Catalytic car repair is more expensive than you anticipate. For most cars, the cost of repair can be anywhere between $945 and $2475, including labor and parts. The cost of a catalytic converter alone can be up to $2250. But there is some good news. Even if there is a problem with your catalytic converter, you don’t have to replace it.
You don’t need to be a professional mechanic or have advanced DIY-expertise to mend a catalytic converter on your own. Here is how you can easily trouble-shoot a catalytic converter.
- The “Italian Tuneup”
The “Italian Tuneup” is the best solution for several automotive problems, including catalytic converter issues.
All you need to do is to push your car hard to heat it to a high temperature between 426-degree Celsius (800-degree F) and 1000-degree Celsius (1,832-degree F) for a few miles. Applying a few hard accelerations will heat the converter efficiently to burn the deposits lodged on the intake, exhaust, cylinder head, oxygen sensor, and catalytic converter.
- Run the engine right
Sometimes catalytic exhaust converters don’t work efficiently when there is some underlying issue with the engine. If the fuel trim is running too lean or too rich, it can affect the functioning of converters.
Other engine problems like coolant or oil burning or engine misfire issues can cause catalytic converter contamination and, in some cases, premature failure.
Fixing the problems with your engine may restore the function of the catalytic converter.
- Use fuel and fuel additives
Another way of getting rid of the nasty deposits on the converter is by using a different fuel or a fuel additive. If you have been using a low-octane or standard quality fuel, upgrade to high-quality fuel, and notice the changes. You can also consider using a cleaner to clean up the deposits.
Another way of cleaning the catalytic converter and restoring its efficiency is by using a lacquer thinner. Pour it into the tank and run your car at high speed for around 150 miles or more. With this, the converter will heat up burning out all the deposits.
- Fix the problems with the exhaust
Exhaust leaks are one of the most common problems with a car. They can alter the oxygen sensor readings and affect the efficiency of the catalytic converter.
Check for the worn-out exhaust gaskets or corroded flex pipes and fix them promptly.
- Clean the catalytic converter
You can make the catalytic converter of your car efficient again by cleaning it thoroughly. All you need to do is remove the catalytic converter and clean it using a pressure washer to remove the dirt and deposits from the matrix.
You can also consider soaking it overnight in a mixture of hot water and degreaser or any laundry detergent. Keep the converter in water for about an hour and then let it dry overnight before reassembling it.
A clean catalytic converter liberates you from all the converter issues you may have been facing.
The bottom line
Driving your car with an inefficient catalytic converter is unsafe. It can hamper the environment, and if ignored, it can hamper your pocket too. As you already know, the cost of repair and replacement of a catalytic converter is expensive, it is better to mend the minor issues on your own before you reach a point where replacement remains the only option.
Use these tips to mend your catalytic converter. Once you mend it, make sure you don’t let it clog again. To prevent the converter from clogging, go for a half an hour drive once a week and drive your car at high speed (safely, though). It will let the converter reach the optimal temperature, melting-away all the build-up.
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