Just want to clarify the mixing ratio... Fill your gas tank half way (5 to 10 gallons, or more depending on your tank size). Once filled halfway, add 1 gallon of plain Lacquer Thinner.
Natalia Henry A full tank of gas will take away from the lacquer thinner’s potency. You want to have a half tank and add a full (1) gallon can of thinner to that. Drive it all the way ‘til empty and then fill it all the way with gasoline.
1 gallon of lacquer thinner in a 14 gallon gas tank 1/2 full, run 150 miles at over 2,500 rpm will cause the dash light to turn off. It also cleans the O2 sensors. Did this on two Toyotas with over 300,000 miles and never needed to replace either the catalytic converter or O2 sensors.
It does work, the ratio is usually 1 gal Thinner to 10 gallons fuel. It won’t fix a really bad catalyst system, but if the code shows up and you do it quickly before it gets too clogged, it’s better to just replace it. It also helps to drive the vehicle at the RPM’s you said, as well as a hard acceleration from time to time to help blow the systems out. My Tahoe had this problem and I fixed it with this method.
@@Jade_Eyn It will work regardless of how carboned up it is. However, if carbon has built up to extent that the honeycomb has overheated and cracked, you'll need to replace it. As long as the honeycomb is intact, this method will work.
@@hafizdugong Yes, it runs noticeably better. I haven't checked about the fuel economy, but I know that it keeps running richer as the converter carbons up. Without the carbon it runs leaner, so I would suspect mpg is improved afterward.
@@20alphabet i have a question and it may seem a little dumb,I know nothing about cars.....you say run it 150 miles...did you do it all the same day or was it just until the half tank was gone?
@@dasdasdsdasdasdasd363 yeah he is but he’s right about 99.9% of the things he says and does how ever putting lacquer thinner in ur car isn’t a good idea it’s gonna damage ur fuel lines and ur fuel and direct injection system I use cataclean three times a year to clean my system and catalytic converter even tho I only got 43k miles
@@iitzpepsii Well thinners will probably clean out your injectors and I have used it, but I doubt it will do anything worthwhile for the cats. The main benefit is probably the octane boost it gives to the fuel and possibly cleaning the injectors a little. Maybe it can adsorb a little water from the fuel as well, like mentholated spirits would, that you can buy from a hardware store for a lot less.
@@dasdasdsdasdasdasd363 I owned my 2014 camry se sport since was new I only put oem Toyota brakes and rotors on it only use mobil one oil and filters and denso spark plugs and coils as for cleaning out my fuel and injectors and lube them I use cats clean for the converter and I use gum out complete fuel system cleaner three times a year works like a charm never buy cheap shit for ur car take it from experience
I had my car engine lights light up and went to several mechanics, who quoted from $1000 - $3000 worth of work to change out the catalytic converter. I went to Lowes and bought 1 gallon of lacquer thinner, put it in on half a tank of gas. Let my wife drive it around for a few days. The lights were gone, the cat converter is clean almost a YEAR later. It works. (2005 Toyota Highlander)
@@m1g0t0 thanks for the reply. I have a 300k ish mile c-max and the 1 gallon method didn't work (if I knew this was a fix, I probably would have done it proactively 100k ago)... an o2 sensor spacer is the next try
@@Sir...... did it work by changing the O2 sensor? your vehicle sure has a lotta miles, you might one to try another half-tank, one gallon lacquer, you actually have to burn it by driving at 2200/2500 rpm for 150miles straight... let us know.
~worked like charm, 2002 Nissan Xterra, added a gallon to a half full gas tank, went driving and while I was out (30 minutes or so) the light went off, filled the tank and next day passed the California SMOG check, THANKS!
Hi i see you got a xterra i have a pathfinder no lights but im having issus getting the Catalyst ready and i do live in CA how do you get your catalyst ready any tips thanks.
My elderly mother took her car to a mechanic in town 2800 dollars later to replace one cat 2 days after getting it home same error code a f check engine light . Replaced everything else not realizing that he never changed the cat .....so used your trick and the car passed inspection and check engine light turned itself off .Thank you sir for time .
My son's 2005 Highlander was coding at P0420 & P0430 ( he has a V6 engine and it has 2 converters. Engine has close to 225,000 miles. Proceeded to do what Andy instructs you to do. Ran the car at 2500 to 3000 RPM with the O/D off until I had burned through about with the tank reading about 1/4 tank. Cleared-out the codes..... lights and codes have thus far not returned. Will continue to watch, but Andy appears to be giving you the straight scoop. Thanks for the tip!
I was getting a P0430 code, I did a temp test on my cats, hotter on the engine side by 100F, could not pass California smog. I did 1 gallon liquor thinner in a half tank. Passed smog today. 2015 F150 v6 3.5 TT ecoboost. 100% worked for me.
@@bowe1978 20 gallons. I also took my cat off after this and washed it. While this trick worked long enough for my to pass California smog to register the vehicle, the light has since come back on and I am going to replace it.
Probably I posted here before. I remeber have done so. I did run the lacquer thinner in my wife’s Kia Rio. The light went off and I did pass the emotion test in California. Now the same engine light goes on and off by itself every few weeks. I really don’t care because I have two more years to replaced the Catalytic converter. My mechanics wants $2300.00
If your issue is the Catalyst system it should work, if it’s a fuel system emissions issue I would recommend “Guaranteed To Pass” by CRC. I just finished shooting a product review for it and will be posting the results this week...good stuff.
My 2011 Frontier Pro4 had this code. It was on for several months before I tried this. It 3/4/ full and I put in one gal of that same Lacquer thinner. In 22.5/miles on the interstate (75 mph) my light went off. I still have 1/4 tank I need to burn off. I believe it also cleaned my injectors as well as my 02 sensors.
Not all Lacquer Thinners are created equal by the way. Look for one with Chlorobenzotrifluoride(commonly known as Oxsol 100) and a high Toluene content. Not all Thinners have those chemicals. Avoid thinners with a high Acetone content. Acetone is corrosive to rubber and silicone. There's a lot of rubbers and silicone seals in Fuel systems.
I added 1 gal of this exact "Thinner" to my 2002 Honda Civic LX at half a tank, (full tank is aprox 11 1/2 gals), and at aprox 190 miles "Check Engine" light is still on. I took out and cleaned both O2 sensors and changed "Air Filter" before test driving. I will now take off Cat Conv and examine it closley and change it if I cannot find a reason, like blockage, for it to be causing code 0402.
@@b_chill After changing almost everything, I bought a Code reader for 20 bucks at walmart cancelled the codes and past inspection. The lacquer thing actually may work. However, there are plenty of products on the market that clean your cat. Change all your parts yourself and save a fortune.
my catalytic was in 2010 ford escape was smoking after 15 minutes of driving, it was clogged that bad? used i gallon lacquer on half tank, Thank you because I got performance back and no smoke and check engine light went out after 58 miles of driving at 65 MPH I'm impressed. Thank again,
Worked for me.. Gallon of lacquer thinner to 10 gallons of 92 octane fuel. Drove the car in sport with over- drive disengaged.. 55-60 mph turning around 3K rpm for about 40 miles and light went off.
Well I've I've run acetone in the engine and that cleaned up the pistonheads pretty good sir. So lacquer thinner I don't know if it would have any chemical reaction to rubber the vehicle is a Dodge Dakota so I don't know if we have metalizer rubber lines so that's my question is it safe to using gas lines with rubber
@@robertyoung6320.. Yes Sir! I have added acetone to many a tank of gas. Usually adding around an ounce per gallon of gasoline.. Put a little pep in her step! Lacquer thinner and paint thinner are strong solvents, and will most certainly strip at least some of the oils from the surface of the rubber. But, rubber fuel lines aren't made from run of the mill everyday rubber hose. Fuel line is resistant to petroleum based fluids. I can tell you this, I painted cars and boats for yrs as a profession. The guns I used had rubber seals.. and those seals would have to be replaced from time to time. I would assume mostly due to solvent contact.
@@mrgg3547 My catalytic converter was failing, so I felt like I had nothing to lose. If anything, my car actually ran better and the light went out, but.. it didn't last very long, and the light returned due to failing converter. I ended up putting a new convertor on the car, which was around 1,100 dollars.
Andy, I'm back. I've had 420 on my 186k mi. Corolla for a few months, and am just stubborn (and don't drive it much, which I thought was reason for code). I tried a store brand which worked for my dad's car and it didn't clean my cat. I've not tried this yet, since other didn't work and I just read output of sensors and the temperatures (not much difference) and it all points to needing new cat. Anything left for me to try, I've got several months still.
Bingo this definitely works. I have a mechanic clear the code on my car. He didn’t tell me what he did however, the smell of paint thinner filled the waiting room. I had to open a window. Then told me to drive the car 50 miles come back in the car, passed emissions inspections, and has been good ever since this was about two years ago Every couple of months I put in a cat a clean type of solvent however, I want to do the paint thinner again just as a precautionary step
@@viagra5207 it did not work. I replaced the cat. I still had the jerky jerky at 3000 rpm. So my guy says it is the vvt solenoid. It’s located on the back of the valve cover. This is my last chance of throwing parts at it. The part is 180 at oreillys. I can put it in myself. I think lol.
even though the lacquer thinner cleaned my Catalytic converter, fixed the P0430 CEL code, and passed the Smog test, I searched "lacquer thinner in gas tank" & got several sites giving reason not to do it, being some acidic compounds that would compromise plastic and rubber components of the fuel system 1996 Ford 3.8L V6
this 1/2 tank to one gallon ratio is misleading and confusing..it is not rocket science, it is not exacting , it's an approximation . different model car = different gas tank size ..!!! the thinner is usually sold in a 1 US gallon size...that is = 3.78 litres . so assuming a 1: 10 ratio , use the full gallon of thinner in 37.8 litres of gas .... ( really 37.8 - 3.78 = 34 litres gas ) so for most cars and trucks with a 65 to 75 litre total capacity , it is approximately a gallon of thinner to half tank of gas ....( back to square one ) ... don't fuss the ratios ,,be happy this stuff works and saves you a load of $$$$ ... on another note I am challenged to understand how acetone & toulene ( a hydro carbon , the main ingredients in thinner ) can pass thru a combustion engine chamber and still be effective in cleaning a catalytic converter .!!! but from anecdotal comments below it seems it works ....so am in with the believers ,,,and will give it a try
I did that to my 2002 accord,you are right it worked but only for another 1500 miles and the CEL is back,so I did another one gallon on a half tank of gas drove it in the freeway at 75 mph but did not work the second time,so I concluded that it's in end of its life at 150 k miles.Spend $1500 OEM cat. Now it has 220k miles still no CEL. And I am comfortable that I am not polluting the air here in L.A. where pollution is high.
I might need to do this in a couple of months on my car, but i won't try to put thinner into my gas tank, don't really want to kill my 30 Year old Fuel lines, injectos or something else on my car, removing the cat and using Ovencleaner works just fine.
Scotty said to burn out all the lacquer mix and refill and drive to rid the thinner thru the fuel system ( I believe it was to prevent rubber ring deterioration.
Put this in my 2006 Kia Sorento lx with 130,000 miles on it and was told I can run it over 2,000 rpm’s for 35 minutes and it should clean out the convertors
Anyone have any fuel system defects after trying , fuel lines , seals or any in tank sending unit fuel pump problems after exposing to high solvent concentration
Dear, Phillip I have a PO 420 Obd code I will trying this method, and I will let know if it worked for me . I have already replace the frnt cat ,and 02 sensors I will keep you posted thank you for the post . 🙃😊🤔
If you clear the fault codes on Torque it will reset the emissions monitors as well, which will take another 3-5 days of regular driving cycles to complete the tests again. The error probably came back after a week.
The reason I wouldn’t use thinner we use to use this in detailing cars this stuff is very strong and effective it can strip everything away including the gas just be careful if you do use it
@@high-endmechanic5282 hi, how many liter or ml is the gallon of lacquer thinner for the half tank, and the half tank is how many liters approximately ? Thanks
can this also help get better mpg at all??? others things for better mpg are cleann fuel injectors,spark plugs & wires, replace old upstrem ox senser,air filter, clean mass air flow senser and a few more things.. thanks for sharing
can you please follow up with another video in two weeks so we know if the P0420 code returned? Are you also familiar with the spacers you can put between the oxygen sensor and the exhaust?
About those spacers, I have never used them. But I have used Dorman spark plug non-fouler before (for off road purposes only off course). You just still through one with a 1/2 inch drill bit and screw it in the other one. You drill the hole in there so your oxygen sensor goes all the way through. So you screw your oxygen sensor in you non-foulers and than screw all that in your exhaust. Sometimes it is cheaper to just empty the catalytic housing and than install these instead of replacing the hole catalytic converter. And it works really good so far (couple years since). If you have a broken catalytic converter, don't just install this spacer, a plugged converter could potentially damage your engine. Here is a link top those spark plug non-foulers I have used. www.amazon.com/Dorman-42009-Spark-Plug-Non-Fouler/dp/B000CO91FY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=2YZM4REMQFJ2V&keywords=spark+plug+fouler&qid=1579320294&sprefix=Spark+plug+f,aps,334&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=autotechwor04-20&linkId=0f08abaff79a1e4c2dd42174b4beb9fd&language=en_US Oh yeah and be sure to only do that to your downstream sensor. Andy explains it pretty good which one is what in the video.
@@PhillipsVision Hello. I wanted to just follow up again and see if your CEL P0420 code has resurfaced with more driving time in your vehicle? Thank you very much. The follow up is helping me to determine if I want to try this method.
chris ryan funny you asked, yes it did eventually return, however, the O2 sensor readings indicate everything in the CAT is working fine. Going to be running additional tests to see if something is generating the code now.
can you use xylene instead of lacquer thinner? I once ran out of gas on an older car, (AMC Gremlin with straight six) and had a quart of xylene in my stash of paints and thinners I used as a sign painter. It cranked right up and ran me to the nearest gas station. That car ran GREAT after that!!!
Lacquer Thinner contains the following: Methanol 15% to 40% Acetone 10% to 30% Hydrotreated light distillate 10% to 30% Toluene 10% to 30% Ethyl acetate 3% to 7%
Ok, I watch the video now it's time to try it out on my 2008 ford edge limited, if this works I'm promoting this video haha btw you got magic shade on your head lol I thought it will fall off.
I'm going to try this out when I have a free couple of hours to drive my car to empty it. I tried Cataclean and the error code came back on within a couple of weeks.
I have a 2012 Escape. Close to 167,000 miles. My mechanic says it will cost $900 to replace. I don’t know how to check with a sensor tool. Should I try the lacquer?
I do this before the P420 code appears. Between 10,000-20,000 mile intervals. Scanning o2 censors they show cleaner in about 10 miles. Running overdrive off. Don’t gun engine until 30 miles, gunning clogged cats could cause damage to the internal material. Damage that you will have to replace the cat. It works better than cat- clean…
I did this on my cmax and it did not work. used Catyclean and that did not work. Used seafoam and that didn't work. Finally I used the spacer for O2 sensor and that worked.
Would you recommend on a 2009 Subaru Forester? And after time how did it hold up? Did you clear the codes right after you dumped it in the tank? Or did it just go off?
Don’t think it would be an issue since this is making the exhaust burn hotter to clear the catalytic converter. Not sure how it would hurt anything. To play it save check some hybrid forums online
I want to try this with my vehicle but I have an 08 Ford Ranger. I'll be close to 200 or 225 miles on a tank I cannot put this in on a quarter of a tank and drive 150 miles. I'm about 125 Miles when I'm 1/4 Full.
Ive been trying to find my gremline, i jave VQ35DE engine and has the same P0420. However, befir this i had a P0171 code as well. I checked my bank 1 fuel trims and Short is around -0.8%, long is at 3.8%. Bank 2 fuel trims on the other hand has Short at 0.0% and long at -1.6%. My bank 1 sensor 1 AFR readings never go past 0.300V, but O2 bank 1 sensor 2 gets 0.850V up and down. Bank 2 sensor 1 AFR reads 0.590V and pretty close to the O2 Bank 2 sensor 2 reading of 0.750V. I got Bank 1 sensor 1 AFR replaced but, still producing the same readouts, im stumped.
How long did it last? I see codes reappear for things after 100 mi, not 40. Yet I see s7ruggles below said it went at least a year. I want to do this for my dad's car. I was going to get Cataclean or something but I bet it's the same stuff/effect.
Code came back after 250 miles. Keep in mind that even after the code returned the car passed a state inspection. Some codes are triggered too sensitive which may be the case with this car. Even though the ecu is generating the code, the cat may still be functioning to emission standards.
@@PhillipsVision Thanks! It's still a cost effective attempt compared to the special cleaners to buy with no better results. The frustrating thing with codes is that they don't reset, they don't necessarily clear, just delay coming back on, takes forever to troubleshoot.
@@PhillipsVisionthank you. I was wondering because I only see people commenting about older models. Got a 2017 CRV 2.4L that’s jerking when accelerating from full stop or when overtaking. No codes. Tried the intake hose already but same issue.
@@PhillipsVision the filter is new. Maybe the intake hose has a crack I haven’t spotted. I’ll try changing it. Thank you, I appreciate you for taking the time to answer.
So I did use the Cataclean two weeks ago and it seems like not helping. I got the check engine light on, and the performance of the car is not as good as before. Do you think this method might work? And do you think I can try it now, or should I wait to do it later after a few months?
Does the tuelone actually scrub the blockage and remove iror just break it down and compress it into a smaller mass onto the bottom of the convertor. Someone needs to test 2, one treated one untreated, cut them in half for inspection.
There were no codes but did the Catalytic converter monitor run and pass? Or was the monitor incomplete? If it was incomplete then the monitor did not run?
To clean the O2 sensors you will need to remove them and soak them in gasoline or carburetor cleaner. Keep in mind that I have not had much luck cleaning O2 sensors since after cleaning they still had bad readings and needed to be replaced, however, some mechanics have claimed cleaning can work.
Just want to clarify the mixing ratio...
Fill your gas tank half way (5 to 10 gallons, or more depending on your tank size). Once filled halfway, add 1 gallon of plain Lacquer Thinner.
Phillips Vision my will it work with a full tank of gas? If yes, how much lacquer tinner should go I pour in?
Natalia Henry A full tank of gas will take away from the lacquer thinner’s potency. You want to have a half tank and add a full (1) gallon can of thinner to that. Drive it all the way ‘til empty and then fill it all the way with gasoline.
@@PhillipsVision
You need to drive it 150 miles for it to work.
20alphabet I drove over 200 miles
I double filled my oil and got it burned out now im geting a cat code should i try this on my toyota tacoma the mechanics wanted 3500 dollars
1 gallon of lacquer thinner in a 14 gallon gas tank 1/2 full, run 150 miles at over 2,500 rpm will cause the dash light to turn off. It also cleans the O2 sensors. Did this on two Toyotas with over 300,000 miles and never needed to replace either the catalytic converter or O2 sensors.
It does work, the ratio is usually 1 gal Thinner to 10 gallons fuel. It won’t fix a really bad catalyst system, but if the code shows up and you do it quickly before it gets too clogged, it’s better to just replace it. It also helps to drive the vehicle at the RPM’s you said, as well as a hard acceleration from time to time to help blow the systems out. My Tahoe had this problem and I fixed it with this method.
@@Jade_Eyn
It will work regardless of how carboned up it is. However, if carbon has built up to extent that the honeycomb has overheated and cracked, you'll need to replace it. As long as the honeycomb is intact, this method will work.
Is there any changes in the fuel consumptions? Better distance more millage?
@@hafizdugong
Yes, it runs noticeably better. I haven't checked about the fuel economy, but I know that it keeps running richer as the converter carbons up. Without the carbon it runs leaner, so I would suspect mpg is improved afterward.
@@20alphabet i have a question and it may seem a little dumb,I know nothing about cars.....you say run it 150 miles...did you do it all the same day or was it just until the half tank was gone?
You should have given scotty the credit he deserves lol
This is an old method long before Scotty Kilmer discussed it. lol
at 2:40 when he was talking about the mechanic that been using lacquer thinner for over 30 yrs he was talking about Scotty Kilmer
Scotty is the best 👍
I like Scotty but he is a click-bating little tool.
@@dasdasdsdasdasdasd363 yeah he is but he’s right about 99.9% of the things he says and does how ever putting lacquer thinner in ur car isn’t a good idea it’s gonna damage ur fuel lines and ur fuel and direct injection system I use cataclean three times a year to clean my system and catalytic converter even tho I only got 43k miles
@@iitzpepsii Well thinners will probably clean out your injectors and I have used it, but I doubt it will do anything worthwhile for the cats. The main benefit is probably the octane boost it gives to the fuel and possibly cleaning the injectors a little. Maybe it can adsorb a little water from the fuel as well, like mentholated spirits would, that you can buy from a hardware store for a lot less.
@@dasdasdsdasdasdasd363 I owned my 2014 camry se sport since was new I only put oem Toyota brakes and rotors on it only use mobil one oil and filters and denso spark plugs and coils as for cleaning out my fuel and injectors and lube them I use cats clean for the converter and I use gum out complete fuel system cleaner three times a year works like a charm never buy cheap shit for ur car take it from experience
I had my car engine lights light up and went to several mechanics, who quoted from $1000 - $3000 worth of work to change out the catalytic converter.
I went to Lowes and bought 1 gallon of lacquer thinner, put it in on half a tank of gas.
Let my wife drive it around for a few days. The lights were gone, the cat converter is clean almost a YEAR later. It works.
(2005 Toyota Highlander)
What's the mileage on the car?
@@Sir...... 220000
@@m1g0t0 thanks for the reply. I have a 300k ish mile c-max and the 1 gallon method didn't work (if I knew this was a fix, I probably would have done it proactively 100k ago)... an o2 sensor spacer is the next try
@@Sir...... did it work by changing the O2 sensor? your vehicle sure has a lotta miles, you might one to try another half-tank, one gallon lacquer, you actually have to burn it by driving at 2200/2500 rpm for 150miles straight... let us know.
@@rogerm6970 It's been 2 1/2 years and it's still running 230k miles
~worked like charm, 2002 Nissan Xterra, added a gallon to a half full gas tank, went driving and while I was out (30 minutes or so) the light went off, filled the tank and next day passed the California SMOG check, THANKS!
Scott Mattson glad it helped, thanks for the feedback
Hi i see you got a xterra i have a pathfinder no lights but im having issus getting the Catalyst ready and i do live in CA how do you get your catalyst ready any tips thanks.
@@aaronmaruri if you don't have a check engine light on, just go test, you will likely pass
My elderly mother took her car to a mechanic in town 2800 dollars later to replace one cat 2 days after getting it home same error code a f check engine light . Replaced everything else not realizing that he never changed the cat .....so used your trick and the car passed inspection and check engine light turned itself off .Thank you sir for time .
Did you get ya money back from that janky mechanic
@@tazzyty6143 for real tho!
Someone needs to go to prison for that. 100% a felony.
lead pipe@@tazzyty6143
My son's 2005 Highlander was coding at P0420 & P0430 ( he has a V6 engine and it has 2 converters. Engine has close to 225,000 miles. Proceeded to do what Andy instructs you to do. Ran the car at 2500 to 3000 RPM with the O/D off until I had burned through about with the tank reading about 1/4 tank. Cleared-out the codes..... lights and codes have thus far not returned. Will continue to watch, but Andy appears to be giving you the straight scoop. Thanks for the tip!
is that light still off?
Hows the highlander running?
I was getting a P0430 code, I did a temp test on my cats, hotter on the engine side by 100F, could not pass California smog. I did 1 gallon liquor thinner in a half tank. Passed smog today. 2015 F150 v6 3.5 TT ecoboost. 100% worked for me.
how big is your tank, I have a 2014 King Ranch with a 36gl tank.
@@bowe1978 20 gallons. I also took my cat off after this and washed it. While this trick worked long enough for my to pass California smog to register the vehicle, the light has since come back on and I am going to replace it.
Probably I posted here before. I remeber have done so. I did run the lacquer thinner in my wife’s Kia Rio. The light went off and I did pass the emotion test in California. Now the same engine light goes on and off by itself every few weeks. I really don’t care because I have two more years to replaced the Catalytic converter. My mechanics wants $2300.00
This is the 5th thinner video I've watched ...gonna give it a go after I install the 02sensors I purchased beforehand. Rev up your engines
If your issue is the Catalyst system it should work, if it’s a fuel system emissions issue I would recommend “Guaranteed To Pass” by CRC. I just finished shooting a product review for it and will be posting the results this week...good stuff.
@@PhillipsVision is that like at auto zone
@@shanevanorder2644 yes, about $13
Wont this mess with injectors or pump in any way?
@@PhillipsVision I used G2P for my dad's van, skeptically, the light turned off while driving! I've never seen that before.
My 2011 Frontier Pro4 had this code. It was on for several months before I tried this. It 3/4/ full and I put in one gal of that same Lacquer thinner. In 22.5/miles on the interstate (75 mph) my light went off. I still have 1/4 tank I need to burn off.
I believe it also cleaned my injectors as well as my 02 sensors.
Thanks for info, it works on my ES300 with 150 km drive at average 60-80km/hr. with the Lacquer Thinner mixed with gas suggested. Magic!
Not all Lacquer Thinners are created equal by the way. Look for one with Chlorobenzotrifluoride(commonly known as Oxsol 100) and a high Toluene content. Not all Thinners have those chemicals. Avoid thinners with a high Acetone content. Acetone is corrosive to rubber and silicone. There's a lot of rubbers and silicone seals in Fuel systems.
Worked a miracle in my 2014 police interceptor sedan (twin turbo ecoboost) with 224k on the clock
I added 1 gal of this exact "Thinner" to my 2002 Honda Civic LX at half a tank, (full tank is aprox 11 1/2 gals), and at aprox 190 miles "Check Engine" light is still on. I took out and cleaned both O2 sensors and changed "Air Filter" before test driving. I will now take off Cat Conv and examine it closley and change it if I cannot find a reason, like blockage, for it to be causing code 0402.
So what happened?
@@b_chill After changing almost everything, I bought a Code reader for 20 bucks at walmart cancelled the codes and past inspection. The lacquer thing actually may work. However, there are plenty of products on the market that clean your cat. Change all your parts yourself and save a fortune.
Clear the codes.
my catalytic was in 2010 ford escape was smoking after 15 minutes of driving, it was clogged that bad? used i gallon lacquer on half tank, Thank you because I got performance back and no smoke and check engine light went out after 58 miles of driving at 65 MPH
I'm impressed. Thank again,
Scotty, the mechanic said it works.So thank you for verify
Worked for me.. Gallon of lacquer thinner to 10 gallons of 92 octane fuel. Drove the car in sport with over- drive disengaged.. 55-60 mph turning around 3K rpm for about 40 miles and light went off.
Well I've I've run acetone in the engine and that cleaned up the pistonheads pretty good sir. So lacquer thinner I don't know if it would have any chemical reaction to rubber the vehicle is a Dodge Dakota so I don't know if we have metalizer rubber lines so that's my question is it safe to using gas lines with rubber
@@robertyoung6320.. Yes Sir! I have added acetone to many a tank of gas. Usually adding around an ounce per gallon of gasoline.. Put a little pep in her step! Lacquer thinner and paint thinner are strong solvents, and will most certainly strip at least some of the oils from the surface of the rubber. But, rubber fuel lines aren't made from run of the mill everyday rubber hose. Fuel line is resistant to petroleum based fluids. I can tell you this, I painted cars and boats for yrs as a profession. The guns I used had rubber seals.. and those seals would have to be replaced from time to time. I would assume mostly due to solvent contact.
@@damoncrowfeather4655 so what are u saying is that adding lacquer thinner is safe to our car?
@@mrgg3547 My catalytic converter was failing, so I felt like I had nothing to lose. If anything, my car actually ran better and the light went out, but.. it didn't last very long, and the light returned due to failing converter. I ended up putting a new convertor on the car, which was around 1,100 dollars.
@@robertyoung6320 ...affects rubber if you leave it in the car too long....drive the 150 miles quickly....best done same day.
I did this today and used a UK gallon on less than a quarter tank of petrol/gas and its true, the light is off and all is good 👍
Where can i purchase this product in the Uk. Can't find it on Amazon
IT WORKED FOR ME. 2003 F150, SAVEED ME A LOT OF $$$
Ahhhh thanks God... i was looking for a f150 comment lol i didn't see one at scottys video
Andy, I'm back. I've had 420 on my 186k mi. Corolla for a few months, and am just stubborn (and don't drive it much, which I thought was reason for code). I tried a store brand which worked for my dad's car and it didn't clean my cat. I've not tried this yet, since other didn't work and I just read output of sensors and the temperatures (not much difference) and it all points to needing new cat. Anything left for me to try, I've got several months still.
I have a Nissan sentra 2009, I have a engine light ON due to catalytic converter.
I watched your video on TikTok.
You can try this, it’s worked for me a few times
Bingo this definitely works. I have a mechanic clear the code on my car. He didn’t tell me what he did however, the smell of paint thinner filled the waiting room. I had to open a window.
Then told me to drive the car 50 miles come back in the car, passed emissions inspections, and has been good ever since this was about two years ago
Every couple of months I put in a cat a clean type of solvent however, I want to do the paint thinner again just as a precautionary step
Well I’ll take this idea for a test drive. I have a 2002 crv and this is my last stop before replacing the cat. Thanks
I have a 2001 crv with the same issue. Did the cleaner work for you?
@@viagra5207 it did not work. I replaced the cat. I still had the jerky jerky at 3000 rpm. So my guy says it is the vvt solenoid. It’s located on the back of the valve cover. This is my last chance of throwing parts at it. The part is 180 at oreillys. I can put it in myself. I think lol.
@@viagra5207 also the code that came up was p1259.
I'm so excited to try this!!! Thanks!!!
Did it work?
even though the lacquer thinner cleaned my Catalytic converter, fixed the P0430 CEL code, and passed the Smog test, I searched "lacquer thinner in gas tank" & got several sites giving reason not to do it, being some acidic compounds that would compromise plastic and rubber components of the fuel system 1996 Ford 3.8L V6
It shouldn’t case any issues if used as explained, and not often. If you are putting that in on a regular basis it will be harmful.
All the more reason to drive your required 150 miles soon.....best all in one day. Short term rubber exposure shouldn't be a problem.
this 1/2 tank to one gallon ratio is misleading and confusing..it is not rocket science, it is not exacting , it's an approximation . different model car = different gas tank size ..!!! the thinner is usually sold in a 1 US gallon size...that is = 3.78 litres . so assuming a 1: 10 ratio , use the full gallon of thinner in 37.8 litres of gas .... ( really 37.8 - 3.78 = 34 litres gas ) so for most cars and trucks with a 65 to 75 litre total capacity , it is approximately a gallon of thinner to half tank of gas ....( back to square one ) ... don't fuss the ratios ,,be happy this stuff works and saves you a load of $$$$ ...
on another note I am challenged to understand how acetone & toulene ( a hydro carbon , the main ingredients in thinner ) can pass thru a combustion engine chamber and still be effective in cleaning a catalytic converter .!!! but from anecdotal comments below it seems it works ....so am in with the believers ,,,and will give it a try
I did that to my 2002 accord,you are right it worked but only for another 1500 miles and the CEL is back,so I did another one gallon on a half tank of gas drove it in the freeway at 75 mph but did not work the second time,so I concluded that it's in end of its life at 150 k miles.Spend $1500 OEM cat. Now it has 220k miles still no CEL. And I am comfortable that I am not polluting the air here in L.A. where pollution is high.
Wow, so glad to find this! Thank you!
Thanks a million! I really needed to see this. I was running 1 pint and not really getting anywhere.
I might need to do this in a couple of months on my car, but i won't try to put thinner into my gas tank, don't really want to kill my 30 Year old Fuel lines, injectos or something else on my car, removing the cat and using Ovencleaner works just fine.
PistonBully if you mix the ratio as shown you won’t hurt your fuel lines
My 2003 mdx Acura cycle every 71 miles , I will try it tomorrow hope it work please work can’t afford $2000 new cat
@@johnsonbuidid it work? I would like to try it on my mdx as well
Lacquer thinner for me. it took 3 days for the light to go off...but its gone and passed smog
Great video. Now I have to try my luck.
I was waiting for his shades to fall over his eyes from his forehead. I'm truly amazed.
👍
Hi @LeeLee, How did it go? Did you try the thinner method?
Scotty said to burn out all the lacquer mix and refill and drive to rid the thinner thru the fuel system ( I believe it was to prevent rubber ring deterioration.
Put this in my 2006 Kia Sorento lx with 130,000 miles on it and was told I can run it over 2,000 rpm’s for 35 minutes and it should clean out the convertors
Anyone have any fuel system defects after trying , fuel lines , seals or any in tank sending unit fuel pump problems after exposing to high solvent concentration
After the cleaner is through and light is still on disconnect battery terminals and reconnect
Dear, Phillip I have a PO 420 Obd code I will trying this method, and I will let know if it worked for me . I have already replace the frnt cat ,and 02 sensors I will keep you posted thank you for the post . 🙃😊🤔
Great video, Thanks for the content. quick question what kind of scanner is that?
@@bryansalvador7520 just a cheap Bluetooth scanner with Torque Pro app from Google Play
@@PhillipsVision thank you.
If you clear the fault codes on Torque it will reset the emissions monitors as well, which will take another 3-5 days of regular driving cycles to complete the tests again. The error probably came back after a week.
See you’re not sure of yourself because the way you’re saying probably
My thoughts too. Drive 100+ miles and watch the CEL come right back.
I have done this with 98 rubbing alcohol same results runs grate 350k mesooobeetchy eclipse still passing emissions today
The reason I wouldn’t use thinner we use to use this in detailing cars this stuff is very strong and effective it can strip everything away including the gas just be careful if you do use it
Thinner or Acetone 💯....both work great for cleaning a fuel system...
Can this be added to any engine, diesel, gasoline, wankel? How much acetone?
@@SamsungS-or1qf ...Not to diesel. ...just gasoline engines...a gallon per half a tank of gas
@@high-endmechanic5282 hi, how many liter or ml is the gallon of lacquer thinner for the half tank, and the half tank is how many liters approximately ?
Thanks
I'm going to try this out on my 2002 Avalanche. Thanks!!
Did u try ?
Did it work
Thanks for the video. After doing this, should the code go away by itself if it works or do you still need to clear the code?
It worked on my 06 Freestar but my brother used it on his F150 the check engine light went off but came back on a few days later
can this also help get better mpg at all??? others things for better mpg are cleann fuel injectors,spark plugs & wires, replace old upstrem ox senser,air filter, clean mass air flow senser and a few more things.. thanks for sharing
Not that I know of; it is not a fuel additive
can you please follow up with another video in two weeks so we know if the P0420 code returned? Are you also familiar with the spacers you can put between the oxygen sensor and the exhaust?
About those spacers, I have never used them. But I have used Dorman spark plug non-fouler before (for off road purposes only off course). You just still through one with a 1/2 inch drill bit and screw it in the other one. You drill the hole in there so your oxygen sensor goes all the way through. So you screw your oxygen sensor in you non-foulers and than screw all that in your exhaust. Sometimes it is cheaper to just empty the catalytic housing and than install these instead of replacing the hole catalytic converter. And it works really good so far (couple years since). If you have a broken catalytic converter, don't just install this spacer, a plugged converter could potentially damage your engine. Here is a link top those spark plug non-foulers I have used. www.amazon.com/Dorman-42009-Spark-Plug-Non-Fouler/dp/B000CO91FY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=2YZM4REMQFJ2V&keywords=spark+plug+fouler&qid=1579320294&sprefix=Spark+plug+f,aps,334&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=autotechwor04-20&linkId=0f08abaff79a1e4c2dd42174b4beb9fd&language=en_US
Oh yeah and be sure to only do that to your downstream sensor. Andy explains it pretty good which one is what in the video.
chris ryan since the video was filmed an additional 100 miles was put on the car, and still no code. I will definitely follow up👍
@@PhillipsVision Hello. I wanted to just follow up again and see if your CEL P0420 code has resurfaced with more driving time in your vehicle? Thank you very much. The follow up is helping me to determine if I want to try this method.
chris ryan funny you asked, yes it did eventually return, however, the O2 sensor readings indicate everything in the CAT is working fine. Going to be running additional tests to see if something is generating the code now.
@@PhillipsVision wil the lacquer thinner work in a gdi engine?
Once the code is cleared it may not come back on for a while so not sure this is a good test.
Very good video! Thanks
Thank you God bless you...
can you use xylene instead of lacquer thinner? I once ran out of gas on an older car, (AMC Gremlin with straight six) and had a quart of xylene in my stash of paints and thinners I used as a sign painter. It cranked right up and ran me to the nearest gas station. That car ran GREAT after that!!!
Not sure, I never tried that
Keep xylene or xylol away from your car it will turn many plastics into chewing gum.
Q
Lacquer Thinner contains the following:
Methanol 15% to 40%
Acetone 10% to 30%
Hydrotreated light distillate 10% to 30%
Toluene 10% to 30%
Ethyl acetate 3% to 7%
Thank you
You left the question unanswered an that is how does the P0420 set .It happens when the upstream and downstream O2's numbers match to many times
I have a 1996 Chevy Capricorn with the same catylic problem. I wonder if this will work for me as well
It should, just make sure to follow the instructions properly as noted in the video, as far as the mixing ratio
Will the thinner hurt an engine, sensors or turbo?
Should not if the mixing ratio is followed. You also don’t want to be doing this often.
Ok, I watch the video now it's time to try it out on my 2008 ford edge limited, if this works I'm promoting this video haha btw you got magic shade on your head lol I thought it will fall off.
Did it work?
Akana Montana did it work?
So...did it work?
Did it work?
It didn't work lol
Thanks
This worked for my old Taurus !!!
I'm going to try this out when I have a free couple of hours to drive my car to empty it. I tried Cataclean and the error code came back on within a couple of weeks.
I found this works better than all the catalytic converter cleaners I reviewed
I have a 2012 Escape. Close to 167,000 miles. My mechanic says it will cost $900 to replace. I don’t know how to check with a sensor tool. Should I try the lacquer?
It wouldn’t hurt. If the catalytic converter is dirty this might clean it. If the catalytic converter is too bad it will need to be replaced.
Im gonna try it on my 2000 GMC Sierra will update if works
Thank you with your video I will save a lot of money
I do this before the P420 code appears. Between 10,000-20,000 mile intervals. Scanning o2 censors they show cleaner in about 10 miles. Running overdrive off. Don’t gun engine until 30 miles, gunning clogged cats could cause damage to the internal material. Damage that you will have to replace the cat.
It works better than cat- clean…
Was there. Massive exhaust fume like using sea foam
does it really clean or just fool o2 sensor?....
It cleans it
Does this clean the carbon inside the combustion chambers too?
I did this on my cmax and it did not work. used Catyclean and that did not work. Used seafoam and that didn't work. Finally I used the spacer for O2 sensor and that worked.
The next screen over shows readyness monitors.. Did they set?
Q: then why doesn't any auto manufacturer recommend it?
They make money in parts not cleaners
How many gallons of gas was in that half of tank in that car ?? That's the real question to know
That particular car has a 10.5 gallon tank, so half was 5.25.
wouldn't a gallon of thinner be too much for the fuel system ie. rubber parts on a small tank ?
Would you recommend on a 2009 Subaru Forester? And after time how did it hold up? Did you clear the codes right after you dumped it in the tank? Or did it just go off?
Thoughts on doing this with a 2012 Prius V, standard hybrid?
Don’t think it would be an issue since this is making the exhaust burn hotter to clear the catalytic converter. Not sure how it would hurt anything. To play it save check some hybrid forums online
I want to try this with my vehicle but I have an 08 Ford Ranger. I'll be close to 200 or 225 miles on a tank I cannot put this in on a quarter of a tank and drive 150 miles. I'm about 125 Miles when I'm 1/4 Full.
Thank you!
I have this no engine light sensor what should i do?
Would that pending code fail my inspection?
Pending may not fail you as long as the check engine light is not on
Ive been trying to find my gremline, i jave VQ35DE engine and has the same P0420. However, befir this i had a P0171 code as well. I checked my bank 1 fuel trims and Short is around -0.8%, long is at 3.8%. Bank 2 fuel trims on the other hand has Short at 0.0% and long at -1.6%. My bank 1 sensor 1 AFR readings never go past 0.300V, but O2 bank 1 sensor 2 gets 0.850V up and down. Bank 2 sensor 1 AFR reads 0.590V and pretty close to the O2 Bank 2 sensor 2 reading of 0.750V. I got Bank 1 sensor 1 AFR replaced but, still producing the same readouts, im stumped.
How long did it last? I see codes reappear for things after 100 mi, not 40. Yet I see s7ruggles below said it went at least a year. I want to do this for my dad's car. I was going to get Cataclean or something but I bet it's the same stuff/effect.
Code came back after 250 miles. Keep in mind that even after the code returned the car passed a state inspection. Some codes are triggered too sensitive which may be the case with this car. Even though the ecu is generating the code, the cat may still be functioning to emission standards.
@@PhillipsVision Thanks! It's still a cost effective attempt compared to the special cleaners to buy with no better results. The frustrating thing with codes is that they don't reset, they don't necessarily clear, just delay coming back on, takes forever to troubleshoot.
40 miles doesnt mean check engine light wont come back on soon.
What happened with seeing the before codes of a bad converter
Is that lacquer thinner by itself or lacquer thinner on top of a certain amount of gasoline
Will thinner damage any of the rubber or fuel pump??
I have never had it do that
I'm not sure how these newer cars systems will take the laquer thinner..
Rubber seals especially in the fuel system May fail sooner
thanks work 4 me i have ford ranger 2011 ☺🥰
Can this be done on recent vehicles? Like 2017 or newer?
@@JoeCastellon I don’t see why not
@@PhillipsVisionthank you. I was wondering because I only see people commenting about older models. Got a 2017 CRV 2.4L that’s jerking when accelerating from full stop or when overtaking. No codes. Tried the intake hose already but same issue.
@@JoeCastellon check your air filter to make sure it’s not dirty. The catalytic converter will usually generate a code
@@PhillipsVision the filter is new. Maybe the intake hose has a crack I haven’t spotted. I’ll try changing it. Thank you, I appreciate you for taking the time to answer.
Will the thinner melt the seals on the fuel pump?
I’ve never had any issues using this. As long as you follow the correct ratio when mixing, and don’t use it constantly
How often I can use it to clean the CAT?
About 4 times a year
So I did use the Cataclean two weeks ago and it seems like not helping. I got the check engine light on, and the performance of the car is not as good as before. Do you think this method might work? And do you think I can try it now, or should I wait to do it later after a few months?
@@mohamedessam6891 out of all the cleaners I found lacquer thinner works best.
Thank youbi will try by the way check your tps the light was flashing
I tried duralube cat cleaner. It seems to have worked . but the eng light comes back on after a few days.
I was wondering if i can try this method within a few weeks of the other cleaning method?
@@thecap6743 yes, just use the right mixing ratio
Does the tuelone actually scrub the blockage and remove iror just break it down and compress it into a smaller mass onto the bottom of the convertor. Someone needs to test 2, one treated one untreated, cut them in half for inspection.
Is it ok to run the lacquer thinner thru the engine?
Yes, as long as you follow the mixing ratio
Does it matter if it's a turbo engine or not?
Should not
My 04 mustang needs catalytic converter job I have 4 been thinking about gutting them this better not blow my engine if I try it
Would it work on 2006 trail blazer with clogged Cadillac converter low rpm
If it’s that clogged it may need to be replaced
There were no codes but did the Catalytic converter monitor run and pass? Or was the monitor incomplete? If it was incomplete then the monitor did not run?
Do i need to drive all of that gas out before refueling
Yes, so you don’t dilute the mixture
@@PhillipsVision do i need to drive it all out at once...aka drive until the tank is empty
@@douglasedge4023 you do need to empty the tank, but don’t have to drive it all at once. Just do your regular driving until you empty the tank
Will that clean oxygen sensor cause on my pontiac .g5 it says both censers and Cat
To clean the O2 sensors you will need to remove them and soak them in gasoline or carburetor cleaner. Keep in mind that I have not had much luck cleaning O2 sensors since after cleaning they still had bad readings and needed to be replaced, however, some mechanics have claimed cleaning can work.
I’m having issues with faulty engine light code on our 2015 Kia Rio
What codes are you getting?
The P0420
Goes on and off. Not allowing us to take it to the smog check. We are in Southern California
I don’t want to spend the $2300.00 lol
@@cesarpenailillo6627 catalyst code. You can try cleaning, if not you’ll need to replace it
Thanks video info is great. Good job!