I used to regularly use fuel system cleaner (applied to the gas tank). Recently I have been having severe emissions issues. I have isolated this problem to the catalyic converter. I then started reading up on the converter in my shop manual. It indicated that using fuel system cleaners will have an "detrimental effect" on the catalic convertor. Is there any truth to this? Has anybody else expirenced this problem?
2006-07-15 05:37:01 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I have never use any "fuel system cleaners" because they are not necessary. I have been driving for many many years.
2006-07-15 05:40:59 · answer #1 · answered by Bill 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fuel cleaner isn't doing anything detrimental to the converter...I can tell you this from experience. I regularly use fuel system cleaner in my vehicles, and just now finally had to replace the catalytic converter in my Vette for the first time since the car was new...it's a 1988. I'd say 18 years was pretty good on the stock converter.
I don't know the age or how many miles you have on your car, but you may just simply need a new converter...they do fail eventually.
If anything, the fuel additives should help your emissions, as a clean fuel system helps the fuel to burn more efficiently... but you don't need to add them every tankful. I average about once a month with injector cleaner. Skip a tankful or two and see if the emissions decrease.
I also suggest using a higher grade of gas...that should help. You can buy additives that are designed to reduce emissions...check your local Auto Zone, NAPA, Advance, O'Reilly auto parts. etc. for products like these.
Hope this info helped.
2006-07-15 12:52:12 · answer #2 · answered by answerman63 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all fuel system cleaner,s these day,s are supposed to be tested to be safe,on converter,s,,but there is always, the exception,,some cheaper cleaner,s may actually cause some damage to the converter,,especially if the converter is old and the vehicle has a lot of mile,s on it,,this is very rare though,,but i have seen it happen in a fe cases,,sometime,s not having enough fuel in the tank when adding these can cause a problem,,just follow the instruction,s real good,,and don't overdo it,,you don't need to add it ever time you gas up,,maybe once a month,,i hope this help,s you.
2006-07-15 12:53:16 · answer #3 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fuel system cleaners are usually "catalyic" safe, There is nothing wrong with using a fuel system cleaner, Besides, with todays complex engines, it is necessary to use a cleaner every or third tank of gas depending on the quality of the gas to keep the injectors clean.
2006-07-15 12:41:11 · answer #4 · answered by bobby 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Used as directed these additives must be safe or else tons of people would be complaining...
Not following the directions is probably the biggest cause of problems. They are for occasional use not a continuous diet. Cat converters can be poisoned or overloaded but if it isn't too bad a good stretch of highway driving with a healthy engine and clean fuel may help them recover most of their ability to scrub exhaust.
2006-07-15 12:43:40 · answer #5 · answered by Steve D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋