It will also show that you Skip to content You are reading this because you are looking for information on how to unclog a catalytic converter. Here they are: Engine Performance Issues One of the issues with a clogged catalytic converter is exhaust backpressure. Fuel Efficiency Issues A car with a clogged catalytic converter will become less fuel-efficient than it used to be. Your Dashboard Lights Come On This is one of the most prominent signs of a blocked catalytic converter.
Failed Vehicle Emission Tests The next logical step after observing the check light on is to take a vehicle emission test because nothing is more indicative of a clogged catalytic converter than a failed vehicle emission test. The Smell of Rotten Eggs A clogged catalytic converter gives off a rotten egg smell which is indicative of the presence of Sulphur.
Bottom of Form How To Diagnose a Clogged Catalytic Converter The best way to be sure that your car has a blocked catalytic converter is to diagnose the car based on the symptoms you noticed. The Vacuum Test To conduct this test, you will need a vacuum gauge and some help optional. Here are the steps you should take to conduct this test: Depending on the type of car, you want to set the transmission to park or neutral after which you apply the parking brake.
You then associate the vacuum gauge to a direct vacuum line like a direct intake manifold port. Start the car and let it idle until it gets to its operating temperature. The vacuum gauge should be somewhere around 18 and 22 in-Hg at this point. Maintain a speed of about rpm while you watch the vacuum gauge. Its reading should drop for a bit before returning to its former level in a matter of seconds.
The Back Pressure Test You will need a back pressure gauge for this test, and the site of the test is the exhaust system. Here is how you conduct this test: Remove the front oxygen sensors Replace it with the backpressure gauge You then start the car and pay attention to the reading from the pressure gauge.
Anything between psi is normal especially when you increase the speed to around rpm. A reading that is about 8 psi or more means that your car has a clogged catalytic converter. The Temperature Test To run a temperature test on your car, you will need thermometers infrared or kitchen.
Start the car and let it get to operating temperature you could take it for a short drive or just let it idle for some 20 minutes. You might have to raise your car to do this. Repeat same for the outlet pipe which connects to the rear of the catalytic converter. If the front temperature is at least the same as the rear temperature, then there is some issue with the catalytic converter.
How to Unclog a Catalytic Converter At this point, you are sure about the state of your catalytic converter, and you are probably looking for a quick fix for the catalytic converter.
Drive your car at rpm at least for about 30minutes. But make sure that the car does not overheat while on this drive. Re-calibrate the OBD code after which your re-read the catalytic converter If at the end of the ride you notice that the car accelerates quickly and there is less black smoke from the exhaust , then you might have unclogged the catalytic converter.
Jack up the car and keep it suspended with jack stands Take out the oxygen sensor s Apply some penetrating oil to loosen the bolts.
Inspect the catalytic converter after removing it. If you hear a loud rattle, then you might want to stop because the components of the catalytic converter are most likely in pieces. Use the pressure washer to wash the catalytic converter at low pressure. Select Language. Message Regarding Your Privacy. I accept Submit Submit. Solution: Walker Catalytic Converters For vehicles that operate under normal driving conditions, Walker catalytic converters are engineered to provide proper operation right out of the box.
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By Andrew Markel. If the converter is not warmed-up broken-in properly, the substrate inside could be adversely affected and eventually cause the converter to fail down the road. The problem typically occurs when a shop installs the converter and immediately returns the vehicle to the customer.
It is very important that this initial layer of friction material is evenly distributed. The rotors will be very hot and holding down the brake pedal will allow the pad to create an imprint on the rotor.
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