Mitsubishi Repair: CATALYTIC CONVERTER CLEANER/DEODORIZER, would it really work ?, full radiator, mitsubishi galant

Question
Hi,

Do the CATALYTIC CONVERTER CLEANER/DEODORIZER, as published in some ads/shops really work ? Do they really clean EGR value ?

It seems my car(mitsubishi galant) has another problem. During fast driving, after about 15 to 20 minutes, it starts jurking (a sudden shake) and the temparature indicator shows very high high temparature. The mechanic told that there may be leaks in radiator, and I should go for full radiator flush. He also told that I can get away with pouring water once in a while. Can you please suggest me, whether I need to go for radiator flush/replacement or is it ok to manage with the water ?

Thanks lot in advance
Siva

Answer
Siva,
I've never used a Cat. Convert. Cleaner/Deodorizer, so I cannot say for sure if, or how, they work.  I do know that it probably will not clean your EGR valve.  The only true way to clean it is to take the EGR valve off your car, and clean it manually with carburator cleaner.

If there is a leak in your radiator, you would most likely see (and possible smell) anti-freeze on the ground.  If you park your car in a garage or driveway, put some paper towels (or anything white) underneath the front of the car.  Anti-freeze (coolant) is bright green in color, and should be evident if it's leaking by green stains on the paper towels.  My guess is that your overall problem is that your thermostat is stuck closed.  When your thermostat is stuck closed, coolant will not be allowed to flow to your radiator at all.  When that happens, your needle on your temperature gauge will almost go into the red area. That is very bad.  When your engine gets that hot, the coolant expands and goes into the overflow tank.  As that overflow tank fills with coolant, it will eventually drip coolant out a hose to the ground.  That could be the coolant your mechanic is seeing because the overflowed coolant hose is right next to the radiator.

Just pouring water in it every once in a while is a temporary fix, and should not be continuously done. I would recommend a coolant flush and getting your thermostat and radiator cap replaced. The total cost for all that should be between $80-$100 depending on your mechanics rates.  Only get the radiator itself replaced as a last resort.  They are expensive.  Get a second opinion if your current mechanic says that replacing the radiator is the only way to fix it.
Good luck!