Lacquer Thinner in My Gas Tank! Testing Scotty Kilmer Method for Cleaning Catalytic Converter P0420

[@drivingdaily582]

UPDATE! I've been driving the car every day since I did this video. I have not done anything further, filled up a couple times, probably an additional 300-400 miles and something interesting happened today...I'm going to keep driving to make sure it's what it appears to be and I will update soon I have to be honest about the outcome no matter what that outcome is...stay posted!

[@m4rvinmartian]

*Let me know when you replace all the rubber gas lines because the thinner hardened them and they burst.*

[@drivingdaily582]

@@m4rvinmartian I drove it all out in a matter of about 3 hours, then filled up and kept driving, and it was diluted with gasoline I highly doubt that will be an issue but I'll keep you posted if it ever happens. That said, today (about 3 days later) the CEL went away for the code...so...not sure what to make of that, I will post an update video soon...I want to drive it some more to be sure it stays off but the cat seems to have passed the i/m as of now...which I was not expecting. I'll post updates as they come.

[@JoseGonzalez-ed4hq]

But did u ever find out what is wrong with cat ? Was it clogged ? Or just done ?

[@drivingdaily582]

@JoseGonzalez-ed4hq If things stay the way they are as I am typing this, I will probably do an update later today, it's a bit surprising and I want to be sure, I want to make sure I'm documenting this whole thing, even if I have to do multiple updates...

[@Wicked_He_Bad]

Lol will trust you over 50 years of experience ​@@m4rvinmartian

[@People-Business-And-Ideas]

The time I put Lacquer Thinner in my truck. Not only did it fix the code. It ran better than I remember. EVER! So, much so. Since then I do it once a year. Usually, every fall. And then Marvel Mystery oil in the tank during the summer... My vehicles all have over 250,000kms... running strong.

[@drivingdaily582]

@People-Business-And-Ideas make sure to check out the update videos

[@JeepFamilyLife1990]

I'm starting this Playlist right now

[@garyhinchman8029]

.......a little bit of chemistry.......my G-35 mileage had dropped to 13 miles highway so i ran 2 gallons of lacquer thinner through my gas tank over a 150 miles of highway driving and the mileage went up to 23 miles per gallon....also noticed a distinct increase in performance. What the industry doesn't want you to know is that the soot and carbon build up on the cats becomes quite restrictive over time and they need to be cleaned.....interestingly the toluene in the thinner doesn't burn until it reaches into the thousands of degrees, so it goes through the combustion cycle still intact and it is an excellent organic solvent, and cleans your intake values, exhaust valves, catalytic converters, and your muffler quite well. But it needs to be done routinely say every 25,000 miles or so!!!!!!!gh

[@drivingdaily582]

Interesting, thanks for the info...if you get a chance... check out the update video

[@vindpedro9281]

Cataclean catalytic converter cleaner/additive has been working great for me for my Toyota Tacoma with 375k. Check engine light with same code. Engine light goes off by itself. Has saved me several times for smog checks and of course not having to purchase a new catalytic converter. I also recommend Chevron 91 octane with Techron, much improved engine performance.

[@allenrusselljr]

Wow that's awesome miles. What year is it?

[@drivingdaily582]

Cool

[@drivingdaily582]

Definitely check out the update video as this procedure ended up surprising me

[@humbledhands]

This method worked on my 2000 Toyota Camry 2.2l. po420 went off and have been driving for about a year now. Code has not returned and no driving concerns. I would use it again if on another vehicle without being scared. One note I drove 500 miles took about four hours on highway after adding. Beats new cat anyday. Thanks scotty

[@drivingdaily582]

Glad it worked out for you that's awesome. Those Camrys from that era are great cars. Keep it. I did do an update video if you want to check it out, my light ended up going off too!

[@xjesse92x]

A famous song once said "Scotty doesn't know oh Scotty doesn't know"

[@drivingdaily582]

Check the update video

[@ctusser]

Might try Valvoline Restore & Protect oil to help with the oil burning, might mitigate cat issues going forward. I can see why laquer thinner might work, a lot of fuel cleaner additives are just combinations of common chemicals found at hardware stores.

[@drivingdaily582]

@ctusser make sure to check out my update videos on this experiment...I've been seeing the Valvoline Restore & Protect, haven't tried it yet, but it's an interesting product. And you're right, looks like there are a lot of shared chemicals between Laquer thinner and products marketed to do this same thing...thanks for the comment.

[@GlenJS]

Lacquer Thinner does a wonderful job of cleaning deposits off ot the injectors so you should see an improvement in the vehicle's performance and milage.

[@drivingdaily582]

@@GlenJS I wouldn't doubt it...

[@deputydan2226]

It will work only for emissions testing but you're better off using heet cause it has lubricants that wont ruin seals

[@drivingdaily582]

Never heard of that one...but definitely check out the update video...

[@ripsrt6822]

A p0420 code can be triggered by a multitude of things. From coolant sensors to maf sensors to vacuum leaks. Its one of the more in-depth diagnosis there is. We all know a spacer isn't fixing anything. On a side note, I never had a clogged cat throw an efficiency code on the multiple fleets of cabs I've serviced.

[@drivingdaily582]

Check out the update video

[@fastst1]

Couple data points, lacquer thinner and spray carb cleaner are pretty much the same formulation, neither has a specific recipe. Places like Rock auto will offer varying quality on parts like cats and your cat will have value at a salvage yard if the wash doesn't work. My ford catalyst rusted through, the salvage value was more than a replacement cat. Good luck on the wash!! Your scan tool can read the after cat o2 sensor and graph it so you can see what its doing while you are driving. If the before and after sensors look alike after its warmed up, your cat may have taken the dirt nap.

[@drivingdaily582]

Awesome comment I absolutely appreciate that...I was kinda thinking that about the resale of this cat paying for a new one, haha but as you can probably tell trying to clean it is kind of a game at this point so I'll play that out first and bring you all along for the ride, I'm also going to try and get a Borescope and look down the pipe and make sure the substrate is still intact before the next phase of testing, I'm pretty sure when I was watching the sensors they were kinda at different rates, which is why I was thinking there's still something in there...we will find out eventually one way or another...

[@drivingdaily582]

The downstream sensor is definitely hunting, up and down, not as consistent as the upstream bit it's definitely not sitting steady

[@drivingdaily582]

So, not sure what to think of this but I might have to do a little update soon...

[@fastst1]

@@drivingdaily582 That might be the trigger, not sure if you have another or a friend's vehicle to do the same scan on so you have what a good one looks like. If you have a cat pipe with a flex pipe, might want to change the flex if it looks ratty, they have a limited life. I have the same scanner but don't have any of my gas engine vehicles with 2 sensors here to snap a pic of.

[@fixitpro]

I had no issues with my 2010 Sonata (160,000 miles), getting 27 mpg. I did a lacquer clean, 2 quarts, and one month later I'm getting a little over 30 mpg.

[@drivingdaily582]

Awesome! Glad to hear that, you should definitely check out my update video ..I might have wrapped this one up too soon.

[@MikeStavola]

My car was throwing a p0420, so... I replaced the cat with a cheap one. I think it was $70. Put in an old stock $35 wideband o2 sensor, too. And I didn't have to dump any heavy solvents in my fuel system 😬

[@drivingdaily582]

Yep, that's the fix for this, except with a normal sensor...why did you switch to wideband? did you add a A/F ratio gauge? Just wondering

[@samsonevickis]

I'm glad you took the time to test out his video. As most have already said, his advice is mostly junk, but I watch optimistically. Regardless great car for the money!

[@drivingdaily582]

Thanks for watching, absolutely, I love cars like this, park anywhere with no worries about door dings etc. Plus the 3800 engine just keeps on going for the most part. Hondas and toyotas are great from this era for reliability, but I think I would have to add any 3800 series equiped gm to that list, the build quality of the interior and electronics isn't really there, but the reliability is not bad.

[@drivingdaily582]

Might have to do an update video soon, check pinned comment

[@roaringhook]

I had the same problem. But decided to use transmission fluid instead. I read it was great at cleaning carbon. Used a gallon of transmission fluid to a full tank. Did it twice! Haven't seen any engines codes for low catalyst efficency. Or o2 sensors either. Also use it as a motor flush. Every 5 other oil changes! Get the same effect as using sea foam. When I add 1/2 a cup down an air line. To the throttle body intake. Do a hot soak for an hour. Start the car & than smoke the crap out of your neighbors!

[@drivingdaily582]

never heard of that one

[@tombrowder3520]

I believe you have a 3.8 GM. Great and one of the best engines. All engines have a problem. This engine is the intake gasket. If you haven't replaced it with over 200 thousand coolant will seep into the intake causing you catalytic converter to fail. Its typical. Knowing this I replaced my 3.8 gasket at 60 thousand with the updated version.

[@drivingdaily582]

@tombrowder3520 I do need to do the intake gasket you're probably right about that, probably the next service ill do on this car ...thanks!

[@renj6531]

Idk if you drove the car "Normally" ive heard folks say that you really need to get the rpms high, ( be agressive with it) to get it flowing in the system plus get the Cat nice and hot that stuff is the same price as Caticlean but with unknown risks but its great to have a car as a test mule

[@drivingdaily582]

I drove it like I stole it

[@drivingdaily582]

Check update video

[@carwerks101]

nah, O2 spacer after the cat

[@drivingdaily582]

Might come to that eventually lol, but I'm gonna probably explore some more fun things we can do, probably going to take it off next, need to get a Borescope or something and make sure the substrate is actually still there and intact etc. If so I'll try another method of cleaning first...we shall see

[@TheGeneralMotorsGeezer-we3dg]

I've done that with great results.

[@shred1894]

Scotty Kilmer is the Yankee Marshall of the car community.

[@drivingdaily582]

I doubt they know who Yankee Marshall is, dude has the best grips for all his stuff though I'll give him that at least.

[@dajbers]

Great content my friend 🤗🤗

[@drivingdaily582]

@dajbers Thanks for watching, have a great day

[@dajbers]

@@drivingdaily582 🤗🤗

[@dajbers]

@@drivingdaily582 🤗🤗

[@renj6531]

its great to have a car as a test mule

[@drivingdaily582]

I love it

[@The0utmode]

Gut the converter and remove the light bulb for the check engine light problem solved! Unless you live in a state with inspections if that is the case move lol.

[@drivingdaily582]

Lol right, just experimenting... for "science" check out the update video btw

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Here in ny state they check lamp function and readiness. Not an emissions test but part of the safety. Actually i just had mine in for inspection, and they didnt have to plug in so now i can ditch everything. Why? I figured everything obd2 would need to be plugged into ,but nope. Mines a 99 ,so its 25yo now and is "exempt". I was gonna get a nice downpipe and high flow cat,but now ill just gut it and get the tune retuned.

[@The0utmode]

@@MrTheHillfolk Ya new york has the worst car regulations out there luckily I don't live there. Also I like the full obd2 delete

[@mandelstamm]

In North Carolina Emissions Counties the test is performed via OBD-2. No tailpipe test. In NC a car won't pass inspection in any county with the check engine light on.

[@The0utmode]

@@mandelstamm That is dumb wow! If I was a computer nerd I would come up with a way to make a fake computer that reads good but is actually in no way connected to the car lol.

[@Benefits-ix9jy]

what was the ratio gas lacquer thinner. did you do 10-gallon gas to 1 gallon lacquer?

[@drivingdaily582]

@Benefits-ix9jy So I got as close to a half tank as I could, so would have been between 8 and 9 gallons gasoline to 1 gallon laquer thinner, however it did end up working check out the update videos I did

[@Shinji-wu1ny]

p0420 probably due to oil burning. Try BG 109 in the next couple of your oil changes. Strong stuff will clean your piston rings.

[@drivingdaily582]

interesting, so it doesnt burn THAT much oil, but I have heard interesting things about BG products

[@gags730]

That Scott Kilmer video is 13 years old now ... Scott Kilmer video title "How to Clean Your Car's Catalytic Converter using Lacquer Thinner"

[@drivingdaily582]

Yes, that's the video, if you're interested in the longer term results of this experiment check out the update video

[@randellgribben9772]

anyone can be a ' expert ' pn youtube...would you trust a ; expert, youtube doctor'

[@bluej511]

Im an ASE certified master tech, no one should ever do what this fool says ever. P0420 can be either the cat or the o2 sensor. It has to do with the efficiency. Lacquer thinner is not meant to be in engines nor will it "clean" your cat lol. Some of the stuff he says is so bogus. The lacquer just changed the octane rating of your fuel and does more damage than good.

[@drivingdaily582]

I appreciate the input

[@jonathanshaw8868]

And turns your seals in the fuel system into jelly

[@drivingdaily582]

@jonathanshaw8868 possibly, I think if left in for any extended period of time it could cause some type of damage to seals, I wouldn't doubt that.

[@drivingdaily582]

Check the pinned comment

[@guuuu666]

The logic behind this "hack", it's so the new octane rating of the mixed fuel will burn hotter thus turning oil contaminants in the converter to flaky or ashy residues so it can be easily blown out the exhaust. There are more cons that pros using this method.

[@Carvania]

I thought it was acetone that scotty used?

[@drivingdaily582]

Lacquer thinner

[@brutusmaximus5380]

@@drivingdaily582 Laquer thinner has mostly acetone and toluene.

[@jacobuszwanenburg1629]

Wow my GP got that 420 code so I smoked a J cleared the code all good But the code came back so another Joint smoked cleared code this has been going on for a few years now 😂

[@drivingdaily582]

Lol

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I always smoke two joints before i smoke two joints.

[@johnwolf1475]

SCOTTY WATCHED YOUR AC VIDEOS-- THANKS---- BUT WHAT ABOUT ADDING IN OILS AND DYES. I HAVE 2009 CHEVY EXPRESS SUPPOSED TO TAKE 48 OZ WITH FRONT AND AND REAR. 32 WITH JUST THE FRONT. IF I EVACUATE THE SYTEM DOES ALL THE OIL GO THROUGH THE VACCUUM PUMP? OR DO I ADD IN THE 11.0Z OF OIL AND THEN TEH R134A WITH PAG 46/ NOT SURE ... PLEASE DO A MORE INDEPTH VIDEO.. IF U CAN AS GAS CONTAINMENT MAY BE AN ISSUE????

[@leetos.4915]

I think lacquer thinner with detergent is perfect to leave and soak overnight the whole cat itself in a big bucket 😊 otherwise it’s a 50/50 scientifically proven safe

[@drivingdaily582]

@@leetos.4915 sounds legit, I'm sure of it soaked overnight it would probably work, also I would like to try soapy water as well if I get another good opportunity to test that

[@leetos.4915]

@@drivingdaily582 soapy water is free compared to LT so yes it makes sense to use it

[@drivingdaily582]

@@leetos.4915 so check out the update videos because a couple days later I got surprised by the results

[@advancedfuel5387]

hey there' ive had this same issue before, and fixed the problem with $20 by installing a O2 sensor spacer on the downstream sensor. do some research

[@drivingdaily582]

Yup, that's the non fowler option I mentioned, I'm probably going to show that soon...

[@bluej511]

This doesn't fix the issue, it just spoofs the reading, considering your O2 sensors are tied to your a/f mixture it could be an issue. People who gut or remove their cat do the same, it gets less exhaust fumes therefore it gets a false reading and doesn't trigger the cel. It's def not a fix just a bandaid.

[@drivingdaily582]

@bluej511 that's correct, doesn't fix any underlying issues, although i imagine in some cases if the car is running richer due to the code, it could help make the car run more "normally" I would check that on a scan tool though to make sure...but if the purpose is just to pass inspection, could be a "solution"...I'm not against it for that, or if you're running a test pipe for track use maybe...That said I am going to try to physically clean the cat in a future video, just to see if it can be done for this situation...of course the option to replace is always there..stay tuned

[@bluej511]

@@drivingdaily582 yeah I had mine gutted 10 years ago passed np lol. Would love to see if cleaning without destroying does anything. Lots of precious metals in there. We used to replace cats daily on police cruisers from them hitting em and coming apart, they sat low in the crown vics.

[@drivingdaily582]

@@bluej511 I can imagine, so I do plan to get a cheap Borescope and look down the pipe in this one and make sure the substrate is still intact before trying the other method, but either way it's coming off next for that...if the substrate is gone, probably gonna put the cat on a diet and do the non fowler and probably order a replacement...I don't have to pass emissions where I live, I just enjoy playing around with these things, if I can save a cat in the process that's a bonus

[@dodden1]

Put a spark plug spacer on the o2 sensor 2

[@drivingdaily582]

Could do that, I did mention the non fowler, that's what you're referring to...my goal was to see if the cat could be brought back to life testing certain methods first...I'll do an update video in a day or two about what's happened since I've put more miles on the car...might be interesting...I just want to comfirm my results over a few more miles first.

[@TheGeneralMotorsGeezer-we3dg]

Non foulers worked on my 99 Surburban.

[@drivingdaily582]

@@TheGeneralMotorsGeezer-we3dg nice

[@MARKLOCKWOOD2012]

Scotty will never steer you wrong

[@drivingdaily582]

Lol check out the update video to find out what happened next

[@leshalegg1014]

"Steer"😆

[@MARKLOCKWOOD2012]

@@leshalegg1014 yea but stupid spell correction will change the spelling yea yea steer like bull. 🐂 yea yea. But you gotta have a sense of humor to. yea yea proof read. When he fishes he grabs the bull by the horns rides it. Laugh at me all you want. he won’t stear you wrong. if you have the capability use the microphone 🎤 see what your spells out. Mine being apple i-pad said steer for the correction.

[@TheVillainsProjects]

Turns out Lacquer Thinner is really good. For thinning lacquer.

[@drivingdaily582]

It's great for that lol

[@drivingdaily582]

And possibly cleaning catalytic converters check out the update video

[@AmericaFirst865]

Why not wash it with the thinner?

[@drivingdaily582]

@AmericaFirst865 that might could work. BTW did you see the update videos?

[@JoKeR-qu3ut]

The cats in those cars were VERY problematic. They would plug up and kill the performance. I'd recommend replacing it.

[@drivingdaily582]

check out the update video, but yes in most cases and maybe eventually in this case that might be the ultimate answer, I do advocate for proper fixes, but i like being able to experiment too, with the precious metals in these cats it would be cool to be able to extend their usage as much as possible.

[@allenrusselljr]

I had the same code, then some scum bag stole the cat off my jeep. He first started cutting on the freaking drive shaft first. Then cut two trans lines that really werent in the way. It still makes my blood boil.. I bought a cheap chinese amazon universal cat and it actually worked. Of course the dimensions stated were wrong (like diameter and length) so had to add two adapters but its done. A couple weeks after mine was stolen a cat converter thief was caught in the act and shot by a homeowner. He lived and the police found dozens and dozens of cats at his house.

[@drivingdaily582]

Wow that's wild... Some people are crazy man, imagine thinking a driveshaft is an exhaust pipe. Glad the Amazon part worked at least...I did do an update on this video btw ended up being surprised.

[@KenBuckley]

Easy fix put a piece of electrical tape over the lite easy

[@drivingdaily582]

Hahaha Super easy ... Hey but I did do an update video definitely check that out

[@chuckwhalen8331]

DONT DO THIS!!!!! I REpEAT! DO NOT DO! In 2019 I buried my Pops on a Saturday. Following Monday I was getting his 2006 Taurus ready to sell. Loud bang.. engine stops…next thing you know the car caught fire - engine. Fire extinguisher no help. Hose water didn’t work. Car went up in a raging fire with flames 10-15 feet in the air. Wind shifts… blows flames towards the garage. and caught his house on fire. Total loss. $500k loss. Also gone most of our family heirlooms were destroyed. Also destroyed were my cherry SAAB 93 Turbo convertible, a low miles 76 Moto Guzzi, and a Yamaha Venture that I was keeping there. I had suspended the insurance on all for the winter. I cant post photos here unfortunately.

[@elsynjogu7578]

Nice video❤

[@drivingdaily582]

🙏

[@TrueTributes13]

Always impressed with the technical lingo! Gotta love scotty kilmer! He knows his stuff! Thats wild putting lacquer thinner in the gas tank😮😮! Sorry to hear that it didnt work bud!

[@drivingdaily582]

Right on! Yea Scotty Kilmer is super entertaining...all good that this method didn't work with this car, its easy enough to change out the part if need be, but for now its fun to test out some of these different methods...got a couple more things to try out on this one...stay tuned!

[@RollingRoadEFI]

Lol He's the worst and spews utter nonsense. Case in point...

[@TheVillainsProjects]

Scotty is widely regarded as a hack, nobody follows him.

[@oo-eo9pw]

You missed the part at the end of Scotty's video where he says he was just kidding, this actually destroys your entire fuel system and engine. He said its like using sawdust to quiet lifter tick.

[@drivingdaily582]

@@oo-eo9pw it ended up actually working check the update videos, car still running great

[@advancedfuel5387]

M18*1.5 O2 Sensor CEL Check Engine Light Spacer Eliminator Adapter Oxygen Sensor Delete Kit Generic

[@drivingdaily582]

I did mention the non fowler, that's what you're talking about...I'll probably do a video on that eventually.

[@Phil-D83]

O2 spacers

[@drivingdaily582]

I did mention the non fowler, it's an option but check out the update video, I was quite suprised with what happened a few hundred miles down the road with this method.

[@BellasWhisperFarmstead]

☺

[@drivingdaily582]

@@BellasWhisperFarmstead 😎

[@drivingdaily582]

@@BellasWhisperFarmstead 😎

[@rustyboltz2820]

Hey guys don't make fun of John Lennon's mentally feeble brother, he has feelings too.

[@frankgonzalez24]

Don't take advice from an idiot who made a video in which he used copper compression fittings to fix a broken brake line. In that same video, he showed and used a package that said to not use those compression fittings on automotive brake systems.

[@drivingdaily582]

I can't condone copper compression fittings for brakes, im guessing this was something he suggested to just get home with so you could fix it permanently, but idk. however as far as this lacquer thinner thing, it actually ended up being more effective than I thought, check out the followup videos.

[@jonathanshaw8868]

Terrible idea, please don't do this as it will damage the seals in you fuel system.

[@drivingdaily582]

Possibly I certainly wouldn't suggest leaving something like this in the fuel system for any extended period of time

[@RollingRoadEFI]

Scotty is a joke amongst automotive professionals.

[@kissitnow898]

Maybe it only works on toyotas 😮

[@drivingdaily582]

lol, check the update video out

[@MichaelBrown-yp1eq]

wrong! use an EPA/DOT approve cleaner, not some shade tree mechanic method. lacquer thinner is for painting not for automotive use.

[@drivingdaily582]

@@MichaelBrown-yp1eq it did end up working check the update videos

[@iluhvyouxoxo.]

Win some lose some

[@drivingdaily582]

Going to have fun with this one, i have a couple more things to try before replacing the part, stay tuned!

[@Hellcat71782]

Scotty Kilmer the SAME guy who said parking your car in your garage will destroy it because of the temperature change. Ok boomer

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Scotty is a strange one. Not sure what he was talking about but if your in winter with salt on road, it is better to keep it outside with salt stuff frozen. Other wise it aways stays warm enough for salt to keep corroding from and anything underneath. As for lacquer thinner, might attempt it on some old car. Although, probably have nothing to lose either way if you need a CAT anyways.

[@Hellcat71782]

@@unclemarksdiyauto lol

[@frias2287]

Hi my brother 🔥👍💯

[@drivingdaily582]

🤜🤛

[@unoea]

Nice video 😊🩷

[@drivingdaily582]

Thanks for watching

[@unoea]

@@drivingdaily582 You’re welcome!

[@cerberusstriker271]

A few people in the comments are dunking on Scottie Kilmer rn 😂

[@drivingdaily582]

With over 6 Million subscribers, I doubt Scotty Kilmer is phased lol

[@bryandraughn9830]

Comedy gold!

[@johnmilner6484]

Why would I take advice from a left lane Richard?

[@randellgribben9772]

you really believed, scotty?🤣🤣🤣🤣.. he will say something one day and a few weeks later he will tell you the opposite... he is just a loud mouth drama queen,, a few time he even said ' this will be my last video' or something to that extent

[@drivingdaily582]

@randellgribben9772 you should watch my update videos in this

[@petebach7221]

Waste of fifty bucks. Fix it properly

[@drivingdaily582]

check out the update video

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