Updated at: 10-01-2022 - By: Lucas

Catalytic converter cleaning can be difficult, but it’s necessary to keep your car running smoothly. Cleaning a catalytic converter using lacquer thinner is one of the most often requested questions. That’s what we’re going to talk about now. Let’s define first what a lacquer thinner and a catalytic converter are.

An automobile’s catalytic converter is a machine. An internal combustion engine’s emissions are reduced by using this technology in current automobiles. Exhaust systems also make use of a catalytic converter.

Toxic byproducts like hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides can be oxidized and reduced here. Chemical solvents like butyl acetate and acetone are used to make lacquer thinner. Modern lacquers and plastics can both be dissolved by these solvents.

As a result, a rumor has spread that your catalytic converter can be cleaned with lacquer thinner. To find out if this is accurate and safe, continue reading.

Does Lacquer Thinner Clean Catalytic Converters?

The public is split on the answer to this conundrum. Catalytic converters can be cleaned with lacquer thinner, according to some. However, there are many who believe that doing so is a bad idea because it could damage your automobile.

Using lacquer thinner to clean your catalytic converter is a waste of time. In the presence of gasoline, a lacquer thinner will ignite. The chemical composition of the combustion products will be comparable to gasoline’s. To clean your catalytic converter with lacquer thinner will have no effect at all.

Lacquer thinner will dissolve some gums and transfer them into your fuel system if you use it. As a result, your seals, hoses, and gaskets will suffer greatly.

How To Clean Catalytic Converter With Lacquer Thinner?

How To Clean Catalytic Converter With Lacquer Thinner

Your gas tank is a convenient location for lacquer thinner to clean your catalytic converter. It’s imperative that you have an almost empty tank before attempting this. But a lacquer thinner isn’t recommended for cleaning your catalytic converter because so many people oppose it.

lacquer thinner is not suggested for cleaning your catalytic converter, despite numerous guidelines and recommendations to the contrary. This is because the lacquer thinner contains solvents that break down the buildup that is obstructing the converter. However, you should be aware that these cleaners aren’t specifically designed for use on a catalytic converter.

Using this product comes with a price: it can cause you harm internally and cost you more money than you’d expect. So instead of using lacquer thinner, utilize solutions designed to clean your catalytic converter.

Is Lacquer Thinner Good For Cleaning Catalytic Converters?

To what extent is this question open to interpretation? Only those who say yes and those who deny are participating in the debate. While a significant minority could disagree, the overwhelming majority would say no.

Catalytic converters should never be cleaned with lacquer thinner. Corrosion-inducing chemicals are found in lacquer thinner. Acetone and other caustic compounds make up this group of chemicals.

Plastic and rubber fittings, for example, are used extensively throughout your car and fuel system. Corrosive compounds like lacquer thinner can damage components and degrade rubber fittings and lines, and melt plastic parts if they are exposed to them. Even if you try to use lacquer thinner to clean your catalytic converter, you won’t be able to reach all of the surfaces.

You’ll burn rubber and plastic components in your fuel system if you do this. There will be combustion if you use lacquer thinner on your catalytic converter, which is already functioning at a high temperature.
You run the risk of destroying your wiring in the tank, your gasoline pump, the fuel gauge sending unit, the fuel filter, and many other components in your car if you make this move. In light of the potential dangers, it’s always preferable to ignore this advise and instead utilize solutions that are designed and manufactured exclusively for cleaning catalytic converters.

What Is The Best Cleaner For Catalytic Converter?

Cataclean is an engine and catalytic converter cleaning that you may test out. One of the best treatments and cleaners for cleaning your catalytic converter is this 16 oz. bottle of Cataclean. Oxygen sensors can be cleaned using it as well.

Despite its high price tag, this catalytic converter cleaner has received rave reviews and a stellar reputation for removing carbon deposits from the catalyst.

Conclusion

People frequently inquire about whether lacquer thinner may be used to clean a catalytic converter, and the answer is no. Unfortunately, this causes confusion among consumers, who alternately respond no and yes when asked if lacquer thinner should be used.

However, the general consensus is that lacquer thinner should not be used because it has the potential to burn other engine components. Therefore, it is best to utilize a product designed to clean the catalytic converter.