Cleaning a Catalytic Converter Using Lacquer Thinner

Amanda T
Feb 21, 2021

Does your pesky check engine light have you wondering how much you’re going to have to spend at the mechanic this time? The somewhat good news is that if you’ve got a catalytic converter issue, you may be able to fix the problem on your own. The catalytic converter can be extremely expensive to replace, but cleaning it out can make it as good as new.

How can you clean your car’s catalytic converter using lacquer thinner?

Cleaning your car’s catalytic converter can be a simple process. Start with a half full gas tank, and fill the rest of the tank with pure lacquer thinner. Drive the car 150 miles at high speeds, and it’s likely that the check engine light will disappear.

In this article, we’ll go over #savagescotty‘s tips on how to clean your car’s catalytic converter using lacquer thinner. Scotty has decades of experience fixing cars, trucks, and SUVs, and if you’re not already a subscriber to his YouTube channel, consider hopping on board.

Cleaning Your Car’s Catalytic Converter: What You Need to Know

  • First, it’s key to know when your catalytic converter needs attention. If something is wrong with your catalytic converter, your check engine light will most likely be on. This means the error code will indicate a catalytic converter issue. Your car will begin to give you this particular code when there’s a dip in efficiency of 5% or more. Your catalytic converter could actually be functioning fairly well even if an error is detected. In this case, all it may need is a bit of cleaning to restore to better working condition.
  • To clean your catalytic converter, start by adding pure lacquer thinner to a half-full gas tank.
  • Next, set out for a day trip. You’ll want to drive about 150 miles at high speeds. If you prefer, you can run the engine at about 2500 RPMs for about 30 minutes to allow the cleaner to run through the converter.
  • Going through this simple process can burn any impurities out of the catalytic converter, allowing it to work well once again.

Working on Your Car? Get the Info You Need

If you’re working to fix your car without a mechanic, it can be tough to find information that you can rely on. Your first stop: Vehicle History. When you check in with the drivers and experts at Vehicle History, you’ll be getting accurate information that you can use when you take the opportunty to fix your vehicle.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Sal Perez on June 10, 2022
Lacquer Thinner to clean Catalytic Converter
It worked had a service engine light on code P0154. Poured 1/2 galloon of Lacquer Thinner into my gas tank drove around 80 miles. No service engine light code. Runs and idles smoother. Ref 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport 3.5l 213K miles. Had replaced 02 Sensors previously. It needed I will replace Catalytic Converter later.
accountCircle Emma on May 25, 2023
Specification of use.
What type of thinner should I use?
avatar Amanda T
Amanda T. is a freelance writer, mom, and health nut who refuses to drive anything other than a Nissan. She has six years of automotive writing experience, and loves providing drivers with well-researched information to help them make informed decisions.
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