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Problems After Using Cataclean You Should Notice Right Away

ByMatsumoto Naoki-April 21, 2023

As you may or may not know, the famous engine-supported Cataclean can be the meant-to-be soulmate of your fuel system with the mission to improve its overall performance. The manufacturer claims to users endless benefits for every-time use. It seems pretty genuine. However, alongside the brand promises that Cataclean will also enhance your engine power and solid gas mileage in the long term, it will cause some unexpected issues. These problems after using Cataclean are rare, but yes, they do happen occasionally. And you should keep your eyes closed every a while.

What Is Cataclean?

Cataclean is a specialized chemical used for fuel injector unclogging. With its original status and benefits, the brand once confidently claims that Cataclean can optimally maintain and repair your entire fuel system, improve fuel economy to the utmost, and cut off up to 60% of hydrocarbon emissions to the environment. Moreover, the fluid claims to revitalize and preserve the entire engine performance over time.

You may not believe it, but the popularity of this fuel cleaner also goes over the top with proof of 12-year independent testing, taking the lead as one of the most reliable auto products for the fuel system problems.

In other ways around, Cataclean also serves as a simple catalytic converter cleanser. In detail, the science behind the Cataclean liquid is developed for gasoline engines to clean the catalytic converter. As the system works continuously without control, carbon deposits inevitably build up in the fuel system over time. This buildup restricts exhaust flow, reducing engine performance and efficiency.

Does Cataclean Have A Good Effect on Your Fuel System?

With just one application, Cataclean solvents and precisely formulated chemicals remove deposits in the catalytic converter.

Thus, it enhances efficiency, enhances performance and reduces emissions. Not to mention, it saves costs.

Cataclean is not intended to be used exclusively for gasoline vehicles. The product is also commonly used in hybrid and diesel vehicles. To reduce particulate emissions and delay the need for DPF repairs, Cataclean Diesel for diesel provides the same decontamination effect on the catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter.

Cataclean has something for everyone, no matter what they drive. (Photo: Car Writter)

They also have a motorcycle product. With just one use, torque, brake horsepower and throttle response are improved. After using this product for about three weeks, based on our tests, you should notice an improvement in the way your car operates. However, if you do not strictly follow the instructions, you may not get the desired results.

Applying Cataclean is a simple procedure. You must pour half a bottle (usually 16 gallons) into the fuel tank. Setting everything up properly before refueling at the pump station shouldn’t be too difficult as the process takes less than five minutes per tank.

Cataclean is able to clean fuel injectors and the whole fuel systems. You should run it through the exhaust system as it will also clean the engine. The product works excellently on old cars that have been sitting for years without being driven. Let’s say you have an old car or motorbike that hasn’t been used for many years. In that case, the Cataclean gasoline additive might be just what you need to clean your entire car and keep things running smoothly.

Problems After Using Cataclean You Should Pay Attention Carefully

Cataclean products are highly effective and deliver on their promises. However, using too much Cataclean in your car can lead to a number of problems. With that said, here are some of the expected problems you need to be aware of after using this chemical for a long time.

Engine parts can wear out faster

Premature wear of your car engine parts is one of the problems that can arise after using Cataclean. These components, which are necessary to operate any vehicle, include the catalytic converter, turbocharger, and fuel injectors.

Your vehicle’s performance will be significantly reduced if these parts are damaged by using this product and may even require substantial repair or a completely new engine. In addition, you should be informed that Cataclean fuel additives may damage your engine. If this is not dealt with immediately, it can reduce performance or even damage the entire machine.

Some may believe that this issue should only be taken seriously when using an aftermarket product like Cataclean. However, anyone using any type of fuel additive should be aware of it.

Catalytic converter problems

Serious consequences can result from the failure of your catalytic converter. A catalytic converter, as opposed to a conventional muffler or exhaust, cleans your car’s exhaust before it exits the engine and disperses it into the air.

However, this equipment loses its ability to function properly when additives such as the Cataclean fuel additive damage it. When it happens, dangerous gasses such as carbon monoxide (CO) will not be cleared up; instead, they will be released into the air.

Problems with the exhaust system

Your fuel system can be cleaned up and your vehicle’s mileage can be improved with the help of Cataclean fuel additives. Unfortunately, while this is a well-loved product and many people have tried and even recommended it, it can affect your vehicle’s exhaust system.

Cataclean products often contain chemicals that are poured into the fuel tank, such as detergents, surfactants, and alcohol, to break down deposits that have built up in the engine. While these substances are effective at cleaning engine parts, they also interfere with sensors that determine how your vehicle’s pollution control system will function.

It may harm the oxygen sensor

The oxygen sensor monitors the oxygen level in the exhaust gasses from your car. Some problems may arise if it fails. Your car won’t run efficiently, consuming more gas than it should.

When you are driving at low speed, the engine may not work properly, which may result in stalling or intense idling. When your Check Engine Light comes on, it usually means that one of your exhaust systems is malfunctioning.

You must regularly perform OBD II diagnostic checks on your vehicle’s oxygen sensor after using the Cataclean fuel additive to prevent these problems.

Using Cataclean may harm the oxygen sensor. (Photo: Setta Sornnoi)

The fuel injectors may be clogged

Although Cataclean is a powerful cleaner that can effectively remove engine deposits, it has a history of causing problems with fuel injectors. Car performance is heavily dependent on fuel injectors, which is why they need to be handled with care.

Unfortunately, chemicals in Cataclean have the potential to jam these delicate devices, leading to lower fuel efficiency and even engine failure.

It may cause smoke

There are a number of potential reasons why your car might catch on fire after using Cataclean. The exhaust system should be checked first. The exhaust or muffler area can emit a lot of smoke. Your vehicle will run rough and lose fuel efficiency if the catalytic converter or oxygen sensor malfunctions.

If your engine block or cylinder head isn’t getting enough oxygen, carbon deposits can be another cause of smoke coming out of your exhaust. Because these deposits become so thick, they begin to restrict the flow of air through the valves and pistons, which can lead to engine failure.

How To Fix Problems After Using Cataclean

If you experience problems after using the Cataclean fuel additive, you can take different steps to remedy the problem. Including:

  • Drain your fuel system. If the problem is still unclear, it may be prudent to remove the Cataclean additive while you investigate the root of the problem. Cataclean has been known to interfere with the pumps and fuel injectors of some vehicles. This way you will be able to get rid of everything that is clogging up your system.
  • Use the fuel system or fuel injector cleaner. This works to clean the engine and injectors in your car but may not always do so in the same way. After using Cataclean liquid, consider using one or both of these items appropriately. They can do wonders in cleaning any residue left in your engine. Use a fuel system cleaner that is compatible with the fuel, engine, and vehicle type you are using.
  • Consider get a fuel tank’s filter after cleaning up Cataclean. It’s time to seriously consider getting your car repaired if these steps don’t solve the problem.
  • Clean any traces of Cataclean from the fuel system before proceeding. Replace any parts that may have been damaged or destroyed by this product. These can include fuel injectors, catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, exhaust system components (including sensors), and filters (such as air filters).

Benefits of Cataclean

  • Eliminates unpleasant engine odors. The catalytic converter in some engines can eventually start to smell like rotten eggs. Catalytic cleaners will effectively remove unpleasant odors.
  • Protect your engine. Maintaining your engine’s catalytic converter will help you ensure your engine gets the right fuel and has a healthy exhaust stream. This means cleaner, more efficient engines and reduced maintenance requirements.
  • Increase engine power. Your engine performance may be decreasing. This can be especially true if your catalytic converter is clogged. However, using a catalytic converter cleaner may be just what you need to return to full power without picking up the wrench.
  • Save money. Regular cleaning increases your car’s MPG and extends the life of a catalytic converter, which can cost up to $100 to replace if damaged.

FAQs On Problems After Using Cataclean

Below are some frequently asked questions on this topic that you may want to take notices.

1. Cataclean will take effect for how long after applying?

After pouring the cleaning solution into the gas tank, the cleaner takes about 30 minutes to reach every part of the car it needs to work. Since a car’s engine heats up, you have to go at least a mile for it to work properly.

2. How to use Cataclean to overcome emissions?

When purchasing Cataclean Liquid Science for your car, you can choose between bottles smaller than 450 ml or larger than 150 ml. Pour the contents of the bottle into a gas tank that is only 1/4 full, drive as usual for 10 to 15 minutes and you’re done.

3. How effective is Cataclean?

You need to use the right cleaning solution that works well and smoothly to clean various parts of your vehicle, including the oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, cylinder head, and fuel injectors.

The specially formulated catalytic converter cleaning solution is quite effective. There are several product reviews on the internet, including on YouTube. All of this indicates that Cataclean is quite effective in cleaning and maintaining your car’s engine.

Cleaning the catalytic converter will allow your car to run smoothly and easily prevent any emissions-related problems. However, not all catalytic converter problems can be remedied by the use of cleaners. You should consider replacing the catalytic converter if it is already clogged, especially with carbon.

>> See More: Is it a Good Idea to Clean Your Car’s Engine Bay?

4. Can I use Cataclean with half a tank of gas?

After applying Cataclean, you should start your engine and drive for a long distance until you see changes in its performance. Cataclean converter cleaner works with the gasoline mixture in the fuel tank to form a cleaning mixture. This is why you should not use Cataclean in a full tank. When starting to clean, it is important that the cleaning solution (Cataclean) added to your gas is close to the recommended volume. Avoid the error of pouring Cataclean into a full tank. The recommended level is a third or a quarter of a tank of gas.

You won’t get the best results when using Cataclean with a full gas tank. (Photo: NicoClub)

5. How often do I need to use Cataclean?

You should use Cataclean four times per year. Therefore, sponge catalytic converter cleaners can be used at least four times a year. If you regularly use cleaners, you can prevent excessive carbon particles from building up in your converter before they become more serious.

You may have come across comments from people who have fallen prey to converter cleaning scams if you’ve read any catalytic converter reviews, whether in print or online. However, you don’t need to be fooled as it will take more than a bottle of detergent to complete the task and get your car running smoothly.

Wrapping Up On Problems After Using Cataclean

Wear to engine components, damage to the catalytic converter, damage to the oxygen sensor, problems with the emission control system, clogged fuel injectors, and exhaust fumes are all problems your car may encounter after using Cataclean.

So what should you do if there are problems after using Cataclean? First, your gas system needs to be flushed. This will remove any product leftovers that could be the source of your problems and then you can check if it helps. If not, it’s time to have your vehicle professionally inspected and repaired.

Matsumoto Naoki is senior car blogger at Car From Japan. Having background in mechanical engineering, he has a unique perspective on a lot of new car innovations. Prior to Car From Japan, Matsumoto was Mechanical Design Engineer at Yajima Plant, Subaru Corporation. His articles provide detailed DIY instructions and how-tos to help you get your new car on the road. If you want to save money and feel more confident when working on your cars, you should not ignore Matsumoto’s sharing posts. He presents driving tips and tricks for everyone through easy-following steps and mechanically but friendly writing.

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