Catalytic Converter Cleaner

[Alabama]

What are folks experience if any with products labeled "catalytic converter cleaners"? Examples are "DURA LUBE Severe Catalytic and Exhaust Treatment", "Cataclean", and "Hi-Gear EZ Emissions Pass and Catalytic Converter Cleaner". There are threads where engine cleaning products are discussed, such as Red Line SI-1, but the cat cleaner products appear to be different. There are also threads of folk having problems passing emissions testing, but I don't recall anyone suggesting the use of a catalytic converter cleaner. Does this stuff work? Are they only intended for when a system shows a fault or are they useful for preventive maintenance? Any downsides besides cost?

[ericw.]

I don't have any experience with this but my personal opinion is that I wouldn't run that stuff through my engine, knowing that it's intention is to produce an emission fume that's capable of cleaning a cat.

[spdemon91]

Used this stuff on my Honda Pilot. It was throwing a CEL for a catalytic converter which I didn't want to replace for the quoted $1,000 or so. Mechanic recommended this stuff which temporarily did clear the code but eventually came back. I think I used this another 2x without any ill effects but it never fully resolved the issue with the catalytic converter as it would intermittently throw a CEL.

[JLAllroad]

Italian tune up


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[Alabama]

I don't have any experience with this but my personal opinion is that I wouldn't run that stuff through my engine, knowing that it's intention is to produce an emission fume that's capable of cleaning a cat.

Fair opinion, though as a particular AZ member usually comments, where's the data ("Tons and tons of data but I won't cite it" doesn't fly around here.)! People run lots of stuff through their engines like gasoline additives, octane enhancers, and fuel system cleaners. What's one more chemical IF it works and is safe for the car? The cat cleaning products apparently are only to be used occasionally, not continuously. That's why I'm asking the question. Certainly many people report good experience with the fuel system cleaners such as Red Line; maybe the same is true of this stuff.

[ericw.]

Fair opinion, though as a particular AZ member usually comments, where's the data ("Tons and tons of data but I won't cite it" doesn't fly around here.)! People run lots of stuff through their engines like gasoline additives, octane enhancers, and fuel system cleaners. What's one more chemical IF it works and is safe for the car? The cat cleaning products apparently are only to be used occasionally, not continuously. That's why I'm asking the question. Certainly many people report good experience with the fuel system cleaners such as Red Line; maybe the same is true of this stuff.

Some of the fuel additive octane boosters aren't good for the engine either. I just wouldn't risk it even if there's 100 people saying it works. It's a cure for a symptom. Just my opinion.

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[Alabama]

Some of the fuel additive octane boosters aren't good for the engine either. I just wouldn't risk it even if there's 100 people saying it works. It's a cure for a symptom. Just my opinion.

I think we agree to not use it in the absence of good information. One UK based company advertises that keeping the cats cleaner makes them more efficient thereby reducing pollution; that belief possibly resonates more in Europe than in the US.

[sandjunky]

BG44 has always worked well on high-mileage cars and I've never had any issues.