Can Sparkplug Non-Foulers Fix A Bad Catalytic Converter?

It is illegal in the United States to modify or remove factory installed emision controls on your vehicle.

With that in mind, people still look for ways around the high cost of replacing a catalytic converter. One of these ways is to use sparkplug non-foulers or de-foulers.

Since Project: Element has P0420, catalyst system efficency below threshold, I'm going to give this scheme yet another chance to prove itself as viable or internet rumor that isn't worth the time.

Keep in mind, even if these do work, nothing was fixed. You are just trying to trick your PCM. Not cool!

#ProjectElement

Keywords: Spark plug non-foulers
P0420 code
Check engine light
Exhaust system
Catalyst
Catalytic converter
Emissions system
Engine performance
Oxygen sensor
Diagnostic trouble codes
Vehicle maintenance
Automotive troubleshooting
Spark plug fouling
Anti-fouling device
Sensor spacer
Spark plug fouling prevention
Aftermarket car parts.

[Fred-Faizi]

Why is it illegal if the fouler can be purchased from major retailer for that exact purpose?

[gman]

DRIVING MY CAR FOR 5 YEARS NOW WITH THE NON FOULER & IT RUNS PERFECT WITH OVER 200K MILES & PASSES INSPECTION EVERY TIME.

[TheStoryUp]

Just an FYI I skipped this video 1 min in because of it's overproduction. Stick to the topic, short sweet and no music.

[gsxellence]

Works great when you install it correctly.

[remac]

It worked for me. 2002 Camry always throwing codes. Replaced the cat twice along with numerous other parts. I spent thousands trying to fix issues. Mechanics would “solve” the problems then a month or two later codes would be back. So I don’t feel bad about doing this. These rules hurt people who can least afford it the hardest. Car runs great, passes the rest of the test. so obviously it’s not polluting more than it should.

[darinp]

It's not illegal in all of the US. There are states and counties where it doesn't matter.

[MarkedPrivate-np]

You did it wrong. Watch other videos. You need to stack them. Two are needed.

[MarcBchannel]

Worked on a 98 silverado for me. Its been a year still no cel👍I see a problem with your setup. You have to use 2 defoulers stacked on top of each other. One is drilled out so you can screw in the o2 and the one closest to the exhaust needs to be left unmodified with a small orfice on the end. This limits the exhaust gases that contact the sensor. Some defoulers ive seen have an assortment of different size orfices that you can tune with

[petediamond]

It works! This guy needs to stop making videos.

[keithscreativejourneys]

It works if you use 2 of them correctly.

[jasonsprouse]

Let me tell that aftermarket cat you install will be worse than the bad OEM one in a few years.

[jvmiller]

Anytime you install any type of bolt or sensor into any exhaust part you should use never seez!

[tjsteele]

Worked for me for 5 years and 2 Commifornia emissions tests.. FYI: Have several cars in CA and usually do a smog test every year-I have *NEVER* had a tech craw under a car or put it on a lift to look at a sensor..

[AP-xqjm]

Instead of using two non foulers stacked, why not use one of the 1.5 inch non foulers?

[giggiddy]

This country is now run by people who, on a daily basis, shiit all over, rules, laws, and the constitution. Thats the new way to conduct yourself in the US. So do not worry about defeating your catalytic system. Nobody will say anythung now. In fact, if you can somehow personally financially benefit from it, it is highly recomended that you do it. It does not matter if it harms the environment or causes issues with someone elses health. Nobody cares as long as you personally benefit somehow from it. Thats all that matters. Joking buddy- i love your videos and you have a new subscriber. Awesome job!

[keithhults]

I've done this a bunch of times. Nissan downstream passenger side on the 3.5 engines is extremely common and a guarantee the code will trip before the car reaches 170K. I am not even a mechanic, and I know all the mechanics tactics. That little part backs the O2 out of the exhaust stream just enough that the sensor will not trip a code. Jeeps are terrible for tripping that code also. .

[johncarson]

I use two one drilled out 1/2" the other one do nothing...put two drilled one into the stock one and then put the sensor into the the back of that two piece you did it wrong....

[mtnbkr]

Almost everyone in comments that used this method had success with extensions😂

[jamestyndall]

I did this on my 04 Mitsubishi Lancer and 2 99 Honda CRVs and worked on all three vehicles

[erikthered]

I had a cat that was deficient. I bought the "universal" non-fouler that's long, not short. Meaning I didn't have to drill out two short ones and put the together. The O2 sensor threaded into the universal non-fouler, then threaded it into the exhaust pipe. The CE light never came back on and it did run a lot better but not as well as it should. It was only an experiment. I tried one on the side that with the good cat and it made that side run so lean, it discolored the cat heat shield. I installed a new exhaust system with two new cats and it now runs like a champ.