to match the bolts on the converter, plus a pressure washer.
You’ll first need to jack up the car and remove the oxygen sensors. Then, you’ll have to identify the converter, remove it, and pressure wash it on a low setting. You can also soak it in hot water with some degreaser solution to loosen all the muck inside.
When finished, you’ll have to reinstall all the pieces you’ve removed.
Need to Clean Your Catalytic Converter? We Can Help
While it’s certainly possible to clean the catalytic converter on our own, you may prefer a certified technician to handle it if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Drivers around Orleans, Harwich, and Eastham, MA, can always turn to our Ira Toyota of Orleans team. Just book your visit online or reach out to us today!
