How can I find out what caused my Catalytic converter to be clogged? Details bought a 2014 Ford flex a year ago only problem I had was fuel relay out easy fix. Recently it started stalling and I thought maybe relay out again took it to my mechanic. He ran diagnostics said clogged catalytic converter. He said they don’t do exhaust work, and recommended a couple of exhaust places that would fix for less than the $3500 the Ford dealer would charge. I want to know if these things clog easily, or if this is an indication of a bigger problem. Or if I fix it will it run another 10 years?
rich fuel mixture, oil burning, etc.
This doesn't also work or is 100% accurate but I've done it in past with success. If you have a scanner with live data or a thermal gun you can check it yourself. A easy way is letting car run getting it to temp and checking the temp of the cat. If the front is hotter then rear the cat may be clogged. I prefer to use a scanner and pulling live data for both o2 sensors. With car running at temp use propane gas ( no flame) and introduce to the air box. When doing that both o2 will read max rich after a couple seconds remove propane and watch the live data for for both o2. There should be about a half to 2 seconds delay followed by a sharp but steady drop to normal. If both o2 react the same way the cat is fine. If it doesn't drop steady or it takes to long to drop cat might be clogged. This only works if both sensors are working properly. Depending on the scan tool and car you might be able to pull live data for the cat and check temp from there. I would first look into the fuel system and wiring since you had a issues before. You may have a short someplace or pump is going bad . If your cat is clogged you can trying using cataclean. I used It many times and had success 65% percent of the time. I even used it on my Mercedes and it did work same with my friends car. Now while it might help you there is no telling how long it may last . It can be days, weeks, months or years. There is just know way of knowing. Again that is only if the cat is bad. I actually have a post on here you can pull up. I think is under cataclean. If you need to replace the cat learn how to do it yourself. It will save you a ton of money.
