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I’m thinking of trying a different approach to cleaning a catalytic converter that is working at low efficiency due to carbonization caused by a rich-running engine. The rich-running condition has been fixed but the vehicle is now throwing a P0420 code.
I’m going to remove the upstream O2 sensor and use a shop vacuum cleaner to suck air through the converter by putting the hose from the vacuum cleaner into the tailpipe and sealing the connection with duct tape. Then when the vacuum is turned on it should establish continuous airflow through the entire exhaust system including the converter.
Once I have airflow through the converter I will introduce a cleaning solvent into the sensor hole. The cleaner should atomize and pass through the converter. Hopefully the liquid solvent will saturate the converter and break down the carbon inside the converter’s honeycomb structure.
I’m not sure what type of chemical to use to try to dissolve the carbon. I’ve thought of Sea Foam, or lacquer thinner or pure acetone. You want something to dissolve the carbon while remaining liquid that can be blown out of the converter by starting the engine after giving the solvent enough time to break down the carbon.
Any ideas??