As you may or may not know, the famous engine-supported Cataclean can be the meant-to-be soulmate of your fuel system 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, it will cause some unexpected issues. These problems after using Cataclean are rare, but yes, they do happen occasionally.
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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 maintain and repair your entire fuel system.
It will improve your car’s 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 and the fuel system.
Does Cataclean Have A Good Effect on Your Fuel System?
Cataclean enhances efficiency, enhances performance and reduces emissions. Not to mention, it saves costs.
It 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, there are Cataclean Diesel prodcuts for diesel provides the same decontamination effect on the catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter.
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 may 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.
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.
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.
Problems After Using Cataclean You Should Pay Attention
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.
Engine parts 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, it can still 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.
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.
You must regularly perform OBD II diagnostic checks on your vehicle’s oxygen sensor after using the Cataclean fuel additive to prevent these problems.
Clogged fuel injectors
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.
Unusual smells
Strange smells can sometimes accompany the use of Cataclean. These smells are usually a by-product of the cleaning process, as the product works to break down and remove deposits in the fuel system and exhaust.
Some users have reported that they may smell a chemical or sulfur-like odor, which is caused by the burning of carbon, varnish, and other residue.
These are usually temporary and will dissipate after the cleaning process is complete.
However, if the strange smell persists, is too strong, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as smoke or changes in engine performance, you should have your vehicle checked to avoid any underlying problems.
Smoke causing
There are a number of potential reasons why your car might catch on fire and generate smoke after using Cataclean.
Cataclean breaks down carbon deposits and other build-up in your vehicle’s exhaust system that can cause visible exhaust smoke.
As Cataclean loosens these deposits, including carbon, varnish, and other residues, they are burned off, which can produce temporary smoke that usually subsides after the cleaning is complete.
If too much Cataclean is used too frequently, the concentration of the cleaner in the exhaust system will increase, causing more intense burning and smoke.
Furthermore, smoke may also indicate an underlying engine problem such as pre-existing piston or valve wear, which exposure to the cleaner may worsen.
Compatibility problem with Diesel engines
Although Cataclean is compatible with petrol and diesel engines, some diesel vehicle owners have unfortunately encountered problems after using it.
Due to the fundamental differences in the combustion process and exhaust systems, Cataclean’s cleaning formula may not be effective or compatible, leading to problems with components such as the diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Therefore, if you own a diesel vehicle, you should use a specially designed Cataclean product and monitor your vehicle’s performance after use to ensure no adverse effects occur.
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.
Get a new fuel tank’s filter
Consider replacing a fuel filter after using Cataclean to clean your fuel and exhaust system. Cataclean’s cleaning action can dislodge accumulated debris and deposits within the fuel tank and lines. This loosened material can travel towards the fuel filter, potentially clogging it.
Replacing the fuel filter after a Cataclean treatment ensures that any dislodged particles are trapped, preventing them from hindering fuel flow and potentially causing performance issues.
Clean traces of Cataclean
Replace any parts that may have been damaged or destroyed by this product from the fuel system. These can include fuel injectors, catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, exhaust system components (including sensors), and filters (such as air filters).
See More: Is it a Good Idea to Clean Your Car’s Engine Bay?
Benefits of Cataclean
Apart from the few after-use issues we’ve noted, Catalean can bring many benefits, keeping your car running smoothly on all roads and saving you a lot of money on high-frequency cleaning services. This detergent will offer a few perks that can be mentioned below.
- Eliminates unpleasant engine odors, usually related to a damaged catalytic converter.
- Maintains a healthy catalytic converter to deliver clean fuel and exhaust.
- Helps maintain or restore engine performance without mechanical intervention.
- Saves money by improving fuel economy (MPG) and extending the life of the catalytic converter, preventing costly replacements (over $100).
FAQs on Cataclean Using Notices
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.
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.
Can I use Cataclean with half a tank of gas?
The recommended level is a third or a quarter of a tank of gas.
Cataclean 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 pouring Cataclean into a full tank.
After applying Cataclean, you should start your engine and drive for a long distance until you see changes in its performance.
How often do I need to use Cataclean?
You should use Cataclean four times per year, or every three month.
If you have a hybrid vehicle, the manufacturer recommends using Cataclean Hybrid every six months.
Additionally, if you frequently drive in extreme conditions, such as in stop-and-go traffic or in extreme temperatures, you may need to use Cataclean more frequently, such as every 1-2 months.
Check out this video from Speedhaus for more information on some reviews and the before and after use effects!
Final Words
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!
