Catalytic converter cleaners, any good/worthwhile?

[John Jones Jr]

Guys,

As per the title. Any views/comments/experience welcome. Now, I'm well aware cleaners won't restore a failed catalytic converter but can they clean deposits from a functioning converter and maybe help restore its efficiency?

Cheers in advance.

 

[E270 Owner]

Wurth do probably the best one.

But

Best to take it off and have it jet washed out.

Failing that I clear the dpf core and map out the regen.

 

[markjay]

Cataclean got a lot of publicity and Car Mechanics magazine tested it and said it did what it says on the box.

But experts disagree with the concept, saying that there is no agent that can clean the cats AND survive the combustion process so these products are all scam.

I have no idea myself.

 

[hotrodder]

I've never used any of 'em but based on the MSDS i can't see certain brands being significantly different/better as they're all typically a few solvents + a light lubricant. Having just taken my daily cynical pill i suspect the winners of these things when car mags and the like test them are probably the ones who advertise heavily in said magazine?
I can't see them any of them doing much that an proper Italian tune up doesn't do personally. At least the later is good fun provided you find a decent country road and don't get nicked...

Cataclean, http://apkgroup.com/msds/English/CAC - Cataclean Chemicals/120007(05-01-2010).pdf
Terraclean, http://apkgroup.com/msds/English/Purus Sales (UVI)/201220 (11-21-2012).PDF
http://seafoamsales.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/MSDS_seafoam_EN.pdf

which'll make more sense for anyone that slept through chemistry after reading this A Primer on Solvents | Popular Woodworking Magazine 'Pale oil' isn't mentioned in that link, google 'naphthenic pale oil' for more

 

[John Jones Jr]

Thanks hotrodder, you haven't helped!

 

[hotrodder]

 

[kth286]

change the lambda sensor, they do degrade over time and get sluggish.

also ensure the coolant temp sensor (for ECU) is spot on, or simply change it as they are cheap.

When I changed both those items on my E320 (95 124) fuel economy increased by approx. 16%