After cleaning out the catalytic converter engine cranks but does not start

2004 HONDA CRV
196,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD
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SHAWNII31
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Okay, so we had some flooding with last hurricane. Tom a couple days to figure out what was wrong. When. He did he changed the starter, after that everything was working fine. Well 3 days ago he cleaned out the catalytic converter and since then it just cranks but wont completely start. He changed the crankshaft position sensor but still nothing. What could it be? it's cranking but wont completely start.
Oct 2, 2020 at 4:22 PM
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KASEKENNY
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
Let's take a step back and cover how he cleaned out the converter? I assume he used a chemical in the engine but if this is all he did and now it doesn't start, we need to dive into what may have happened when he did this.

Clearly there are coincidences but the fact that he performed this clean out process and now it doesn't start is something we need to sort out.

Thanks
Mar 11, 2021 at 10:10 AM
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SHAWNII31
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I wish that's what he did. But no he got under the car and I guess you can say chipped it away or busted it out.
Mar 11, 2021 at 10:10 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

If he hollowed out the converter, it should still run. However, it will set the check engine light and there will be emission related trouble codes stored. Also, it is federal law that the emissions system on the vehicle be working. I'm not sure where you are located, but if there are emission inspection requirements, it likely won't pass.

Have you checked to see if there is spark and fuel to the engine? Does the starter still engage and turn the engine, but the engine fails to start?

Take a look through this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

If you have spark and fuel to the engine, the next question (which I believe Kasekenny was heading toward) is where did all the parts from inside it go? If the exhaust is totally plugged with parts from the converter, it will not run.

Let us know.

Joe

Mar 11, 2021 at 10:10 AM
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