Can catalytic converters be repaired?
It depends. If you suspect your catalytic converter is simply dirty or clogged, adding catalytic converter cleaner to the gas may help unclog it. This may require multiple applications.
Another, more effective way to clean your catalytic converter is to remove it and soak it in a citric acid solution for 6 to 8 hours. Another option is to use sodium hydroxide. Here is a good video that explains this process:
If your catalytic converter is damaged, such as having some of the honeycomb inside broken, it is definitely not worth attempting any kind of catalytic converter repair (even though you may find people online that claim the opposite). In these cases, replacement is really your only option. It sits between the exhaust manifold and the resonator or muffler.
Most cars on the road today have one catalytic converter, but many dual exhausts have two (one unit for each set of pipes). Some luxury cars have two catalytic converters in series to further reduce harmful emissions.
Its job is to filter or “convert” the harmful gases your vehicle produces (nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons) before they enter the atmosphere. These toxic gases almost singlehandedly ended the era of classic muscle cars in the 1970s and are responsible for much of the smog in big cities.
How do catalysts work?
When your car starts, the toxic gases produced by your car’s engine pass through the catalytic converter. The inner structure of the catalytic converter consists of a honeycomb pattern made of precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
What causes a catalytic converter to fail?
As mentioned above, most catalytic converters last the life of your vehicle. However, sometimes, your catalytic converter may fail and need to be replaced.
When this happens, the temperature of the catalyst can get so high that it actually melts inside the catalyst or begins to destroy the honeycomb material. As a result, the catalytic converter will not function properly.
In addition, defective seals, bad valve seals, or worn piston rings can allow oil or antifreeze to enter the exhaust system and coat the ceramic catalyst in the converter with a thick layer of carbon. If this continues for a long time, these carbon deposits can clog the catalytic converter and prevent it from performing its function.
Eventually, physical damage can occur to the catalytic converter. While not common, stones, road debris, or potholes can damage or break the outer shell of the catalytic converter or the mounts that support it. A dent in the catalytic converter often means that part of the fragile ceramic catalytic converter inside has broken off, limiting the catalytic converter’s functionality.
How to prevent constipation
Try driving your car on the highway for 10 to 15 minutes every now and then to reduce the chance of your catalytic converter becoming clogged.
This will generate the necessary heat inside the catalytic converter to effectively burn off these hydrocarbon deposits and allow the catalytic converter to operate as efficiently as possible. Regular use of an exhaust system cleaner such as Cataclean can also help prevent blockages.