The catalytic converter is one of the essential parts of an automobile. It has the effect of cleaning harmful emissions by a separation mechanism using precious metals such as platinum and palladium. Usually, the cost to invest in a new catalytic converter is very large.
So when the system fails, what should we do to save costs? You can repair them yourself in many ways, such as using fuel additives, cleaning the catalytic converter or the hard drive. The following article will guide you on how to fix catalytic converter without replacing it.
To apply an effective catalytic converter repair method, we need to understand what they are.
What Is A Catalytic Converter?
The catalytic converter is a part of a car’s exhaust system. It is responsible for cleaning harmful emissions by separating them using precious metals such as platinum or palladium.
At that time, contaminated exhaust gases will separate into safer compounds (CO2, N2, and H2O) before escaping out of the exhaust pipe.
Since the catalytic converter contains precious metals, it is relatively expensive. You may have to pay a minimum of 1000 USD for an adapter replacement.
Therefore, instead of replacing them with new ones, you can choose to repair them when the catalytic converter fails.
Many people ask the question: “What causes the catalytic converter to fail?” You can refer to some of the main reasons below.
Some Causes Of Catalytic Converter Failure
The noise appears
In the process of using a car, if your car makes strange sounds, it is most likely having a problem. Usually, a faulty catalytic converter will make a rattling noise. That’s when the metals inside separate from the transducer’s filtration system. Tiny debris moving chaotically was the cause of that sound.
Warping or discoloring the adapter
Warping, discoloration are the following causes of catalytic converter problems. The abnormal phenomenon is that the waste is leaking inside or the exhaust temperature is too high.
When the above phenomena appear, you will have to fix them as soon as possible. Safe for the entire exhaust system.
The smell of sulfur appears
The presence of a sulfur smell is due to a damaged catalytic converter. The exhaust gas will then not split into less-safe compounds. Typically, the smell of sulfur exhaust will smell like rotten eggs.
In addition, you can also rely on the color of the smoke to determine the cause of the exhaust system failure.
Reduced engine power
The catalytic converter is blocked so that the fuel will not pass stably to the combustion chamber.
That makes the engine not receive enough power to operate. As a result, vehicle performance will decrease accordingly. You can refer to the “how to bypass reduced engine power” to better understand the effects of reducing engine power.
Fuel consumption is higher than average
Consuming more-than-average gas is the easiest way to tell if your car’s exhaust system is having problems. This is because the fuel-to-air ratio changes as the exhaust pushes some harmful substances back into the engine.
Slow start, poor acceleration
An exhaust blockage can prevent exhaust gases from escaping the exhaust pipe and clog a car’s engine. At that time, you will find it difficult to accelerate or start the car.
How To Fix Catalytic Converter Without Replacing?
Using fuel additives
Using additive materials is a method to increase engine performance and help clean catalytic converters.
The additive raw material is a lacquer thinner. When in use, you put a gallon full of paint thinner into a half-filled tank of gas. Then you will drive about 150km. Alternatively, you can run the car at about 2500 rpm for about half an hour. That way, you will clean the car’s exhaust system.
Clean the catalytic converter
Cleaning the catalytic converter is the following method that you should know. With this method, you need to remove the entire catalytic converter and exhaust system. You will then use a pressurized water jet to wash the adapter.
All garbage and dirt accumulated inside will escape. For deep cleaning, soak the part in detergent or hot water.
Hard Drive
Most catalytic converters need a boost to reach an adequate temperature to operate. Typically, the temperature range will be between 800 and 1832 degrees Fahrenheit.
To achieve this ideal temperature, you need to drive at high speeds and accelerate when the road is clear. Then you take your foot off the gas before pressing again. You repeat this process several times.
Using this method, your catalytic converter will heat up and burn away any dirt stuck inside the exhaust system (intake, cylinder, exhaust manifold, and oxygen sensor).
Some Frequently Asked Questions
How do I temporarily fix my catalytic converter?
To overcome the catalytic converter lapse, you can use the complex drive method. In addition, if you have time, you can choose two other methods: “cleaning the catalytic converter” and “using fuel additives”.
What happens if you don’t replace a catalytic converter?
When you do not replace or repair the catalytic converter in time, it will significantly affect your car.
Specifically, it will affect engine performance when fuel cannot move continuously. Next is a series of problems that will occur that you will not be able to fix.
Can I fix my catalytic converter myself?
The answer is yes. If you are not sure, you can go to the car service center to repair the catalytic converter for you.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the article will help you better understand how to fix catalytic converter without replacing it. You can use 1 of the 3 methods above to repair your adapter. You need to read the instructions of each form carefully for the most effective troubleshooting process.
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