The full name of the unit is a catalytic converter. This name indicates that harmful emission components are neutralized using a catalytic method. The unit is designed specifically to ensure that as few harmful substances and components as possible enter the atmosphere.
If we talk about flushing, then you can do it yourself, it is not necessary to contact specialized specialists. Various methods and means are used for these purposes. Having realized that your filter requires replacement, you can consider selling it instead of recycling it. The Autocatalystmarket platform available at https://autocatalystmarket.com/us/en/products/bmw will help you find buyers and return money for the old part, which will be recycled with benefit.
The most correct way is to check the condition of the catalytic converter by dismantling it and then visually inspecting its condition. If there is contamination on the honeycombs, then it must be eliminated. Thanks to this, the life of the neutralizer can be significantly extended.
Cleaning methods
Flushing is not a panacea, and it is not able to help in every case. In general, cleaning methods can be divided into two large categories: physical and chemical.
In the first case, the main tool for the job is sandpaper. In the second case, specialized auto chemicals or flushing liquids are used. Some motorists take dimexide to simply flush with it, while others use full-fledged chemicals aimed at combating deposits present in the catalytic converter.
Mechanical cleaning
Mechanical cleaning is used when there are minor deposits on the filter. In this case, you can try to remove them with sandpaper. Using this method requires time, accuracy and perseverance.
You will need to buy fine-grained sandpaper, it is inexpensive, sold in any hardware store. When the motorist has it, you will need to do the following:
- Dismantle the filter so that you can work with it in a comfortable position;
- Prepare sandpaper;
- Carefully begin cleaning, trying not to press on the honeycomb at all;
- The sandpaper should be moved over the surface in a circular motion;
- To remove the cleaned dirt, it is recommended to use a jet of compressed air to blow everything off.
These are all the actions that are required for cleaning. After that, the component can be mounted in place. It is forbidden to press on the honeycomb, as they are usually made of rather fragile ceramics. If you apply too much force, you can permanently disable the element.
Chemical cleaning
If the filter is too dirty, then resort to chemical cleaning. There are already a huge number of specialized products on the market that are specifically designed for washing and restoring catalytic converters.
If there is no access to specialized auto chemicals, then it is permissible to use carburetor fluid or ethanol. Despite the fact that auto chemicals have an ambiguous reputation, in the case of cleaners, one cannot say that they are not effective enough. These products do an excellent job of the tasks that are set before them.
It is important to be careful, as each product has its own instructions for use. When flushing, you should act only according to them. Usually, this is simply feeding liquid into the device using a sprayer. Additional equipment may come in handy here. However, many cleaners are quite suitable for flushing without having to disassemble it or remove it from the car.
What is not recommended?
You definitely cannot clean or flush in your home bathroom or sink, as this can lead to bad consequences. The chemicals used for these purposes are quite aggressive, so they can damage the enamel coating of the bathroom, spoil decorative elements, and even harm the sewage system.
You cannot drill holes in a clogged neutralizer. Of course, this will restore the power and stability of the engine, but the toxicity of the exhaust will significantly increase, and the noise of the exhaust system as a whole will also increase.