Are you dealing with the P0420 code and want to clean the catalytic converter, but you know it’s a lot of work to take the catalytic converter off, and you want to skip removing it?
This is for you. We will cover removing the cat without removing it from your car so that you can have the best results possible to save money!!
If you would like to learn more about the P0420 code before cleaning it, you can check out our article on the P0420 code here: P0420 code.
Steps to consider before trying to clean your catalytic converter.
There are a few things that you must keep in mind before you try to clean your catalytic converter. In many instances, the internal components may become loose and if this is the case, you will not be able to fix your catalytic converter in-place.
#1. Too clogged.
If your catalytic converter is clogged to the point where your engine won’t run, you will need to remove the catalytic converter and either utilize some special tools for cleaning, or replace the entire catalytic converter.
#2. Check for loose parts.
You can take a rubber hammer and tap on your catalytic converter with light taps and listen for any references to lose parts inside of it.
If you think you’ve heard some loose parts, I recommend removing and inspecting the catalytic converter, simply because you don’t want the loose parts to break off and completely clog your other exhaust parts and exhaust pipe, causing the vehicle to stall out on the middle of the road.
A clogged piece from the catalytic converter. If you see any pieces in your exhaust system that resemble this, it is time for a new catalytic converter!
#3. Purified catalyst.
Your catalytic converter may have been purged of its insides or internal parts may have blown out from the exhaust pipe.
This may be difficult to tell without removing it. If you suspect that this is the case, you should remove it and check.
#4. Oil Consumption.
Your catalytic converter may have clogged due to high internal oil consumption from burning oil as it was entering the cylinders and combusting, and burning oil in a hot catalytic converter.
If you have oil consumption problem, fix that problem first before going further as it is only a temporary fix as it may be clogged again in a short time.
Common problems for oil consumption are clogged crankcase ventilation, broken valve seals, or broken piston ring. Check the crankcase ventilation first.
How to Clean a Catalytic Converter without Removing It
Step 1: Buy Oxicat Catalytic Converter Cleaner.
The easiest way to clean and rejuvenate a catalytic converter without taking it out is to use a catalytic converter cleaner product. We recommend OXICAT – Oxygen Sensor & Catalytic Converter Cleaner.
You can read more of these products in our article: Best Catalytic Converter Cleaners. You simply pour the product into your fuel tank, whether you drive gasoline, diesel or hybrid.
This will help clean the catalytic converter, and it will also clean your O2 sensors and the entire exhaust system, too.
Keep in mind, however, that the OXICAT Cleaner is not going to fix any mechanical problems with the catalytic converter if it is cracked, broken, or too clogged. Think of it as a cleaner for a slightly clogged catalytic converter that has lost its effectiveness due to aging.
Needless to say, you can use other brands of catalytic cleaner, but this has proven to be the most effective cleaner we have used.
Step 2: Pour the Catalytic converter cleaner into the fuel tank.
Check the manual for the cleaner and pour the correct amount of the cleaner into the fuel as directed by the manual.
Make sure you have the right amount for your car and engine so you are not adding too much of the product, as sometimes that can harm your catalytic converter even more.
Step 3: Take your car for a drive.
Allow your car to run a couple of miles after driving it, to see if it will run better than before. You can try driving the car at high RPM’s (over 3000 RPM’s) for a long distance to get the catalytic converter hot to burn out the clog inside it.
Just keep an eye on the coolant temperature so you do not over heat the car.
FAQs.
Q: The Oxicat did not work for me, what to do now?
If you used the Oxicat catalytic converter cleaner product and still have the same issue, you don’t have much else to do but take the catalytic converter out and inspect it.
You may also keep in mind that there can be other dents causing the P0420 trouble code, like faulty O2 sensors or exhaust leaks, and your catalytic converter may not be where the problem is.
Removing the catalytic converter is generally pretty easy stuff on most vehicles if can get the rusty bolts loose.
Sometimes the catalytic converters are installed directly on the turbocharger on some vehicles, which can make removing the catalytic converter more difficult.
If you are inspecting the catalytic converter and you are 100% certain that it is clogged and the catalytic converter looks to be in good condition, you can try cleaning it in a bath of water and lacquer thinner. This does sometimes work, and it will probably save you a few bucks.
So again… if you have tried the Oxicat cleaner and tried lacquer thinner and cannot see any evidence of damages, but the problem still exists, you have no option other than to replace the catalytic converter at that point.
You should also be looking for other issues, such as a catalytic converter that is causing your issue.
Catalytic converters can be expensive… usually because there are noble metals inside of them that cost more to make.
Q: Does premium gas clean a catalytic converter?
While premium gas probably won’t clean a catalytic converter, it may be able to help prevent it from becoming clogged in the first place. However, there are many reasons a catalytic converter could become clogged, so it doesn’t necessarily relate to the fuel.
Q: Can you drive with a clogged catalytic converter?
The recommendation is to not drive with a clogged catalytic converter, though it might depend on how clogged it is. A clogged catalytic converter is going to make your car run poorly, as well as cause increased emissions.
If it seems your catalytic converter has clogged, you should take your car into the mechanic for a checkup. Driving with a clogged catalytic converter can also cause serious damage to other parts of the engine.
Q: What is the best way to clean a catalytic converter?
The best way to clean a catalytic converter would be to remove it from the vehicle and have a specific machine clean it with a good cleaning fluid. But these machines are expensive, for commercial use.
Q: Is it better to clean or replace the catalytic converter?
Replacing a catalytic converter is the best way to avoid future problems. However, it is expensive and may not be the best option for you. A better option is to have the catalytic converter cleaned, which is far less expensive.
If you can clean the catalytic converter without removing it, catalytic converter cleaners available at most auto parts stores work fine if the catalytic converter is only slightly clogged.
Catalytic converter cleaners are easy to use and don’t require any extra skills or knowledge to use. Just follow the instructions on the back of the product.
If you have a badly clogged or damaged catalytic converter, then there is no additive or product that can clean it. If this happens, replacing the catalytic converter is the only option.