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Summary
  • Fuel delivery issues and engine misfire can overheat the catalytic converter, leading to clogging and failure.
  • A clogged catalytic converter exhibits symptoms like an illuminated check engine light, reduced engine performance, and emission test failure.
  • You can sometimes use a special fuel additive kit to unclog the catalytic converter, but replacing the clogged part is often necessary.

There may be something wrong with your catalytic converter when your car starts to feel sluggish and your check engine light comes on. In many cases, the catalytic converter overheats and fails as a result of an engine misfire or fuel delivery problem. When the converter overheats, it may melt, come apart inside and become clogged.

Replacing a failing catalytic converter is a must but you must also determine the cause of the clogging to prevent it from happening again in the future.

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How to Know Your Catalytic Converter is Clogged

You may want to have a mechanic check the condition of your catalytic converter when you notice one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Reduction in engine performance
  • Check Engine Light or MIL comes on
  • Failed emission tests

Be sure to check for ignition misfires if you have a stopped-up catalytic converter.  An engine misfire that is left unfixed may cause the converter to overheat and melt the catalyst components inside.

How to Unblock a Catalytic Converter

The only guaranteed way to fix a clogged catalytic converter is to replace it. There are, however, some products on the market that are designed to be catalytic converter cleaners. 

One such product is Davico’s Sledgehammer Fuel Additive Kit. The cleaner is designed to remove dirt and deposits from intake valves, fuel injectors, ports, combustion chambers, and catalytic converters. 

While Davico’s Sledgehammer Fuel Additive Kit product isn’t a guaranteed fix, you might want to give it a try before spending hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on a new catalytic converter. If the product doesn’t fix your problem, you’ll need to replace the catalytic converter to restore your vehicle’s performance.

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Products Mentioned in this Guide

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

File Under : DIY , Auto Repair Tagged With :
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Kevin Naderi

I had this problem before I did replace mine with a high flow one then recently after 3 years the new one slyghtly seemed to clog a bit my car sti;; drives ok but im keeping an eye in it.

Thomas c Williamson

I Love it I Oder a Pair of Shocks and They Fix Good Fast To Get Here Also Thank you

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