'Cat cleaner' fuel additive?

[tom7035]

Never having been a fan of fuel or oil additives apart from the odd shot of 'Redex' UCL now and then, I am interested in your views on alleged 'cat cleaner' additives. What is it they're supposed to do exactly?

 

[SUE.]

Catalytic Converter Cleaner helps eliminate "rotten egg" odor. A clogged or restricted Catalytic Converter can decrease fuel efficiency, rob horsepower, cause engine overheating and premature engine wear. Catalytic Converter Cleaner extends time between tune-ups, increases fuel efficiency, and extends the life of your converter.
Hope this helps Tom!

 

[philharve]

Smelly cat'

Hi Sue

So ... a smelly cat' has an odor like rotten eggs! I never knew that.

I used REDEX in my previous car and it proved very effective in keeping the engine and fuel injection system in tip-top condition.

However, I recall reading in my MB Owners Manual that additives should not be used.

REGARDS Phil

 

[peterchurch]

Catalytic Converter Cleaner helps eliminate "rotten egg" odor. A clogged or restricted Catalytic Converter can decrease fuel efficiency, rob horsepower, cause engine overheating and premature engine wear. Catalytic Converter Cleaner extends time between tune-ups, increases fuel efficiency, and extends the life of your converter.
Hope this helps Tom!

Im not sure I like the idea of messing about with the catalytic converters... especially on the SL as they have smaller pre-cats that are tucked up nice and close to the engine. When these fail they can break down and block the exhaust path. The bits can then get sucked back into the engine At this point MB will be squirming like mad to get out of replacing your engine and cats and if they can find something like petrol aditives to get out of it then thats exactly what they will do The last generation of the R129 SL got a batch of bad cats and the failure rate has been very high... I would rather lose 5-6 MPG than lose an engine/cat claim... Especially on an engine as advanced as the V8 500

I think the best answer is to find a way to remove the cats all together and then put them back once a year for the MOT (when you need finally one) No cat problems and more horses and better fuel economy

 

[SUE.]

I personally dont use any cleaners on my own car,i never have ,i was just explaining what they do.

 

[tom7035]

Thanks all, particularly Sue who could just about have written the label on the tin!

I think I'll stick to a quarter-pint of Redex every other tankful, help to keep the secret 'gizmo' hidden under the plastic cover fastened with security torx screws in the throttle body from sticking too maybe and thus keep the idle speed in trim!

Cheers, Tom.