Cleaning A Catalytic Converter With Lacquer Thinner - Vehicle Freak

• Brian Onyango

Updated on April 8, 2024

When your catalytic converter is plugged up, you may be wondering if you can clean it using lacquer thinner.

The answer is yes – but only if you take the necessary precautions because it’s not a job for the faint of heart. In this blog post, we will discuss cleaning a catalytic converter with lacquer thinner, as well as the risks associated with doing so.

To clean your catalytic converter, begin by pouring pure lacquer thinner into a half-full gas tank. After that, go on a day excursion. You’ll want to travel about 150 miles at high speeds.

If you want to do it yourself instead of paying someone else to do it for you, run the engine at approximately 2500 RPMs for about 30 minutes. Doing this will help to loosen the carbon deposits that have built up on your catalytic converter.

What Is Lacquer Thinner Catalytic Converter?

Lacquer thinner is a type of solvent that is used to dissolve and remove lacquer, paint, and other types of finishes from surfaces. It is also used as a cleaning agent for metal surfaces.

When it comes to catalytic converters, lacquer thinner can be used to clean the inside of the unit by dissolving the carbon deposits.

However, there are some risks associated with cleaning your catalytic converter with lacquer thinner. First and foremost, you need to be aware of the fact that lacquer thinner is a highly flammable substance. If you’re not careful, you could easily cause an explosion.

Secondly, if you don’t dilute the lacquer thinner properly, you could end up damaging your catalytic converter.

For these reasons, it’s important that you take the time to understand the risks before you attempt to clean your catalytic converter with lacquer thinner. If you’re not comfortable doing so, we recommend that you leave it to the professionals.

Why You Should Have A Clean Catalytic Converter

A clean catalytic converter is important because it helps to improve the efficiency of your engine. When the unit is clogged, it can cause your engine to run less efficiently, which can lead to increased fuel consumption and emissions.

Not only is this bad for the environment, but it’s also bad for your wallet.

Why Is Lacquer Thinner Good For Cleaning Catalytic Converters?

Lacquer thinner is effective for cleaning catalytic converters because it’s able to dissolve the carbon deposits that have built up inside the unit.

Dissolving the carbon deposits is important because it helps to improve the efficiency of your engine and reduce emissions. Emissions should always be kept to a minimum to protect the environment.

Cleaning helps to improve the efficiency of your engine and reduces fuel consumption and emissions.

The Best Cleaner For A Catalytic Converter

There are many options when it comes to cleaning for catalytic converters.

The options are as listed below:

1. Lacquer thinner

Again, lacquer thinner is a good option for cleaning catalytic converters because it’s able to dissolve the carbon deposits that have built up inside the unit. Diluting the lacquer thinner properly is important to avoid damaging your catalytic converter.

2. Diesel fuel

Diesel fuel is another option for cleaning your catalytic converter. It’s important to use low-sulfur diesel fuel to avoid damaging the unit.

To clean your catalytic converter with diesel fuel, begin by pouring half a cup of diesel fuel into your gas tank. After that, go on a day excursion. You’ll want to travel about 150 miles at high speeds. Run the engine at approximately 2500 RPMs for about 30 minutes to help loosen the carbon deposits.

As with lacquer thinner, there are some risks associated with using diesel fuel to clean your catalytic converter. Diesel fuel is also a highly flammable substance, so you need to be careful to avoid causing an explosion.

Additionally, if you don’t dilute the diesel fuel properly, you could end up damaging your catalytic converter.

Again, we recommend that you take the time to understand the risks before you attempt to clean your catalytic converter with diesel fuel.

3. Kerosene

Kerosene is another option that can be used to clean your catalytic converter. To use kerosene, you’ll need to pour half a cup of the substance into your gas tank and then go on a day trip. As with diesel fuel, you’ll want to drive about 150 miles at high speeds.

4. Gasoline

Gasoline can also be used to clean your catalytic converter. However, it’s important to use high-octane gasoline to avoid damaging the engine. To use gasoline, you’ll need to pour a similar amount of the substance into your gas tank and then go on a day trip.

As with diesel fuel, you’ll want to drive more than 100 miles at high speeds.

Cleaning your catalytic converter with gasoline is a bit riskier than using other substances because gasoline is a highly flammable substance. Again, you’ll need to take extra care to avoid causing an explosion.

Additionally, if you don’t dilute the gasoline properly, you could end up damaging your catalytic converter.

FAQs

Now that we’ve looked at some of the best cleaners for catalytic converters, let’s take a moment to answer some frequently asked questions.

What is the best cleaner for a clogged catalytic converter?

The best cleaner for a clogged catalytic converter is lacquer thinner. Lacquer thinner is effective at dissolving the carbon deposits that have built up inside the unit.

Diluting the lacquer thinner properly is important to avoid damaging your catalytic converter.

What is the best way to clean a catalytic converter?

The best way to clean a catalytic converter is to use a cleaner that is able to dissolve the carbon deposits that have built up inside the unit. Lacquer thinner and diesel fuel are both effective at dissolving these carbon deposits.

Can I use WD-40 to clean my catalytic converter?

No, you should not use WD-40 to clean your catalytic converter. WD-40 is not an effective cleaner for catalytic converters and can actually damage the unit.

Can I use CLR to clean my catalytic converter?

CLR means “calcium, lime, and rust” and is not an effective cleaner for catalytic converters. CLR can actually damage your catalytic converter.

No, you should not use CLR to clean your catalytic converter. CLR is not an effective cleaner for catalytic converters and can actually damage the unit.

Can I use vinegar to clean my catalytic converter?

No, you should not use vinegar to clean your catalytic converter. Vinegar is not an effective cleaner for catalytic converters and can actually damage the unit.

Can I use baking soda to clean my catalytic converter?

No, you should not use baking soda to clean your catalytic converter. Baking soda is not an effective cleaner for catalytic converters and can actually damage the unit.

Can I use dish soap to clean my catalytic converter?

No, you should not use dish soap to clean your catalytic converter. Dish soap is not an effective cleaner for catalytic converters and can actually damage the unit.

Can I use an engine degreaser to clean my catalytic converter?

No, you should not use an engine degreaser to clean your catalytic converter. Engine degreaser is not an effective cleaner for catalytic converters and can actually damage the unit.

Cleaning your catalytic converter is an important part of maintaining your vehicle. By taking the time to clean your catalytic converter, you can prolong the life of your vehicle and avoid costly repairs.

Hopefully, this article has answered some of your questions about cleaning catalytic converters. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact a professional mechanic.

They will be able to help you troubleshoot any problems you’re having with your vehicle. Thanks for reading.

Conclusion

Cleaning your catalytic converter is an important part of maintaining your vehicle. By taking the time to clean your catalytic converter, you can prolong the life of your vehicle and avoid costly repairs.

Hopefully, this article has answered some of your questions about cleaning catalytic converters. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact a professional mechanic.

They will be able to help you troubleshoot any problems you’re having with your vehicle. Thanks for reading.

Here are some other related topics for you to check out:

Do Diesels Have Catalytic Converters?

How To Fix a Catalytic Converter Without Replacing It

Can You Drive Without a Catalytic Converter?