How to Clean Your Car's Catalytic Converter using Lacquer Thinner

Catalytic converter cleaner. How to clean catalytic converter DIY with Scotty Kilmer. Catalytic converter clogged and problem code P0420. How to fix and repair bad or clogged catalytic converter in your car by cleaning it with lacquer thinner cleaner (life hack). Replacing a catalytic converter in your car can be expensive, but this hack can help fix it cheap and fast. DIY car repair with Scotty Kilmer, an auto mechanic for the last 43 years.
⬇️Scotty’s Top DIY Tools:
1. Bluetooth Scan Tool: amzn.to/2nfvmaD
2. Cheap Scan Tool: amzn.to/2D8Tvae
3. Professional Socket Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg
4. Wrench Set: amzn.to/2kmBaOU
5. No Charging Required Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2CthnUU
6. Battery Pack Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2nrc6qR
⬇️Things used in this video:
1. Amazon version of Lacquer Thinner: amzn.to/2B0gIL3
2. Plastic Drain Pan: amzn.to/2jAH4Yx
3. Actron Scan Tool: amzn.to/2ngeCQJ
4. Shop Towels: amzn.to/2jGDfkA
5. Disposable Gloves: amzn.to/2zSRuxO
6. Common Sense
7. Full HD Camera: amzn.to/2AvoEk7
8. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2i2sKYz
9. Video editing software: amzn.to/2jv5Fhf
10. Thumbnail software: amzn.to/2k7tz6C
🛠Check out my Garage to see what I use every day and highly recommend:
www.amazon.com/shop/scottykilmer
❗️Check out the Scotty store:
goo.gl/RwhRGU
👉Follow me on Instagram for the latest news, funnies, and exclusive info / pics:
goo.gl/ohy2cA
Consider subscribing and press the bell 🛎 icon to be notified of all new videos.
And remember, every day (7 days a week), I upload a new video on the Scotty Kilmer Channel: / scottykilmer
Also, if you like my car help, be sure to watch my live car talk show, every Thursday afternoon at 1 CST and Saturday morning at 10 AM CST on KZbin. I answer your car questions LIVE there. Just check it out at: • Video
Scotty Kilmer is a participant in the Amazon Influencer Program.
#savagescotty

[@scottykilmer]

⬇️Scotty’s Top DIY Tools: 1. Bluetooth Scan Tool: amzn.to/2nfvmaD 2. Cheap Scan Tool: amzn.to/2D8Tvae 3. Professional Socket Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg 4. Wrench Set: amzn.to/2kmBaOU 5. No Charging Required Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2CthnUU 6. Battery Pack Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2nrc6qR ⬇️Things used in this video: 1. Amazon version of Lacquer Thinner: amzn.to/2B0gIL3 2. Plastic Drain Pan: amzn.to/2jAH4Yx 3. Actron Scan Tool: amzn.to/2ngeCQJ 4. Shop Towels: amzn.to/2jGDfkA 5. Disposable Gloves: amzn.to/2zSRuxO 6. Common Sense 7. Full HD Camera: amzn.to/2AvoEk7 8. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2i2sKYz 9. Video editing software: amzn.to/2jv5Fhf 10. Thumbnail software: amzn.to/2k7tz6C 🛠Check out my Garage to see what I use every day and highly recommend: www.amazon.com/shop/scottykilmer ❗️Check out the Scotty store: goo.gl/RwhRGU 👉Follow me on Instagram for the latest news, funnies, and exclusive info / pics: goo.gl/ohy2cA

[@cherokeethunder6000]

Great Video! I just have 1 question. As for the lacquer thinner, is it detrimental to fuel injectors or beneficial ?

[@chewmyfat5372]

Can the thinner cause any damage to fuel line, rubber seal and gaskets on certain cars? Thanks Scotty, Love your videos ^_^

[@samiandsasha]

do you have to drive 150 miles all at once or can you knock out 40 a day?

[@truthwar2814]

I assume this will help p0430 as well right ?

[@dreamsbeyond2300]

Both codes are for the cat, one is for the upper, one for the lower, both function the same.

[@soumentalukder4750]

I tried the lacquer thinner trick today.. and it worked !!! passed emissions in my 02 Toyota Camry with 270k miles, had a bad cat.. Scotty saved me at least $1,000.. this dude is a national treasure 🍻

[@kilet.5776]

Wow you serious? I have 02 toyota camry with 251k miles with the code P0420. Kinda skeptic about doing this but I wanna fix my ride and get that stupid code off

[@soumentalukder4750]

@@kilet.5776 there's a 50/50 chance it'll work.. I've had success on 2 cars

[@1_Fish.2_Fish.Red_Fish.]

My 04 Camry has had the light on for over a year and its tag time. Going to try this. 168K. Shop wanted $5500.

[@Orangematz]

Please don't do this. Check for exhaust leaks or O2 sensors first. ​@@1_Fish.2_Fish.Red_Fish.

[@aquaman199]

@@kilet.5776so use it!! It will work,no damage but fixes your issue in minutes

[@revans611]

Scotty, you saved me over $1,800.00 in repairs. My 3rd gen 4runner has over 321,000 miles on it. The check engine light came on and a well known repair shop was going to charge me big bucks for a new converter and O2 sensors. I poured a gallon of lacquer thinner into a half tank of gasoline and drove until I had an eighth of a tank left after about 120 miles. The light was still on, and I was disappointed, but when I filled the tank and drove about five more miles, the check engine light went off!

[@DigitalLoom]

please give us an update? what about months later? is everything fine still?

[@LaMiGrAFrAnK]

Need an update.

[@jonschlegel2961]

?

[@christianalvarado7543]

Where's that update?

[@yourghostisagift]

No update = bad news

[@lilkyle843]

This 100% works! Tonight, I drove my 15’ Honda Accord 3.5L V6 with just under half a tank of gas and almost a gallon of lacquer thinner at named brand gas. No need to use higher octane unless your vehicle requires it. I drove exactly 162 mines ( Trip B reset before start up leaving the gas station ) Drove higher speeds between 75-85 on a long interstate route there and back. Light was still on when I parked. Shut it off and turned it right back on... NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT! I’ve watched Scotty for many years now and I’ve owned 4 vehicles during that time. Any issue I had, Scotty had an answer💯

[@krystalcoates4251]

Where did you get the lacquer thinner?

[@nicktt500]

Which lacquer thinner did you use?

[@christianalvarado7543]

Did your code come back? Wondering if this is worth a try. I used cataclean and the code went away too, but after 150-200 miles it came back.

[@escapetherace1943]

@@christianalvarado7543 it can come back but if u drive it fast on the highway for a long while it can suddenly go away again. I did it, it took 155 miles to go away. It flickered on/off again a few times for a short while after that. now more than a year it hasn't turned back on. Definitely worth trying once or twice.

[@LuisRodriguez-rq8rx]

Good I have a 13' honda accord sport and p0420 comes and goes so I'm gonna try this

[@otpyrcralphpierre1742]

One thing that most people are not really aware of...the Cat clogs up when your engine uses oil. Most people on here regularly change their oil, but most do NOT change their PCV valve. If this valve fails, your engine may well be sucking up oil into the intake. If you have to clean your Cat, change your PCV valve. It's Cheap, and it just might prevent it from doing it again.

[@robertklose2140]

Thanks for the tip!

[@josuegalvez1]

Nail it !

[@isaac4273]

Yeah I might be out of luck. I have a 2003 camry with the oil burning 2.4, so changing the pcv valve hasn't really helped that much.

[@kenw.1112]

The reason Scotty is so good is because he is honest/Sincere about helping people with car problems. He has been there and done that. Very experienced automotive technician.

[@MrDmadness]

guy has literally saved me thousands of dollars. and not just informative but entertaining.

[@vaylenecharley3821]

Any brand will work??

[@MrDmadness]

@@vaylenecharley3821 yup, got mine from wal mart. I did it twice on my spectra and once on the wifes focus, both cars running better now,

[@christophermiller4550]

I agree I've learned alot through scotty I wish he was my next door neighbor so I could get first hand advice as much trouble as my charger's been giving me

[@MrDmadness]

@@christophermiller4550 hahaha, the flip side is that you would have to listen to scotty bashing your ride all the time ... unless toyota

[@vbanks1956]

Mr Kilmer YOUR IDEA WORKS! i just put the thinner in my vehicle like you said and the code is GONE 2/15/2019 THANK YOU.

[@atx23gurl]

Did the light go off by itself or did you mnually reset it?

[@vbanks1956]

@@atx23gurl I just put-the thinner in I did nothing else

[@plasamagirl]

What kind or brand of thinner did you use

[@vbanks1956]

@@plasamagirl i got it from Walmart

[@adrianmartinez-ye3nk]

How much did you put in as far as compared to what was in your fuel tank ?

[@onyeilonyeil9468]

Mr Kilmer, whoever has you as their mechanic should really thank God. Ur a gem

[@JT-rb9wr]

Thank you so much Scotty I tried the Lacquer Thinner running for 30 min & it worked. The check engine light went of on it's own after a few days. Then I drove my car over the weekend & passed my emissions test Monday morning. Thanks again.

[@TikTok-fs4se]

Would that not affect the engine? Sorry if its a dum question.

[@TopHoustonHomes]

What kind of car do you have?

[@JT-rb9wr]

2003 Honda Civic LX

[@josephwooten4363]

What brand of thinner did you use?

[@JT-rb9wr]

@@josephwooten4363 I used Klean-Strip1 Gal. Lacquer Thinner - South Coast Formula. I just grabbed the one they had available. Hope that helped.

[@imonittonite]

When I get the 420 code, I break out the bong, and forget about the cat.

[@BrianOfAteionas]

That's what I've done for the last month, but even I'm not too lazy to put some lacquer thinner in my tank lol Gonna give it a shot today.

[@stevekooz5240]

@@BrianOfAteionas did it work?

[@BrianOfAteionas]

@@stevekooz5240 Nope. It was too far gone. Ended up replacing the cat with a bolt in option from Rock Auto. Made by Eastern Catalytic. Replaced O2 sensors with high quality. Still spent less that even just the OEM cat itself would have costed. Everything is perfect so far.

[@JoBar12006]

LOLOL I think Scotty got beamed up as well when he made this video.

[@shawnl9545]

Lmao

[@Chucez]

Scotty, I'm so glad that you posted this. I was in a bind and needing my daily to pass emissions. I replaced both front and rear o2 sensors on my 2001 Subaru and the check engine light was still on. I tried cataclean, CRC guaranteed to pass,and neither of those could stop The p0420 from lighting up. Today, I put 3gal of 100 octane in the tank to have half a tank full of 91 and 100 octane gas. Then I added the gallon of lacquer thinner and drive around for 20 miles at 4k -5k rpm. The light was still on, so I decided to take my wife and daughter out for a family date, and put some miles on car. So I cleared the trouble codes and I figured I'd wait to see if the light comes back. After 1.5 hours of driving, I was able to go through all the drive cycles and clear the readiness monitors -and the check engine light stayed off. I took it to the smog check station and passed the test! Thanks Scotty!

[@HN-gj2iq]

Did the light came back on after few days?

[@doranvee5944]

I'm out of state. Wife calls and says light came on. O'Reilly Auto Parrs checked and says Cat. ... Going to send your testimony and Scotty video to her. She will parade around like she fixed the car! Woo-hoo!

[@Tommy_Gibbs_II]

@@doranvee5944 how'd it go with the wife and the catalytic converter

[@doranvee5944]

@@Tommy_Gibbs_II my wife, "the mechanic," is waiting for me to come home. I knew it was too good to be true. Ha!

[@jasm8913]

@@Angels_Are_Vengeful I prepared ahead with rags and plastic bag as I knew lacquer thinner will ruin the paint. Never got any thinner on my vehicle and I cleared the code...

[@JuanMartinez-hu6jk]

Lots of people wondering if lacquer thinner will ruin your engine or any other related parts. From experience, I ran 2 gallons of straight lacquer thinner in the tank when I ran out of gas on a deserted road. The car ran great. Never had any issues after that, so I’m trying this on my Accord.

[@3rrorllvllrt]

Did you try on your accord ?

[@josephwooten4363]

What brand? Not one with acetone right? Or does it matter?

[@Eye-it-azz]

@@josephwooten4363 What do you think lacquer thinner is ?

[@josephwooten4363]

@Kronik Maths debater I was unaware if there were different kinds of lacquer thinner available as I have never used the stuff. Furthermore, is it far-fetched for one to have questions on a topic where answers are so divided? Some say "Yes it works!" Others say,"Absolutely do NOT do this!"

[@hhelmejor5485]

With all due respect, I think you're trying to brown nose good ol' Scotty

[@imjunmooteah]

My 05 Odyssey just got the CEL on 9/6/2023. The code reader shows P0420. I went to Lowe's and bought 1 gallon of Jasco Lacquer Thinner ($19) and put in a half-full tank of gas per Scotty's recommendation. Today, 9/8/2023, I drove 37 miles on the highway to go to work. At noon I went out to lunch and that CEL light is GONE!!!!!! I still have almost 1/2 tank left to continue cleaning the crap out of the cat. Many thanks, Scotty. LOL

[@marvelousjoe]

Did you use the fast drying lacquer or slow drying? Don’t know if this makes a difference or not but I thought I’d ask.

[@theresistantculture5229]

Hey Scotty! I just have to get this out to the public because there is nothing on the internet or youtube that supports the lacquer method, the Lacquer thinner method does in fact work ! I didn't even have to take off the catalytic converter to soak in soapy water. I poured 1 gallon into my half tank. I was fucking scared at first because I poured it right when I bought the lacquer thinner outside the home depot parking lot and all the mexicans outside were looking at me weird and saying that I will ruin my vehicle, but after driving it for 30 miles that check engine light code P0420 went off! My next option was to replace the O2 sensor but the lacquer thinner did in fact save me alot of money. I am so glad that scotty put this video on youtube. I literally do not have any words to describe my thankfulness. Thanks a million!

[@igloo8439]

Thanks for the sharing, I'm definately gonna give this a try tomorrow.

[@nyc2cuse]

Sergio Alcaraz what kind of car do you have? what codes did u have up?

[@yourface3154]

nyc2cuse Read his post.

[@edwinsm2009OriginalSongs]

Hi Sergio, What kind of car do you have? I have a Honda Civic Hybrid 2008. Do you think a hybrid could handlea lacquer thinner?. Hoping for your reply. Thanks.

[@terkoes]

Hi Edwin!, you already dealt with this in your car. Is that I have one the same and I would like to know first. Thanks

[@adanavalos3454]

Sometimes i seriously wonder wtf i would do without Scotty's videos... The only channel worth a subscription that isn't dumb things i find on the internet

[@MrDmadness]

just found this channel and just bough a reaaaaly cheap used car, a 2007 kia, under 150,000 km on it. i have been watching all his videos all day. I got this car fos a few undred bucks cause the original owner was quoted something like 1700 bucks for a cat, thing has zero lack of power now, also had a parasitic battery drain that Another one of his videos showed me the best way to find, and i did, thing runs like a top now, original owner lost out on that sale and I am such a happy camper right now. :)

[@Morehills840]

@@MrDmadness That is the way to do it. Smart thinking.

[@MrDmadness]

@@Morehills840 I have a man crush on scotty for his sound advice and honesty. Scotty is THE man for car repair. :)

[@chrissexton6634]

Honestly. Him and my uncle's teachings I wouldn't know anything about cars lol

[@rogerjoseph2532]

yes he's the greatest

[@franciscoguzman4450]

Just wanted to share my experience. And say thanks to Scotty. I tried cataclean first and after 100 miles my check engine light came back. Then I tried 1 gallon of lacquer and after 300 miles my check engine came back. Thank goodness my car is a flex fuel model because I heard that will also help clean my catalytic converter. After 2000 miles my scanner reported my smog system was ready for smog and I passed my smog test . 1000 miles was all freeway and using flex fuel. Be persistent and don’t give up after 1 attempt. Your cat may just need more time and additive to get the job done…. Passed smog and saved 1500 bucks…

[@TanManFixes]

Scotty, you are a legend. This DOES WORK ! For any people wondering, just try it. Only took $20 for a gallon of LT, and 130 miles of drive time !

[@PapiDoesIt]

I wish I had seen this $700 ago.

[@qasimmir7117]

Oops.

[@danielardoin5100]

mine costs 2900 -.-

[@basshead1627]

😂😂😂 me too

[@bavarian3450]

5000? you got ripped off, no way a cat is 5000, that's like the value of the car

[@45wyatt1]

I stuck with an03 honda pilot it's easy to work on!

[@chongtxtx]

Dude, I just wanted to say that I followed this and ran my car for 225 miles and the check engine light went off. Thank you very much for this. I love this channel.

[@natesmith3762]

Anything happen after

[@JoeKnowTech]

I'd like to know if that laquer thinner melted any of the plastic parts inside of fuel system.

[@vladimirsamsonov46]

As always, Scotty answers any question I can possibly have, in a short understandable video. What a legend.

[@christianfrey7956]

fr tho 😂

[@Just_Wil]

Worked for me! 2013 Infiniti JX35 p0430 for the past year. Half tank of gas, one gal of thinner. Drove until low gas light came on(about 200miles) cleared codes with scan tool, drove until every monitor was ready. Codes did not come back! Emissions passed! Thanks Scotty!

[@DigitalLoom]

does it matter what thinner you use?

[@drphdzoidberg]

I like this guys energy and enthusiasm

[@scrateshooter]

Kinda like Billy Mays

[@jquest43]

+Scrateshooter yeah but billy was powered by gofast powder!

[@ebe-hero7052]

You sound like a child or a woman

[@heekyukim2075]

Space Warrior go back to the space you keyboard warrior

[@marcello033]

Yes

[@martyshimp871]

Brian Shimp 1 second ago As a person who is 53 years old and has worked on engines since age 10, I thought the suggestion of lacquer thinner in my gas tank was crazy. Our 2005 Toyota Sienna had the check engine light on and had just failed the PA emissions test. The Toyota dealer wanted over $1300.00 to replace the 2 converters on our van. I was planning on doing the job myself but I read on the internet about cleaning them. The more I read about this working for a lot of people and after considering what chemicals are in intake cleaner, I decided to try it. I added 1 gallon of thinner to 10 gallons of gas and we ran that through. Light still on. I thought that the van ran the same with the thinner as normal so I tried the process a second time. Within 2 days, the light went out on its own. it had been on for 9 months straight before the thinner. Definitely, something positive has happened with the thinner. Moral of the story, always keep an open mind and follow directions. For $9.00 a gallon for the thinner, this was great.

[@heywatchthis1992]

Have you had any negative things happen due to the thinner, such as eat your fuel pump or injectors up or break down any rubber on the inside of a fuel hose such as the filler neck or anything on down the line?

[@the.internet]

@@heywatchthis1992 the only time I've seen rubbers being eaten by it is where people haven't followed the 1 to 10 rule and filled it 50/50. Try Cataclean first. If no luck, give this baby a go.

[@ticesine6589]

@@the.internet what did scotty mean a half tank plus 1 gallon ,

[@hpt08]

@@heywatchthis1992 you can always try an intake cleaner. That's basically an acetone/lacquer thinner too. It also cleans the cat as it passes through the exhaust system.

[@mace422004]

I have had friends put two small bottles of alcohol in the tank with a fill up of 93 octane and clear the codes.

[@albertonunez851]

My mom's 2008 Acadia had the same problem. And HELL YEAH it worked for her as well! Runs better and picks up faster! Scotty again saving me thousands. Thank you.

[@adamc2300]

Did you put lacquer thinner in the gas tank or take it off and wash it

[@chrisfowler9988]

I didn't think this was going to work and was skeptical about putting 1 gallon of lacquer thinner in a 2014 Ford Focus. I did and guess what, I worked. NO more engine light for a week and it runs perfectly. Scotty, you are very good in giving information to people to help them save money. I saved $1050.00 and did not have to spend money on cleaning a fuel system. Thanks a bunch Scotty and keep doing what you are doing. God bless.

[@jacobeisenhut6483]

Did you fill up your whole tank since its a smaller tank?

[@OnTheOpenRoad]

OMG! THIS JUST WORKED FOR ME! April 8, 2019. Thank you for savings me $2774 Scotty! DIY 💪My wife’s ‘08 Jeep Commander has had the check engine light on for nearly 3 years now. The Jeep Dealer in quoted us between $2400 and $2800 to replace the catalytic converter. I said no, because the car’s performance didn’t seem injured, and that I would eventually do it myself (after market part about $400). That said, it’s no easy job, I’ve just never gotten around to it. Well, decided I was going to do the replacement. had seen your video previously but was very nervous about trying this. Well, after much online research, I decided to give it a shot before ordering parts. SO GLAD I DID!!! With a nervous tension, I poured a $13 can of Laquer Thinner that I got in the paint section of Walmart, into the gas tank. Well, a can and a half actually (so, $26), as we had about 15 gallons of gas in the car, and the perceived ideal ratio is 1:10, laquer to gas. Then we drove the car around for about 80 to 90 miles last night and tonight. Well, about 5 miles ago, BAM! Problem resolved. I ran the diagnostics again (I use the Bluetooth FIXD tool, although this one is cheap and I will eventually upgrade to something more functional), and the P0430 Catalyst engine error is now gone!!! Wow!!! Just WOW! I must admit I was scared about doing this, but...the science prevailed and I did it. Again, thank you!

[@louf7178]

Thanks for the results. As preventative maintenance, I am still wary. Do know anything about effects on: Plastics Rubber O2 sensor Per-ignition rich/lean burning (timing)?

[@pdr5926]

@@louf7178 I think it's not meant as preventive maintenance; only for when the fault code is triggered. Remember, if ain't broke don't fix it!

[@louf7178]

@@pdr5926 Yes, I have learned not to do that. I do have random misfires (125,000 mi., all original), and this may help. Thx!

[@pdr5926]

@@louf7178 Change your spark plugs if you haven't done so already. If this does not solve the misfires then you'd have to look deeper into the issue. Wrong AFR due to a clogged fuel filter, injectors or a bad lambda sensor to start with. My 02.

[@louf7178]

@@pdr5926 Thx, Pablo.

[@robb7656]

I had renamed my 2004 Grand Am (88k miles 3.4 V6) the GrandAmnit because for the last year it progressively ran worse and worse. Wouldn't idle, stalled, hesitated, no throttle response. Replaced MAF, MAS, TPS, ICS. Didn't work. One gallon lacquer thinner, 10 minutes later it was running and runs like new. Incredible, thanks Scotty.

[@ScottPorterMusic]

I can’t freaking believe it, this actually worked!!! Saved me $2,300. Thank you so much Scotty! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@Is-there_a-ChristianGod]

Did it aff power back to your car

[@user-gx2hi6kd1z]

Can you put a picture or the name of the product I will be grateful to you and does it work with Honda Accord

[@MrMojomason]

Scotty your a life saver. I wouldn't consider myself anything close to a mechanic but I know how to read a scanner and iv been working on my car for almost 4 months trying to figure out what was going on with it causing it to misfire. It kept me up at night. The other day I finally realized the o2 sensor on the cat was malfunctioning and not throwing a code that it should have. Through trial and error I decided that had to be it. And I found this video. Within 15 minutes of the laquer thinner being in the car the missfire was gone and running like a dream. Thank you so much!

[@tsaffran]

be careful with those misfires it could be an early sign of head gasket

[@JDMJACOB1]

Scotty, I'm in deep gratitude to you. It was time to smog my '99 Camry with roughly 200k miles and the dreaded p0420 came on. I brought home a gallon of lac thinner poured it in with about half a tank of gas. Then took the car out on a 40 Min drive on the freeway, but the light was still on. Fortunately the next day when I went to fill up, no check engine light and no more p0420!! Thanks, Scotty

[@dubonbonceleste17]

I'm about to do it, crossings my fingers..... This comment is making me feel a lot more confortable

[@Steven-gv1ke]

My buddy has a 2009 Honda Accord with 196k miles. His car started lagging and wouldn't accelerate more than 2200 rpms without choking and sputtering. He was told by multiple mechanics he needs a new catalytic converter and that its clogged. With nothing to lose we tried putting 1 gallon of lacquer thinner in the tank with a half a tank of fuel. The light turned off after 100 miles and the car runs better than ever now. We can't believe this worked but it does!!!

[@sonnam4769]

Steven Pace is there a prefer brand for lacque thinner? Or you just choose whatever

[@ezrawilson6986]

Scotty’s right again! My check engine light came on a couple of days ago, and I poured a gallon of lacquer thinner into the tank, drove 100+ miles on the highway, and reset the trouble code. The check engine light is still off and my 2018 Nissan Frontier is getting better gas mileage than ever. Thanks, Scotty! You saved me $1500.

[@glen193]

Scotty, you just earned a subscriber. Check engine light came on near a year ago on an '04 Toyota Camry. Was told I needed a new cat for $900 plus, and was unable to pass emissions inspection in NC. Tried the laquer thinner suggestion, figuring I had nothing to lose. The CE light went off after approximately 60 miles. I put an additional 300 miles on the car, and this morning pulled into the inspection station. I passed the inspection. Much respect, and thank you!

[@codyblackdc4]

Just got the same on my 07 Camry they said $1300 I’m hoping this works 🙏🏻

[@lailsonclaudiopgomes986]

​@codyblackdc4, please let me know if that worked

[@caspersmith9103]

Had to replace an ignition coil on my 1995 Toyota corolla. Failed emissions at 380 hydrocarbons with 220 being the max allowed. Removed the catalytic converter and put in a bucket with laundry detergent (about 2 loads equal to) for 24 hours. Removed and rinsed very very well, and replaced with new gaskets. Passed emissions with 214. went from 380 to 214 hydrocarbons. Thank you!! Will be replacing the Catalytic converter soon. this was to get through emissions

[@sandravalani359]

Hi Scotty!!!! I added laquer thinner to my car and took it for a lil drive last night and then for a long highway drive this morning and boy all I can say is does this method really work very well! My car doesn't hestitate when trying to manuover to high speeds and she is performing over all much better. It is thanks to so many caring people like you on the Internet that I shall also now be able to assist others who are experiencing the same difficulty with their vehicles. My car...who I call Faith Pampered Princess Lil Jalopy sais thankyou Scotty!!!! You totally Rock and thanks for being such an awesome teacher to learn from. May lots of great happiness come your way for spoiling Humanity rotten with your wonderful tips!!!!!!!!

[@fumie78]

what brand of lacquer thinner did you use?

[@sandravalani359]

I bought it from Canadian Tire...sorry didn't keep track of the brand name. I bought 2 x2litrs @ 18.95 each. Goodluck...cleaning your catalytic converter!!!

[@jaytaylor26newbi]

sandra valani how much did u put in?

[@sandravalani359]

Hi James...2 x 2 litres. But plz do it with only about a quarter or one eighth of a tank of gas in the car. I had to do this method with my car being very full of gas as it was running extremely rough and I couldn't afford a new catalytic converter. It is Halloween today and my lil car kid is acting like a kitten....simply running on great energy!!! Scotty's advice was awesome!!!!

[@edwinsm2009OriginalSongs]

Hi Sandra, what car do you have? Mine is a 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid and my check engine just lit up yesterday and when I had checked yesterday 01/30/17, it was saying that I have a catalytic converter problem. I'm thinking of using the pure lacquer thinner on my car, but not sure if it's for a Honda Hybrid. fixing or replacing a catalytic converter is expensive:( Hope you can give me suggetions. Thanks.

[@Twoyutes74]

2011 Subaru Impreza 420 code cleared using Scotty's ratio of thinner to gas tank, and a 130 mile highway drive. Scotty saved me the $1600 quote a garage gave for their reccomendation to replace my CAT and exhaust. LOL! Scotty wins youtube. Saving us REAL money and educating us. Thank you Scotty for setting us FREE!

[@Twoyutes74]

Update: The 420 code came back on two days and 50+ miles after the lacquer thinner was used up. later, but I passed my inspection before then, so I'm happy. I hope it works next year too.

[@t-fuelernienotoriousmisfit7449]

I have a Honda Pilot 2007 and the engine light came on with the inefficiency catalytic converter code set. Tried the lacquer thinner and it worked perfectly pasted CA smog. Thank you Scotty 💥😃💯

[@raoulcruz4404]

Thanks, Scotty. Lacquer thinner worked for me. CEL had been on for a year. '03 Dodge Intrepid, 176K miles. 3/4 gallon lacquer thinner with about 13 gallons gas. Drove about 100 miles. CEL went out, car passed inspection this morning. I owe ya' dude.

[@ValiantATHLETE]

Raoul Cruz did you drive that 100 miles straight or just throughout the week?

[@diofer8728]

Can i use any laquer tinner??

[@yotarzan1]

I tried this on my wife's 2004 Beetle and it worked! Smog passed ok , no engine light and no issues 2 months later. Thanks!

[@jwillmywayful]

FOREVER GREAT FULL! I trust Scotty's advice very much but this one I couldn't be sure about. The check engine light came on my 2018 Chevy Silverado at 118000 miles. Wasn't sure this would work for me as this video is ten years old and made no mention of trucks, especially newer ones with Y exhaust and multiple Banks (catalytic converters). I had to try it a couple times (3), increasing the amount of thinner each time. As they say, third time's the charm. No more check engine light and it only cost about $100 unlike the $3000 + it would have cost me to replace the catalytic converters. Scotty! You've saded me thousands of dollars over the years but this one I'm most great full for!

[@omarramirez6632]

How much Thinner to Fuel did you use?

[@lowzb9685]

I just added a gallon to my 2016 Chrysler 300, let’s see what happens

[@racingkid]

@@lowzb9685 did it work?

[@chazbchaz5036]

@@lowzb9685 ? How’d it turn out

[@jeffreybostian8767]

My car is a 2010 Volvo with about 191 thousand miles, and the check engine light came on -- the dreaded P0420 and P0430 codes. I talked to my regualr mchanic about it, and he told me, given the car's age and mileage, I should do nothing but make sure the code is cleared before my next inspection. I had about 2/3 a tank of gas, and the car has a fairly large tank, so I put in about 1 1/2 gallons of lacquer thinner in, and I drove a little more than 200 miles with the car almost constantly at 3,000 RPMs. The check engine light was still on until tonight -- 2 days after the drive. I turned the car on, and the light was out. I had spoken to different mechanics, and other than my regular one, they all told me not to put lacquer thinner in. Thank you, Scotty!

[@carguy6954]

This man, Scotty, is amazing. He really knows his stuff. A new CARB cat for my Grand Cherokee would have been $1450 + labor. I pick up a gallon of lacquer thinner and put it in with 9 gallons of gas and go for a 125 mile drive and CEL is still out, gas mileage is up and engine is running better. Thank you Scotty, you saved me a ton of money!!

[@anthonyg9389]

Did the CEL ever come back on?

[@arttafil6792]

Scotty, what I like about your channel is that you know “old timey” repairs.

[@mayanmejia7050]

Hey Scotty ✌🏻THANK YOU! I have a 2005 Cardiac SRX, converter was knocking something terrible. Car wasn't getting enough power to climb hills. 1/2 gallon lacquer thinner did the trick. I didn't have the time to run it 100/150 miles, but let it idol for 45 min @2500rmp. Still was knocking. I reached the bottom of my tank on day 4, that's when the knocking STOPPED. I drained the power like you said. Check engine light is off and car is running smoothly again. THANK YOU for sharing ALL OF YOU TIPS AND TRICKS! SAVED ME APPROXIMATELY 800 BUCKS👍🏼 (this time) YOU ROCK💥💯💢

[@okristynne]

So glad I did this. Saved $500+ to have mine removed and cleaned. Added laquer thinner, codes cleared a few days ago, just in time for inspection, passed and I'm good to go! 🙂 Happy camper here!

[@JohnDoe-hc6sf]

Did the code ever come back !?!?!

[@janimize-3066]

Does it take a few takes for the code to clear when u put the cleaner in

[@okristynne]

@@JohnDoe-hc6sf no the codes didn't come back. I did sell the car to a few months ago to a mechanic though and when I told him that I did this, he was very amused.

[@okristynne]

@@janimize-3066 no, just one time. I didn't skimp on the amount. I drove it for a few days before the codes cleared.

[@janimize-3066]

@@okristynne ye I’ve put the fluid in and it’s been in a day the code hasn’t cleared yet even after a big drive just wondered if it can take a few days

[@cwright91685]

So glad I found this video. My 03 Camry goes through oil like crazy and it caused my Catalytic converter to show this code. I did exactly 1/2 tank of gas to 1 gallon of Kleanstrip Lacquer thinner. By the time the low gas light came on the check engine light was gone. Totally blown away with this and glad I don’t have to replace the cat. Thanks Scotty

[@alos7941]

Hello have you gotten any issues? Considering this on my 2004 camry 135k Miles

[@hellohello8556]

Wow!

[@cwright91685]

No issues from doing what Scotty suggested. The vehicle eventually required a new catalytic converter but that was almost 9 months and 20,000 miles after cleaning it. At that point the vehicle had roughly 200k miles on it and had been burning oil for years.

[@stanza77]

@@cwright91685 off topic But did you end up addressing the oil burning?

[@cwright91685]

@@stanza77 No I didn’t. It still burns oil. It would require a rebuild and I can’t justify that cost.

[@zigzag2450]

THIS WORKED. My car is super gas efficient so I had to drive it for about 3 hours, but the check engine light TURNED OFF. Thank you Scotty!!! You saved me $1,000

[@stkbloc9717]

What kinda car you got looking for my first car now

[@CAESARbonds]

If you don’t care about street credibility, get a used Prius 2 (2004-2009) They are super reliable and super cheap on gas. They almost never break run as Taxi for over 500,000 miles easy. And repairs are also an very easy thing. Yes it is an eco car, but with spirited driving it really goes. Lots of torque. Toyota sold so many of them so used ones are plenty and cheap

[@suphahameh5712]

No way your car didn't break down a month after doing this?

[@peteholowaty8110]

You're awesome Scotty! I just did this to my sons 2006 Xterra and it WORKED! Check engine light gone! You saved me a ton of money over the years! Thanks again Scotty.

[@cjackfly]

My Yota is 2006 so I guess I'll try this.

[@micahmarsden3538]

Hey, Pete, it's good to hear this worked for you. I also have a 2006 Xterra throwing codes. Got any updates?

[@cheryllwilliams3335]

Did the issue return?

[@soso31805]

Scotty You Are The MAN. My son fixed my car doing this yesterday, And today it passed Smog. Thanks

[@yeaboi8569]

Nobody: Scotty after every sentence: 😐

[@pramos8973]

Won't ever be the same now lol

[@khaled6100]

Now i can't unsee it

[@khaled6100]

Man i still laughing wtf

[@yazroce8401]

😂😂😂

[@Waynyce]

🤦🏾‍♂️

[@tyanite1]

I took off the Cat and soaked it overnight in the product, Purple Power. Pure product. No water. Eats everything, even paint. USE GLOVES. Clean as a whistle. Codes gone. Thanks, Scotty.

[@champagne-booking2416]

Did you used water the day after? Or just purple power. Want to try this also. (2 cat for the mercedes c43amg) Thanks.

[@nelsoncanelas1978]

Did you use 1 gallon or more?

[@jimb4404]

I used Scottys idea of 1 gallon of lacquer thinner to 1/2 tank of gas on my Lexus. Cleaned the cat. Passed smog check (finally)

[@danielestrada7884]

@@jimb4404 I have a 2011 is250 with p0420 and thinking about doing this. Did you clear the code before pouring the lacquer thinner? Did you have any other codes?

[@kayclifton5983]

You're the man Scotty, I had what I thought was oil spewing from tailpipe but was soot and just did this trick and it really works.

[@miclarry2009]

I tried to lacquer in my gas tank and it worked!!!! Thank you scotty your the man thank God for you may you blessed

[@michaelbrinkley962]

Hi Scotty Kilmer , as an auto technician for the last 15 years I've never heard of pouring lacquer thinner into the gas tank to clean a catalyst. But I've learned quite a bit from your videos that I'll watch more and more just to learn new things. I'm definitely going to try this technique out really soon . Thanks scotty kilmer

[@jefferymayhann312]

I followed Scotty's instructions to the letter... and nothing happened. I was kind of mad, but hey... I was only out $20 bucks for the gallon of lacquer thinner. But wait! Two days later, my check engine light went off!... I was SO psyched. I had given up on it working... but what do you know, it worked! It just took a couple of days, I guess, for the computer to determine that the cat was performing correctly, and turn off the light. Made my effin' day!

[@Bellathebear777]

@@jefferymayhann312 Hey Jeff, did the light stay off? I think it did. But he'll the heck would I know

[@liaqathayat7647]

did u try?

[@nickking1510]

Old school tricks both Scottie’s and the ones I learned while working at a small town gm dealership in the late 1960ies to mid 1970ies while going to school and college save me a lot of money .

[@DigitalLoom]

@@jefferymayhann312 does it matter what thinner you use?

[@jonflanagan8658]

Tried Cataclean a year ago on my wife's '07 mustang gt, ce light went out for a day or so but returned. did not really worry about it because there is no smog testing here. I was about to relace the cats but was a little worried about it lowering the octane level. Her car is tuned for 89 octane so I put 93 in it with the lacquer thinner. Lacquer thinners are blends and usually cheaper products have lower flash points. Anyway after the first 100 miles I noticed the engine was running smoother but light still on. At about 150 miles I reset the computer and light has not returned.. That was 2 months ago.

[@charlesbosse9669]

John Flanagin, I wasn't sure if the lawyer thinner in the gas tank was a joke. I don't want to try it and end up burning something else up, like gaskets.

[@dr53love]

How'd it end up?

[@dieandlife88]

Despues de 2 años, cuanto tiempo duró sin aparecer el codigo de falla?

[@DL101ca]

@@dieandlife88 No se. El carro se disolvio una semana despues...

[@startamer27073]

Lacquer thinner is cheaper than cataclean and really works

[@stevenhoglund9922]

Just did this on my 2012 Volvo XC70. Worked like a charm. Thanks Scotty for saving me Several Hundred Euro.

[@DavidDelLee]

Came back here 3 months later to say that this worked on my 2009 Yukon! Thank you Scotty!

[@lfinaz4844]

What brand lacquer thinner did you use?

[@mlquillin]

Never got the P0420 code, but my 2000 Honda Accord had 200k miles on it. Gave this a shot and drove 120 miles at highway speeds, and my car is running like a dream now! It idles much smoother and has much more pep. Thanks, Scotty!

[@DigitalLoom]

does it matter what thinner you use?

[@Sovereignquality]

The thinner has to be lacquer thinner.

[@50calBeowulf]

Just worked for me! June '19, my '09 Ford Flex 145,000 miles running like new, 1 gallon of lacquer thinner into half a tank of gas, followed by 30 minutes of freeway driving, ~60 miles later the engine light is off. Thanks Scotty!

[@deezyfosho]

U poured lacquer thinner in your gas tank n it worked? Wat actually happened wit your truck. Did it run better

[@mcsew2k]

You drove 60 miles in 30 minutes; that's 120 mph!?!!?!

[@markatyson9506]

Scotty you are a LIFE SAVER! I did this and it TOTALLY WORKED! After about a quarter of a tank my check engine light went off!

[@user-tb2wz1tr8y]

There's a reason there are 4+ million views for this. I tried this last night on my '99 VW GTI Vr6. One gallon thinner to just over half a tank of gas (about 8-9 gallons). Drove at highway speeds until the gas tank had a gallon left (Approximately 160 miles or so). Filled with high octane gas, which my car requires. The moment after the fill-up and starting the car back up, light came off. Much better vehicle performance as well. At about 108k miles. We'll see how long this lasts. I do know it cleaned the crap out of it. Thank you, Scotty, for saving so many so much money. We all should chip in $$$ to you for all you've done.

[@alvarodelsolar7967]

I used a gallon of lacquer thinner for my Volvo S60 2.5t with a code P0420, and it works really well. I did the "drive cycle" from volvo manufacture specification and then left my car rest overnight. Today in the morning I checked the computer with my scanner and the code is gone, and all the monitors ready for inspection. I am really happy. Thanks so much Scotty

[@ptatohed4471]

Well, I had a P0420 on my '05 Odyssey for months. I was past due on registration because I couldn't smog it. I did this trick and passed CA smog! I have to say I did a few other things along with this so I can't say with 100% assurance that it was the lacquer thinner that solely did the trick but I will say that after doing the other things (Sea Foam, etc.), the Check Engine Light (CEL) came on less but after the lacquer thinner, it stopped coming on at all. Put 1 gallon of thinner (Lowe's, $20) in half a tank and drove to Six Flags Magic Mountain and back on a Friday (over 100 miles each way). Then filled up with Chevron with Techron 91 octane just for the heck of it and passed smog the following Tuesday. CEL still off. So stoked to have current tags, thanks Scotty! :D

[@inaedemarughu8275]

I have an 07 Pilot and I was a lil scared about trying this because I think my cats are severely clogged. We’ll see what happens though!

[@CAESARbonds]

Nothing to be scared of. In the worst case it won’t help. Sometimes the cat material is molten or broken. But for that price point it is worth a try and it won’t damage the engine. So no worries

[@hollywoodsaint57]

Bro, my lady has a 2006 Honda odyssey and we just bought the $20 lacquer from home depot. We tried the 30 min 2500 rpm. Light is still on. Gonna take it for a spin. In east LA so probably head to Orange County and back.

[@dashcamjourney4599]

@@hollywoodsaint57 did it work??!

[@dashcamjourney4599]

@@inaedemarughu8275 did it work? Thanks

[@darlenewallace1390]

It worked thank you Scotty you are a God-send! We drove a little over 150 miles to the beach and around Daytona on 44 and 90 and then a friend suggested that we take off the negative battery terminal and put it back on and restart the vehicle and it worked! We have a 2002 Sequoia and love it.

[@darlenewallace1390]

The check engine light went off. Now we just need to get the traction lights to turn off.

[@Obetnarvaja]

Thank you Mr Scotty Kilmer, I saved $2,450 for my 2005 sienna. I got this check engine for 8 months, I tried catalytic cleaner but it failed until I watched your video. I followed your instruction and I drove about 97 miles and check engine gone, thank you Mr Kilmer 😊😍

[@cabinman]

Edit: only lasted about a month, I repeated and only lasted about another month. Bought new cats from Rockauto and got a great price, replaced them myself, and that fixed it. The originals had just worn out. This lacquer thinner trick was only temporary. THANK YOU Scotty!!! Saved me $1900 on replacing all 4 cats like the mechanic shop told me needed to be done! 2006 Nissan Pathfinder, 202,000 miles light came on, 1 gal lacquer thinner in 12 gal gas, 220 miles, light went off...stayed off! And it runs better. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@pitchforkpeasant6219]

Any cat issues yet? How long did the lacquer thinner trick last

[@cabinman]

@@pitchforkpeasant6219 maybe a month, repeated and got the same result. replaced Cats and fixed the problem. Bought from Rockauto and got a great price over the local auto parts. Lesson: sometimes things just wear out and you got to replace them.

[@pitchforkpeasant6219]

@@cabinman thx for reply👍👍

[@ofthenile86]

I have a 2002 Nissan Sentra. This lacquer thinner idea worked so well for me! Took it to a garage and they said both of my cats were failing and wanted to charge me $1500 to replace both. I realized my spark plugs were basically completely gone and i figured that maybe the cats needed to be cleaned. Not wanting to dump that much money in it I decided to give this a shot. I had one gallon of lacquer thinner and mixed with 9 gallons of gas. I put that in my tank and drove the recommended 150 miles. I noticed it was running a bit hot. That was the only thing that sketched me out. I'm assuming this is normal. My check engine light went off around the 270 mile mark. The car doesn't run hot anymore either. Thanks for this man, save me a lot of money!

[@bertwelldube7554]

Awesome

[@konstantynkalenyk5182]

Thnak you Scotty! Your method did work out even in Ukraine. I've got P0421 for my Mithsubishi Lancer 9 2006 (186000 km of mileage or 115000 miles). At first I've been using liqui moly stuff - didn't work out, P0421 still light on. And I've been start from 750 ml on Lacquer Thinner for full tank - and after 270 km error disappeared. Thank You a lot!

[@yuchengguo6074]

It worked! 2018 Ford F-150 STX. V6 2.7L Ecoboost engine. Had both 420 and 430 code on. Followed instruction and it surely worked!!

[@lastshiftgarage4416]

I’m not sure what’s crazier.... that this works or I even tried it. 2001 206k mile Subaru, cleared the check engine light p0420 after a 110 mile drive and letting it sit overnight. Thanks Scotty, you’re the man!

[@kimharris5765]

I wish i had seen this months ago My 4 runner starts up then shuts off converter is another thing to check on it. Igh

[@admircosic5343]

Scotty knows what he is talking about ! Old school mechanic , my huge respect . I watched Erick’s the car guy replay on Scotty’s video about trying lacquer thinner . First of all, Scotty never said that lacquer thinner is going to totally clean and fix your cat , he said it might help to clean it , it all depends of how much is clogged and if there isn’t any other issues that caused it to get clogged. Also Eric used only a pint of lacquer thinner with 9 or 10 gallon of gas to clean not one but two clogged cat converters on his Subaru . In my case happened exactly what Scotty was saying , efficiency on my cat ( Scion xB 08 ) dropped a few percent maybe , but enough to throw code for it . I did a tune up myself and followed Scotty’s advice, and it worked . Some people don’t understand , cars have to be maintained in order to run fine and to prevent problems which they can and are going to happen . This is my personal opinion. Greetings to Scotty !

[@scottykilmer]

thanks for the support!

[@lard1892]

Scotty is a used car salesman at best

[@commonsense3673]

@@scottykilmer excactly ! Every time I watch one of your videos , you are saving me a ton of money to which my other half usually takes away from me lol ! But it's the pride of knowing that I did it with your help and common sense ! All the common sense I have received, I received from you and your videos and personal advice 😊 stay alive Scotty or die trying !

[@stephendurling]

Excellent!

[@the.internet]

@@lard1892 your mother is a used car salesman.

[@john4x4drone]

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.

[@god_fricking_dammdit]

Thank you scotty, my code just tripped literally the day after inspection! It was running rich too due to a faulty vent solenoid, so when I drive 150+ for the holidays I'm hoping this stuff can get me in the clear fair & sqaure. You're awesome!

[@chazbchaz5036]

Did it end up going right?

[@trojannacho6366]

Thanks Scotty!!!!!!!!! My 1999 ford taurus didn't pass smog check here in Southern California last week. I had no trouble codes but when I had the smog done I was told" too much condensation in the catalytic converter" and told that I needed to change the cats (572 bucks on RockAutoparts). Saw your video and Eric the car guys try at your method with lacquer. Needless to say, I did it exactly like you said 10:1 ratio gas to lacquer drive to empty. Drove my car to San Diego From Los Angeles with the wife as a field trip and back. 260 miles to empty tank. Refilled tank and then got it smogged the next day.Passed with flying colors And the occasional sputtering resolved ( must have had gooped up injector or something). Thanks for your videos. I al;so did your cigar me3thod for detecting exhaust leak..... worked again. Scotty, you are the man.

[@dubistverrueckt]

+trojan nacho Exactly what kind of lacquer thinner did you use? I live in Southern California also, and there seem to be laws against them. What brand did you use and what store did you buy it at, please?

[@trojannacho6366]

I used Kleen strip lacquer thinner. Bought it at Home Depot $ 18.00 for a gallon. Have 13 gallon tank in my car and tank was about empty put in the lacquer at the gas station then filled it up. It worked great. Granted this.... 1999 Ford Taurus with 105,000 miles was garaged for about 5 years and started driving it 2 years ago. So my cat was just dirty and not totally gunked up or broken. While I was driving to San Diego after about 60 miles, the idle smoothed out for me. And now the car engine purrs awesome like. My son now drives this car in Arizona while he is in college at ASU. Good luck if your car has over 150- 200,000 miles may not work for you but give it a try. If this doesn't work , the cats lean won't work also. Suerte hermano. Nacho

[@l31007]

+trojan nacho Didn't Scotty say to use Half a Tank with One Gallon of lacquer thinner?

[@TheWilferch]

@@l31007 ...tank sizes vary. Small car may have a 12 gallon fuel tank....large cars maybe 20-25 gallon size. Just put in the CONCENTRATION he advises.... 1 gal thinner for every 9-10 gals of fuel.

[@stevenrhee4940]

I tried this and it works . I have real-time diagnostics on the sensors whilst driving and can confirm it worked on the FJ Cruiser which has 4 cats on the V6. Also the fuel economy has gone from an average of 16.7 litres per 100klm to 14 litres per 100klm. Thanks Scotty. In Australia , the manifold and cats are sold per bank and fully installed genuine is around $4000. I did change one lazy o2 sensor .

[@spacepope87]

That's a drastic improvement in fuel economy. That's the reason I'm trying it out. Recently my car has been burnjng through more fuel.

[@montydaniels1054]

Steven, here in Michigan there's like this auto junkyard but this one is pretty much all good vehicles. Some wrecks but 95% all in good shape. It's called U-Pull Auto Parts. You pay a entrance fee of like $7, then you go through the building into the yard & go see if your part or parts are there. they have a list of the rows & the vehicles in that row. There an engine & trans complete are $300-$500. Small parts, including cats are under $30-$40. I've bought alternators for $10 & $15. Tires [good street legal] on nice rims usually run under $400, with just tires at 80% tread & up run $150-$250 for a set of 4. If I need some parts & the weather is good, I'll head there on a Saturday or Sunday & hunt around. It's a cool way to spend a day. Once my vehicle gets in, I'm gonna grab two doors because the doors on my Jeep are rotted at the bottom. It's a common Michigan, or as we call it in this part of the country, ''The Rust Belt''.

[@ericshaw7859]

@@montydaniels1054 They need these in Ontario, Canada. The muffin top to your rust belt lol

[@sharris2516]

@@montydaniels1054 You'll never find a catalytic converter, they take them off and send them to salvage for $$$

[@hhelmejor5485]

16.7 to 14 is an improvement? I must be high on something

[@philtran2222]

Scotty you are the best!! Thank you for the tip. I have a Honda element with about 150k miles and the exhaust fumes smells bad. After trying you treatment, my engines idles better, drives better and the exhaust smell improved. Thanks again 🫡

[@BrymeyTube]

THIS WORKED FOR ME! DISCLAIMER: I had to replace the entire set of oring grommets on all of my fuel injectors. At 20 min of driving, car quit and left me on the side of the road. Gas was squirting out two different fuel injector ports. Make sure that your fuel injectors have new orings on them if you do this. The solvent and extra heat causes the old worn gaskets to blow.

[@myblacklab7]

Yikes! That's ng. Thanks for sharing your experience - I hope your car is good now.

[@hhelmejor5485]

, Why are you the only one reporting this and everybody else has done OK?

[@R.L.KRANESCHRADTT]

Curious, what make/model is your car?

[@jayyoo866]

It worked on my car. I did it twice. The second time was it. I ran about 170 miles yesterday and this morning the engine light was disappeared. It was totally worth to try. Thank you, Mr. Kilmer.

[@craiglist308]

how long did it last? 2 years?

[@MajorQuinn50]

You can use any paint thinner?

[@blass5506]

Jay how much thinner have you used it? Do I need to fill the tank? Or how much gasoline and how Much thinner please reply thank you !

[@jayyoo866]

@@craiglist308 6 month

[@jayyoo866]

@@MajorQuinn50 I guess so. I purchased them from Walmart.

[@tnomrev007]

I've been doing the Lacquer Thinner procedure now for over 4 years, originally to clear the P0420; but now as my annual preventative maintenance on a Volvo S60. I'm now at 267,000 miles on the original Catalytic Converter. The Fore and Aft Oxygen Sensors have bit the dust (due to fatigue) but no blown head gaskets and no more P0420s. Works for me !

[@jeremias4109]

My car had a strong sulfur type of smell coming from exhaust and an engine light. After following your steps, took care of it and all is running smooth. I cleared my own code and it never came back on. Thank you!

[@albertonunez851]

HELL YEAH IT WORKS!!! I did it to my 2006 BMW 325I W/N52. One gallon to half tank and a 30 min drive one way. Scotty thank you. Good sir, you saved me thousands! I cannot thank you enough!

[@periii86]

which Lacquer Thinner did you use? I plan to use for my 2005 vw this week. Thx in advance

[@jwd5160]

05 Honda Accord - WORKED! I’m glad I didn’t listen to my friend (mechanic) and took the risk. FTW!

[@moxmann]

Thanks I plan to use it on my 05 Honda Accord but I'm a little scared where did you buy it

[@jwd5160]

Moxman Home Depot. Put the gallon at half a tank and plan to drive on the highway. Light went away after 2 hours of highway driving (not in one shot). When I started the car the next day I was happy I saved money!

[@moxmann]

@@jwd5160 I went to Walmart before I saw this. Unfortunately I've been driving with it for 2 days. The engine light is still on.

[@jwd5160]

Moxman sheesh..with the same code?! Sorry to hear that.

[@reneescarcega7263]

What code did you have? I have the po430 code on 06 accord v6

[@shawnkai532]

I put the thinner on my 2014 ford transit connect after is saw a p0420, drove about 225 miles and the check engine light went off , have just done a state inspection and it passed 2/29/2020. The van has 238k miles and its running 💯 Thanks Scotty for saving me hundreds on repairs

[@davide9658]

Thank you Scotty. I found this video after my car failed an emissions test and followed your recommendation to use lacquer thinner. I was a bit skeptical at first, but was pleasantly surprised to find that it actually WORKED! How cool was that? You saved me a lot of time and money. I love watching your videos and have always believed there is much to be gained from listening to someone who knows their trade, and that you do. Keep up the good work.

[@DigitalLoom]

does it matter what thinner you use?

[@davide9658]

@@DigitalLoom I'd ask Scotty, but I would guess they all have a similar chemical composition. Good luck.

[@DS-sd9er]

@@DigitalLoom Yes it does matter. Use lacquer thinner. He explains why in the video but it's brief.

[@serenitypicnics5916]

Hi what brand did you use

[@davide9658]

I can't remember now. Any brand you find should work as they're probably all the same formulation.

[@jwmustang1]

Scotty you can teach an old dog new tricks. I have a 2011 Honda Ridgeline, bought it with 270,000 mi. Got the fault code at about 280,000 mi. Followed your instructions with the lacquer trick and never got the fault back and it also has better pickup. Thank you

[@johnnydang420]

Has the light came back on?

[@trangdoan6092]

I always like to watch this guy for showing people to fix their car problem. You are making guys happy again.

[@vatermann3]

Worked like a charm for my 99 Chevy Suburban k1500 5.7 liter. I just replaced the cats last year, so I was surprised when I got the P0420 a week ago. I changed the fuel filter and rear O2 sensor first, just to be sure, but I kept getting the code. I just bought a gallon of Klean lacquer thinner from Walmart and added it to a 1/4 tank (40 gal capacity). I cleared the code before I started driving, and it never came back. I only had a chance to drive 30 miles or so. I then filled up the tank and took it on a 1000 mile road trip. No codes. Smooth sailing. Thanks, Scotty.

[@vatermann3]

PS the burb has 192k miles on the original engine.

[@willardweidman6353]

Scotty, thank you love your videos. They have save me so many headaches. Your knowledge of auto mechanics is amazing. Thank you so very much.

[@BigDog-rm4gf]

I swear this guy is so good.. I love watching his videos. Just think about all the money he has saved people over the years, and all the money he is making WOW but he deserves it.😊

[@amuroford985]

The gallon of lacquer thinner worked on my 2007 Toyota Prius with 256,000 miles on it. Almost exactly 150 nonstop miles later, the check engine light came off. Scotty, thank you for saving me and many others thousands of dollars! You are very much appreciated!

[@digitalcurrency4737]

Was your prius getting louder while driving before you did this? My prius is loud from the cat area and I have a cat code

[@amuroford985]

@@digitalcurrency4737 I didn’t notice a significant increase in loudness. Then again, I got my prius at about 120,000 miles. So I don’t know how it sounded initially. The Prius is known for burning oil due to a bad piston ring design, so no matter how often you do this, the problem will return if you don’t address the cause.

[@jacobeisenhut6483]

@@amuroford985 did you fill up your whole tank when using 1 gallon? I only have a 12 gallon tank?

[@amuroford985]

@@jacobeisenhut6483 I use a gallon of lacquer thinner on half a tank or less

[@TheTylerizbeast]

@@amuroford985 what brand of lacquer thinner did you use? Is the code still off?

[@lambo8866]

aight so boom my 2010 audi q7 been throwing this code ever since I got it at 83,000 miles. dealer quoted me at 3 yes $3,000 for a new catalytic converter and other places like a thousand and up. I tried tech the fuel system cleaner (the black bottle from a mechanic recommendation it worked I guess but not for long). the code would come up every couple of weeks go off and then come back in a week or two. I was skeptical at first when I saw this video but I read all you guys comment and some of you guys eased my concerns and I said what the hell lets try it. bought my own car scan tool I had a lil over half a tank I poured lacquer thinner in drove for 150 miles. scan my car computer for any codes and no codes going on week two nothing engine more quiet, better idling and better gas mileage. thank you scotty and everybody in the comments!!!!!!! y'all saved my ass

[@scottykilmer]

+Lifewith Lj glad to hear it, thanks for watching

[@jondia374]

Lifewith Lj Hey man, did the check engine light ever come back on? Thanks

[@tatordude42]

I just got quoted over $11,000 for a new cat at the Lexus dealership. Haha no thanks.

[@jeremiahbuck2450]

What a joke! Scott warns about buying luxury vehicles in one of his videos.

[@SRT92]

Seriously did this really work??

[@wolfwolfawooo589]

My 3rd vehicle and the 2nd time this has worked (couldn’t clean out my old Xterra, but you said they’re notorious for that). Thank you for this Scotty!

[@bmanne7795]

[2021] This worked on a 2004 Saturn Vue 3.5L. NOTE: the check engine light didn't turn off until the tank was ran almost empty and then filled up again. Light has stayed off since. Seems to have done the trick. Put in the lacquer thinner with about 2/3 tank (12 gallons), then drove the tank to almost empty over the course of a few days.

[@iLLKNOTTY]

Tried the lacquer method a day after my check engine light came on and the code was for the catalytic converter. Used gallon of lac and a half tank of gas... reved up the rpm to 2.5 for 30 mins and drove the truck normally afterwards till was about on E. Filled up to another half tank and within a few trips throughout the day the light went off! Scotty giving free game out here! Thanks OG!

[@mcbusinessmonkey]

My Subaru legacy 2000 was backfiring, lagging, choking and sputtering under pressure.. I did this. It bow runs like a new car :). Ready for sale!

[@OneManDreaming]

Darci Ford evil

[@tomkoolman]

One of the most trusted mechanic on YT

[@jimcreech338]

Was getting PO430 code and tried the one gallon of lacquer thinner to half tank of fuel on my 2006 Nissan Pathfinder and service engine soon turned off!!! Thanks Scotty, you are the best!!!

[@chefboydc1]

Thank you so much, the lacquer thinner worked on my 04 jeep grand cherokee. It saved me over $600 dollars. I bought it to two shops and they both said I need a new catilitic converter.

[@damionmorgan3569]

Did you use the thinner on half a tank of gas ?

[@chefboydc1]

@@damionmorgan3569 a quarter tank of gas. Ran down to almost zero. Filled it up after that, no more code. Passed inspection with no problem. It has been about two years with no code.

[@damionmorgan3569]

@@chefboydc1 ok thank you. I have a 06 Mini Cooper S so I will try it this week and see if it works. Ty

[@victorrimey77]

Where do you buy this product at? My light just recently came on

[@chefboydc1]

@@victorrimey77 Hechinger's Hardware for $14 dollars. For a gallon.

[@anthonyc9425]

Scotty, your advice saved me hundreds on replacing the cat on my 2002 BMW 525i with 110k miles on the clock. It was throwing a P0430. Then I poured in a gallon of lacquer thinner I got at Wal-Mart for 13 bucks to about 11 gallons of premium unleaded and drove it for 150 miles straight. The CEL went off and hasn't come back in over 2000 miles! I'm not expecting it to either. I was a bit worried about the thinner doing damage to seals and rubbers, but so far, so good. Thanks, Scotty. God bless!

[@user-gx2hi6kd1z]

Can you put a picture or the name of the product I will be grateful to you and does it work with Honda Accord

[@joesmith9216]

I want to try it, did in the past, but am not willing to drive that far, it's insane, I have a 2007 X3, code you said is p0430? because I think my cat is going, I am at 90k

[@startamer27073]

my chevy traverse was showing me the code PO430 and i put 1 gallon of lacquer thinner in half tank i was exceptical but after 120 milles driving my suv at high speed on the freeway the engine light magically disappeared, the next day i went for the emission test and it passed with flying colors ,3400 miles after and the light still is off, thank you Scotty