Why Is It Dangerous To Clean A Catalytic Converter Yourself Before Selling It

I am sure you will find many tips on the Internet about self-cleaning the device. Of course which supposedly improves their condition and increases their lifespan. 

However, it is worth understanding that such actions are not always justified and often do more harm than good.

On specialized sites, for example, on the Autocatalyst service, you can profitably sell a recycled catalytic converter without having to carry out questionable manipulations. 

Here they accept old devices and take into account their real condition. Before deciding to clean it yourself, it is important to understand why the catalytic converter cleaners can be dangerous.

Do Catalytic Converter Cleaners Really Work?

Catalytic converter cleaners can be a valuable tool. It will help you to maintain a healthy fuel system and catalytic converter.

But they are not a universal solution for all problems. 

They can be a worthwhile first step in addressing certain issues. But it’s important to understand their limitations and consult with a mechanic if problems persist or are severe. 

How Do You Clean A Clogged Catalytic Converter Cleaner?

The catalytic converter is a vital part of your vehicle that helps improve performance and reduce emissions. 

If it’s not working well, you might experience 

• Poor fuel efficiency
• Reduced power
• Bad smells
• Slower acceleration

It’s important to clean your catalytic converter if you notice these issues, as clogs can develop over time. 

If the check engine light turns on, it could indicate a problem with the converter. Cleaning it early can help prevent serious damage and costly replacements.

Notably, there are three main ways you can use to clean up a clogged catalytic converter. Let’s take a look at them one by one: 

1. Soaking:

To clean the catalytic converter, soak it in soapy water. You can use an oil or degreaser product, or dish soap.

Fill a large bucket with water and add your cleaner. Make sure the bucket is big enough to hold the converter. Submerge the converter in the bucket and let it sit overnight.

The next day, take out the converter and check that it is free of debris. Let it dry completely.

2. Chemical Cleaning:

In this method, you can try spraying a chemical cleaner (such as a carburetor cleaner) into the catalytic converter to remove the clogging deposits.

3. Pressure Washing:

You can try using a pressure washer to spray water through the catalytic converter to remove stubborn deposits. Make sure to set the pressure washer to its lowest setting to avoid damaging the inside of the converter.

What Are The Risks Of Self-Cleaning With A Catalytic Converter Cleaner?

Many methods used without special knowledge are based on the use of aggressive chemicals or mechanical action on the catalytic converter. Often, such actions lead to the following problems:

• Damage to the internal structure of the filter element. As a result, the particles responsible for neutralizing harmful substances can be destroyed or spilled out.
• Violation of the seal of the housing, which leads to dust and dirt getting inside, worsens the performance and reduces the cost of the device.
• Erroneous burning of residues when high-temperature methods are used, which can lead to the melting of internal components.

Self-cleaning, which seems simple and quick, often leads to deterioration in the quality of the neutralizer and, as a result, to a drop in its market value.

Who Benefits From Selling Through Specialized Services? 

If you want to get money for your old neutralizer, you should not try to improve its condition using questionable methods. 

The Autocatalyst service offers a convenient way to get rid of an unnecessary element and, at the same time, receive compensation. 

The principle of the site is simple: owners hand over their neutralizers, and buyers with professional equipment extract valuable metals.

Before putting the device up for sale, it is useful to familiarize yourself with the catalog and approximate prices on the service website. This will help you understand the real market value of your device and not try to change its characteristics yourself.

Below are the main reasons why you should choose to sell through a trusted service rather than do the cleaning yourself:

1. Professional assessment. Specialists will accurately determine the condition and cost of the device, taking into account all the technical features.
2. Safety for the owner. There is no need to work with hazardous substances or use tools that can cause injury.
3. Guarantee of receiving money. Buyers are interested in old material and are willing to pay for it, even if the neutralizer is not in perfect condition.
4. Preservation of the internal structure. No damage – the device retains its value.

How Do You Repair A Catalytic Converter Cleaner

Suppose you clean your catalytic converter, but it doesn’t fix the problem. So, in that case, it might need repair or replacement. 

Well, one common fix is replacing the temperature sensor. 

This sensor checks the exhaust temperatures before and after they pass through the converter. If the temperature difference isn’t right, the converter won’t work properly. 

Then, the sensor may need to be replaced.

Another repair option is to replace the substrate. The substrate is the ceramic or metallic honeycomb part inside the converter that removes harmful pollutants from the exhaust gases. 

Now, if you see that the outer housing is fine but the substrate is damaged, you can replace just the substrate. This is usually cheaper than replacing the whole catalytic converter.

The Importance Of A Catalytic Converter Cleaner Explained

All these advantages make selling through a service a more profitable and less risky option compared to self-cleaning.

To summarize, it is worth noting that self-cleaning the neutralizer before selling can lead to a loss of its value and additional costs. 

If you want to get the maximum benefit, you should not take risks. The best solution is to use the services of reliable platforms such as Autocatalyst.