Patent Publication Number: US-2015072912-A1

Title: Catalytic Converter, a Kit for Servicing a Catalytic Converter, and Methods for Servicing a Catalytic Converter

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This U.S. patent application is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 and 365(c) from PCT Patent Application PCT/US2013/052321 filed on Jul. 26, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/560,667 filed on Jul. 27, 2012, the disclosure of which is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a catalytic converter, a kit for servicing a catalytic converter and methods for servicing a catalytic convert. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     One or more components of a vehicle may be serviced over the life of the vehicle. Costs associated with the vehicle servicing process are typically related to parts and labor. Accordingly, there is a need in the art to improve efficiencies of the vehicle servicing process that will also reduce costs. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosure provides a method. The method includes the steps of preparing a serviceable catalytic converter such that a catalyst substrate of the catalytic converter is serviceable while the catalytic converter remains connected to an exhaust system by: forming a lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter with an absence of material in order to provide at least one opening in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter for: permitting selective access to a fluid-flow passage that extends through the body of the catalytic converter that contains the catalyst substrate; and disposing at least one close-out member in the at least one opening for: fluidly-sealing the at least one opening. 
     In some examples, the forming step is conducted by: post-fabricating the at least one opening in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter in an after-market modification to the catalytic converter. 
     In some implementations, the post-fabricating step is conducted by: utilizing a drill for drilling the at least one opening in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter. 
     In some instances, the forming step is conducted by: pre-fabricating the at least one opening in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter by a supplier or original equipment manufacturer. 
     In some example, the pre-fabricating step is conducted by drilling, welding, casting, molding or stamping the at least one opening in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method. The method includes the steps of servicing a catalytic converter while the catalytic converter remains connected to an exhaust system by: forming at least one opening in a lower surface of a body of the catalytic converter for permitting access to a fluid-flow passage that extends through the body of the catalytic converter that contains a catalyst substrate; inserting a cleaning instrument into the at least one opening formed in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter; directing a cleaning solution from the cleaning instrument toward the catalyst substrate such that the cleaning solution removes contaminates from the catalyst substrate; and disposing at least one close-out member in the at least one opening formed in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter for: fluidly-sealing the at least one opening. 
     In some examples, after the directing step and prior to the disposing step, the method further includes the steps of: removing the cleaning instrument from the at least one opening formed in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter; inserting a flushing instrument into the at least one opening formed in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter; and directing a flushing medium from the flushing instrument toward the catalyst substrate such that the flushing medium removes the cleaning solution and the contaminates from the catalyst substrate. 
     In some implementations, after the directing step, the method further includes the step of: fluidly-connecting a vacuum source to exhaust system; and utilizing the vacuum source for drawing the cleaning solution and the contaminates from the catalyst substrate. 
     In some instances, after the directing step, the method further includes the step of: fluidly-connecting a discharge bucket to a distal end of the exhaust system; keying-on an engine of the vehicle for utilizing an exhaust gas produced by the engine for advancing the cleaning solution and the contaminates away from the catalyst substrate and further downstream through the exhaust system; and utilizing the discharge bucket for capturing the cleaning solution and the contaminates that are discharged from the exhaust system. 
     In some examples, the forming step, the inserting step and directing step includes: forming the at least one opening in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter upstream of a catalyst substrate; inserting the cleaning instrument into the at least one opening formed in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter; and directing the cleaning solution from the cleaning instrument toward the catalyst substrate such that the cleaning solution firstly enters an upstream surface of the catalyst substrate and secondly exits a downstream surface of the catalyst substrate. 
     In some implementations, the at least one opening includes a first opening and a second opening, wherein the forming step includes: forming the first opening in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter upstream of a catalyst substrate; and forming the second opening in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter downstream of a catalyst substrate. 
     In some instances, the inserting step and the directing step includes: inserting the cleaning instrument into the first opening formed in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter; and directing the cleaning solution from the cleaning instrument toward the catalyst substrate such that the cleaning solution firstly enters an upstream surface of the catalyst substrate and secondly exits a downstream surface of the catalyst substrate. 
     In some examples, the method includes the step of: arranging a discharge bucket under the second opening formed in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter in order to capture the cleaning solution and the contaminates that exit the downstream surface of the catalyst substrate. 
     In some implementations, the inserting step and the directing step includes: inserting the cleaning instrument into the second opening formed in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter; and directing the cleaning solution from the cleaning instrument toward the catalyst substrate such that the cleaning solution firstly enters a downstream surface of the catalyst substrate and secondly exits an upstream surface of the catalyst substrate. 
     In some instances, the method includes the step of: arranging a discharge bucket under the first opening formed in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter in order to capture the cleaning solution and the contaminates that exit the upstream surface of the catalyst substrate. 
     In some examples, the forming step includes: drilling the at least one opening in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter. 
     In some implementations, the method includes the steps of: inserting the cleaning instrument into the first opening formed in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter; and applying a vacuum to both of the second opening and an opening formed by a tailpipe of the exhaust system for removing the cleaning solution that firstly enters an upstream surface of the catalyst substrate and secondly exits a downstream surface of the catalyst substrate. 
     In some instances, the method further includes the steps of: inserting the cleaning instrument into the second opening formed in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter; inserting a fluid-flow plug into the opening formed by the tailpipe; and applying a vacuum to the first opening for removing the cleaning solution that firstly enters the downstream surface of the catalyst substrate and secondly exits the upstream surface of the catalyst substrate. 
     In some examples, the method includes the steps of: imparting pressurized air into the first opening formed in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter; and applying a vacuum to both of the second opening and the opening formed by the tailpipe of the exhaust system for removing the cleaning solution from the catalyst substrate and fluid-flow passage. 
     In yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a component of an exhaust system that is serviceable while remaining fluidly-connected and physically-connected to the exhaust system. The component of the exhaust system includes a catalytic converter having body, wherein the body forms a fluid-flow passage, wherein a catalytic substrate is disposed within the fluid-flow passage, wherein a lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter defines at least one opening that permits selective access to the catalytic substrate disposed within the fluid-flow passage; and at least one close-out member disposed within the at least one opening that fluidly-seals the at least one opening. 
     In some examples, the at least one opening is formed upstream of an upstream surface of the catalyst substrate. 
     In some implementations, the at least one opening includes a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening is formed upstream of an upstream surface of the catalyst substrate, wherein the second opening is formed downstream of a downstream surface of the catalyst substrate. 
     In some instances, the at least one close-out member is a swaging nut or a knurled threaded insert. 
     In some examples, the at least one opening formed in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter is post-fabricated in drilling process in an after-market modification to the catalytic converter. 
     In some implementations, the at least one opening formed in the lower surface of the body of the catalytic converter is pre-fabricated in a drilling process, a welding process, a casting process, a molding process or a stamping process by a supplier or original equipment manufacturer. 
     One aspect of the disclosure provides a kit for servicing a component of an exhaust system that is serviceable while remaining fluidly-connected and physically-connected to the exhaust system. The kit includes a first container including a neutralizing medium; and a second container including oxalic acid powder, wherein the oxalic acid powder is adapted to be mixed with water for forming a dilute acidic solution that is utilized for removing contaminates from a catalyst substrate of a catalytic converter, wherein the neutralizing medium is adapted to be mixed with the utilized dilute acidic solution after the dilute acidic solution is applied to the catalyst substrate of the catalytic converter such that the dilute acidic solution is neutralized prior to being disposed. 
     In some examples, the kit also includes at least one close-out member that is adapted to be disposed within at least one opening that is post-fabricated in a lower surface of a body of the catalytic converter for fluidly-sealing the at least one opening. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exhaust system of a motor vehicle illustrating the oxygen sensor location which is used as an inlet for cleaning solution in one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  depicts the tailpipe connection to the vacuum source in an embodiment of the cleaning method according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a wand for use in cleaning the catalytic converter of  FIG. 1  without removing the catalytic converter from the vehicle. 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of the nozzle on the end of the wand of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  depicts the tailpipe connection to a collection container used for collecting residual solution flushed from the exhaust system by running the engine after cleaning the catalytic converter. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an exemplary exhaust system of a motor vehicle. 
         FIG. 7A  is an enlarged view of an exemplary catalytic converter according to line  7  of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 7B  is an enlarged view of an exemplary catalytic converter according to line  7  of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 7C  is an enlarged view of an exemplary catalytic converter according to line  7  of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 7D  is an enlarged view of an exemplary catalytic converter according to line  7  of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8A  is a cross-sectional view of the catalytic converter according to line  8 A- 8 A of  FIG. 7C  but may alternatively be any of  FIG. 7A ,  7 B or  7 D. 
         FIGS. 8B-8H  are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for servicing the exemplary catalytic converter of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the exemplary exhaust system of  FIG. 6  attached to a vacuum source. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the exemplary exhaust system of  FIG. 6  attached to a discharge bucket. 
         FIG. 11A  is a cross-sectional view of the catalytic converter according to line  11 A- 11 A of  FIG. 7C  but may alternatively be any of  FIG. 7A ,  7 B or  7 D. 
         FIGS. 11B-11L  are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for servicing the exemplary catalytic converter of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 12A  is a cross-sectional view of the catalytic converter according to line  12 A- 12 A of  FIG. 7C  but may alternatively be any of  FIG. 7A ,  7 B or  7 D. 
         FIGS. 12B-12J  are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for servicing the exemplary catalytic converter of  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the exemplary exhaust system of  FIG. 6  attached to a gas analyzer. 
         FIG. 14  is an exemplary view of a kit for servicing a catalytic converter. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated embodiments and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the present invention allows a catalytic converter  10  to be cleaned while installed on a vehicle, connected as shown in an exhaust system  12 . In an embodiment, the exhaust system  12  includes an exhaust manifold  14  connected to an internal combustion engine (not shown), an oxygen sensor  16  in a first section  18  of an exhaust pipe between the exhaust manifold  14  and the catalytic converter  10 , a second section  20  of the exhaust pipe between the catalytic converter  10  and a muffler  22 , and a tailpipe  24 . The oxygen sensor  16  is removably mounted, typically by a threaded connection, in a port upstream of the catalytic converter  10 , and the oxygen sensor  16  is removed from the port to provide access through the open port to introduce a dilute acidic solution (not shown) into the exhaust pipe to clean the catalytic converter  10 . One suitable acidic solution is made using oxalic acid, CAS No. 6153-56-6, which is commercially available from a number of sources, one being Indian Oxalate Limited, Mumbai, India. A concentration level of 5-10% is suitable although other concentrations are contemplated. Alternatively, other acids may be suitable in certain applications, including other organic acids, preferably weak organic acids such as acetic acid and citric acid. Sulphamic acid and phosphoric acid may also be suitable in certain applications. 
     The acidic solution is preferably sprayed into the exhaust pipe through the oxygen sensor port, and, to facilitate the process, suction is preferably applied to the tailpipe  24  to draw air and acidic solution through the installed catalytic converter  10 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , tailpipe  24  is preferably connected to a vacuum source  26 , e.g., a SHOP-VAC®, with a stainless steel tank, via a snugly fitting heat-resistant connector  28  which may be a silicone rubber cup, thereby establishing a substantially airtight seal between the tailpipe  24  and a hose  30  extending from the tank of the vacuum source  26 , which may be a clear hose, while thermally insulating the hose  30  from the tailpipe  24 , which may be hot in cases where the service is performed immediately upon arrival of a vehicle. The cross-section of tailpipe connector  28  may be round or oval, for example, as appropriate for the shape of the tailpipe  24 . Different size connectors  28  may be employed for different size tailpipes  24 , or an adjustable exhaust hose connector  28  may be employed. In one embodiment, a spray wand  40  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3 ) extends into the oxygen sensor port without a sealed connection, whereby the suction causes ambient air to be drawn, as make-up air, into the exhaust system  12  through the oxygen sensor port and thence through the installed catalytic converter  10 . Alternatively, the oxygen sensor port—with the sensor removed—may be sealed with a nozzle  44  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3 ) in place therein, such as with a rubber, metal or other stopper provided around the gooseneck  42  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3 ) of the wand  40  proximal to the nozzle  44  and configured to sealingly engage the port, e.g., via a mating threaded connection whereby the stopper is screwed into the port after the nozzle  44  is placed therein. 
     The acidic solution is preferably sprayed into the exhaust pipe through the oxygen sensor port using a spray wand  40  having a gooseneck  42  such as shown in  FIG. 3 . The spray wand  40  has a distal end nozzle  44  which is sized and shaped to fit into the open oxygen sensor port. The gooseneck wand  40  is particularly advantageous for use with a vehicle raised on a lift or parked over a pit as is customary for maintenance in a service garage. In such a case, the exhaust system  12  is over the head of a mechanic and the distal end of the wand  40  can be raised above the exhaust pipe adjacent the oxygen sensor port and hooked into the open oxygen sensor port from below. The wand  40  is held in place by the distal end extending into the oxygen sensor port. The nozzle  44  includes a right-angle spray deflector  46 , shown in greater detail in  FIG. 4 , which is preferably rotatably mounted so as to allow it to swivel so that, in use, it is oriented so as to direct the acidic solution downstream into the catalytic converter  10 . Thus, the same wand  40  may easily be used for the left-side and right-side exhausts of a dual exhaust system, and may be hung on an exhaust pipe from the left or right side, whichever is more accessible or convenient. For example, referring to the exhaust system of  FIG. 1 , threaded oxygen sensor  16  is unscrewed and removed from its port in exhaust pipe section  18 , and the spray wand  40  may be hung on the exhaust pipe from the left side (foreground side of the drawing), in which case deflector  46  is rotated such that its open side is oriented toward the rear, i.e., downstream toward the catalytic converter  10 . 
     Positive pressure is applied to force the acidic solution through the wand  40 , preferably using a shop air source, e.g., an air line supplying regulated air pressure at 5-10 psi, for example, or using a manual pump, e.g., an insecticide sprayer such as Model 7044T42 from MCMASTER-CARR®. The spray nozzle  44 , which may be a Model 30995K15 from MCMASTER-CARR®, preferably provides a fine mist, for which purpose an orifice size of 0.12″ is suitable. 
     As an optional preliminary step which is useful for expediting the cleaning process, the catalytic converter  10  is flushed with a fluid, e.g., water or air, via the oxygen sensor port to cool the catalytic converter  10  prior to spraying acidic solution into it. For example, the wand  40  may be used to spray a water mist into the exhaust system  12 ; the wand  40  may be used alone, or in conjunction with the vacuum source  26  to draw the mist through the catalytic converter  10 . With this preliminary step, a temperature sensor (not shown), e.g., a thermocouple or thermistor, is temporarily attached to an outer surface of the catalytic converter  10 , and the flushing is performed until the temperature sensor indicates a predetermined temperature, e.g., 140° F. The temperature sensor may be held by hand against the catalytic converter  10 , or, alternatively, may be attached to the catalytic converter  10  with a VELCRO® strap (not shown). One example of a suitable temperature sensor is Fluke 54 II B. 
     The cleaning method may be performed for a predetermined period of time deemed effective for cleaning a particular type of catalytic converter  10 , or a longer time period considered generally suitable for any catalytic converter  10 . Alternatively, the cleaning operation is monitored with a gas analyzer (not shown), e.g., a five-gas analyzer such as Bridge Model 9005. The analyzer is connected to the exhaust system  12 , e.g., by inserting a sample probe (not shown) into the tailpipe  24 , and the spraying step is performed until a predetermined exhaust gas level is reached, for example, a predetermined level of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and/or oxides of nitrogen (NO x ). 
     Any residual acidic solution in the exhaust system  12  after the cleaning is discharged by running the engine (not shown), preferably well above idle speed. The engine acts as an air compressor at this time. Since the discharge is unsightly and acidic, it is preferably collected using a tailpipe connector  50  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5 ) and a 90° PVC elbow  52  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5 ) oriented so as to direct the residual acidic solution into a bucket  54  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5 ) or other collection container. A section of an exhaust hose  56  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5 ) is optionally used between the tailpipe connector  50  and elbow  52 . The bucket  54  may be vented, preferably with a vent hole (not shown) in the cover, which preferably includes one or more clamps (not shown) to removably secure the cover to the main body of the bucket. The bucket  54  may be weighted, e.g., with internal weight (not shown) on the bottom of the bucket  54 , to keep the bucket  54  upright during use. 
     The acidic solution used in the process is preferably all collected and neutralized prior to disposal, for example, by mixing it with baking soda (not shown) or soda ash (not shown) or the like. A predetermined amount of powder (not shown) for making the acidic solution to clean the catalytic converter  10  is preferably supplied in one can (not shown) or other container (not shown) as part of a kit (not shown) which also includes a second can (not shown) or other container (not shown) containing a corresponding amount of an alkaline powder (not shown) for neutralizing the acidic solution after use and prior to disposal. For example, the kit may contain a can (not shown) containing 12 oz. of oxalic acid (not shown) in powder form, and a can (not shown) containing 24 oz. of dense soda ash (not shown), e.g., CAS No. 497-19-8. The kit may be bundled, i.e., provided with two containers enclosed inside shrink film. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , an exhaust system  100  of a vehicle, V, is shown according to an embodiment. The exhaust system  100  includes a proximal, upstream end  100   a  and a distal, downstream end  100   b . The proximal, upstream end  100   a  is connected to an engine, E. The exhaust system  100  includes a catalytic converter  108  arranged between the proximal, upstream end  100   a  and the distal, downstream end  100   b  of the exhaust system  100 . As will be described in the following disclosure at, for example,  FIGS. 8A-8H ,  11 A- 11 L and  12 A- 12 J, the catalytic converter  108  may be serviced while the catalytic converter  108  remains connected to an exhaust system  100  of the vehicle V. In some implementations, the catalytic converter  108  may be serviced while the exhaust system  100  remains connected to the vehicle V. In other implementations, the catalytic converter  108  may be serviced while connected to the exhaust system  100  but also when the exhaust system  100  is disconnected from the vehicle V. 
     The proximal, upstream end  100   a  of the exhaust system  100  includes an exhaust manifold  102  that is fluidly-connected to the internal combustion engine, E. The exhaust system  100  may further include a first pipe portion  104  that is fluidly-connected to and is arranged downstream of the exhaust manifold  102 ; in some arrangements, the first pipe portion  104  may be referred to as ‘Exhaust Pipe A.’ 
     The exhaust system  100  may further include a second pipe portion  106  that is fluidly-connected to and is arranged downstream of the first pipe portion  104 ; in some arrangements, the second pipe portion  106  may be referred to as ‘a mid-pipe.’ The exhaust system  100  may further include a catalytic converter  108  that is fluidly-connected to and is arranged downstream of the second pipe portion  106 . 
     The exhaust system  100  may further include a third pipe portion  110  that is fluidly-connected to and is arranged downstream of the catalytic converter  108 ; in some arrangements, the third pipe portion  110  may be referred to as ‘Exhaust Pipe B.’ The exhaust system  100  may further include a muffler  112  that is fluidly-connected to and is arranged downstream of the third pipe portion  110 . The exhaust system  100  may further include a tailpipe  114  that is fluidly-connected to and is arranged downstream of the muffler  112 . 
     The exhaust manifold  102  may generally define the proximal, upstream end  100   a  of the exhaust system  100 . The tailpipe  114  may generally define the distal, downstream end  100   b  of the exhaust system  100 . 
     The exhaust system  100  may also include one or more oxygen sensors, which are shown generally at  116   a ,  116   b ,  118   a ,  118   b . Either of the oxygen sensors  116   a ,  116   b  may be generally referred to as a first, upstream oxygen sensor. Either of the oxygen sensors  118   a ,  118   b  may be generally referred to as a second, downstream oxygen sensor. 
     The mid-pipe  106  may include an upper surface  106   a  and a lower surface  106   b . The upper surface  106   a  of the mid-pipe  106  may form a port  120   a  for supportably-receiving the first, upstream oxygen sensor  116   a . Once the first, upstream oxygen sensor  116   a  is disposed within the port  120   a , the first, upstream oxygen sensor  116   a  is in fluid communication with the exhaust system  100 . The third pipe portion  110  may include an upper surface  110   a  and a lower surface  110   b . The upper surface  110   a  of the third pipe portion  110  may form a port  122   a  for supportably-receiving the second, downstream oxygen sensor  118   a . Once the second, downstream oxygen sensor  118   a  is disposed within the port  122   a , the second, downstream oxygen sensor  118   a  is in fluid communication with the exhaust system  100 . 
     The catalytic converter  108  may include an upper surface  108   a  and a lower surface  108   b . The upper surface  108   a  of the catalytic converter  108  may form a port  120   b  for supportably-receiving the first, upstream oxygen sensor  116   b . Once the first, upstream oxygen sensor  116   b  is disposed within the port  120   b , the first, upstream oxygen sensor  116   b  is in fluid communication with the exhaust system  100 . The upper surface  108   a  of the catalytic converter  108  may also form another port  122   b  for supportably-receiving the second, downstream oxygen sensor  118   b . Once the second, downstream oxygen sensor  118   b  is disposed within the port  122   b , the second, downstream oxygen sensor  118   b  is in fluid communication with the exhaust system  100 . 
     Although four ports  120   a ,  120   b ,  122   a ,  122   b  and four oxygen sensors  116   a ,  116   b ,  118   a ,  118   b  are shown at  FIG. 6 , the four ports  120   a ,  120   b ,  122   a ,  122   b  and the four oxygen sensors  116   a ,  116   b ,  118   a ,  118   b  shown at  FIG. 6  are exemplary locations of where the four ports  120   a ,  120   b ,  122   a ,  122   b  and the four oxygen sensors  116   a ,  116   b ,  118   a ,  118   b  may be located along the exhaust system  100 . As seen in, for example,  FIGS. 7A-7C , an implementation of the exhaust system  100  may only include one of the upstream ports  120   a ,  120   b  and one of the upstream oxygen sensors  116   a ,  116   b  and one of the downstream ports  122   a ,  122   b  and one of the downstream oxygen sensors  118   a ,  118   b . Further, as seen in, for example,  FIG. 7D , an implementation of the exhaust system  100  may only include one of the upstream ports  120   a ,  120   b  and one of the upstream oxygen sensors  116   a ,  116   b.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 7A-7D , an enlarged view of an embodiment of the catalytic converter  108  of the exemplary exhaust system  100  is shown. The catalytic converter  108  generally includes a body  124 ; in some implementations, the body  124  is constructed from a stainless steel material. The body  124  may generally define: an upstream connecting flange  126  connected to an upstream neck portion or transition portion  128 , a housing portion  130  connected to the upstream neck or transition portion  128 , a downstream neck portion or transition portion  132  connected to the housing portion  130 , and a downstream connecting flange  134  connected to the downstream neck portion or transition portion  132 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8A , a fluid-flow passage  136  may extend through the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . Besides the catalytic converter  108 , the fluid-flow passage  136  also extends through all of the components  102 - 106 ,  110 - 114  of the exhaust system  100 . As seen in  FIG. 8A , the fluid-flow passage  136  is isolated from the surrounding atmosphere, A (except for the opening of the tailpipe  114  that defines the distal, downstream end  100   b  of the exhaust system  100 ). 
     Access to the fluid-flow passage  136  is permitted by an upstream opening  138  formed by the upstream connecting flange  126  and a downstream opening  140  formed by the downstream connecting flange  134 . The upstream connecting flange  126  is coupled (e.g., welded, bolted or the like) and fluidly-coupled to the mid-pipe  106 , and, the downstream connecting flange  134  is coupled (e.g., welded, bolted or the like) and fluidly-coupled to the third pipe portion  110 . 
     An upper heat shield  142   a  (see also  FIGS. 7A-7D ) may be arranged upon the upper surface  108   a  of the catalytic converter  108 , and, a lower heat shield  142   b  (see also  FIGS. 7A-7D ) may be arranged upon the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108 . A honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  may be disposed within the fluid-flow passage  136  formed by the housing portion  130  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 ; the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  reduces NOx emissions when the vehicle is operated. 
     After a prolonged use of the vehicle, V, the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  may be coated and/or plugged with contaminants, which may result in the exhaust system  100  failing an emissions test. The contaminants may be removed from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  by introducing a cleaning solution  146  (e.g., a dilute acidic solution as seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 8C-8D ) into the passage  136  formed by the housing portion  130  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  that contains the contaminated honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . An exemplary dilute acidic solution  146  may be made from oxalic acid, CAS No. 6153-56-6, which may be commercially available from Indian Oxalate Limited, Mumbai, India. An exemplary concentration level of the dilute acidic solution  146  that may be suitable for removing contaminants from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  may be approximately about 5-10%. While an oxalic acid is described above as exemplary acid that is utilized for preparing the dilute acidic solution  146 , it will be appreciated that other acids may be utilizing for preparing the dilute acidic solution  146 ; for example, another type of acid that may be utilized for preparing the dilute acidic solution  146  may include, for example, an organic acid. An exemplary organic acid may include, for example, an acetic acid, a citric acid or the like. Other acids that may be utilized for preparing the dilute acidic solution  146  may include, for example, a sulphamic acid, a phosphoric acid or the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A-8B , the dilute acidic solution  146  may be introduced into the passage  136  formed by the housing portion  130  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  by ‘post-fabricating’ at least one opening  148  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8B ) in the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . According to the embodiment shown at  FIGS. 8A-8H , the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  is prepared at the upstream neck portion or transition portion  128  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  such that the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  is located upstream of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . 
     The term, ‘post-fabricating’ may be defined as an act that occurs after the catalytic converter  108  has been released by the manufacturer of the catalytic converter  108 . The term, ‘post-fabricating’ may alternatively be defined as an act that occurs after the vehicle, V, has been released by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that assembled the vehicle, V. Other definitions of the term, ‘post-fabricating’ may mean that the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  is formed in an ‘after-market’ environment by, for example, a servicing agent or owner, A/O (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), of the vehicle, V. 
     The ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  may be formed in the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  by removing material from the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . Referring to FIGS.  6  and  8 A- 8 B, an exemplary method for removing material from the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  is the utilization of a drill, D. In an example, the drill, D, may include a drill bit, DB 1 /DB 2 , having a diameter for ‘post-fabricating’ the at least one opening  148 ; the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening may be any diameter, and, in some implementations may be as small as approximately about 0.25″ and as large as approximately about 0.75″. In an example, the drill bit, DB 1 , may be a conical/tapered, step drill bit. In an example, the drill bit, DB 2 , may be a spotting, stubby drill bit. 
     The lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  may be a preferable location for post-fabricating the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148 . As seen in, for example,  FIG. 6 , accessibility of the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  by the servicing agent or owner, A/O, (when the servicing agent or owner, A/O, is locate under the vehicle, V) is not impeded when, for example, the vehicle, V, is arranged upon a lift, L, or, alternatively, when the vehicle, V, is arranged over a servicing pit, P. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8C-8D , a dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  is shown according to an embodiment. The dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  includes a proximal end  150   a  and a distal end  150   b . The proximal end  150   a  of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  may include a source, reservoir or container  152  of the dilute acidic solution  146 , and, the distal end  150   b  of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  may include a dispenser  154  that dispenses the dilute acidic solution  146  into the passage  136  formed by the housing portion  130  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 8D , the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may insert the distal end  150   b  of dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  into the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148 . The dispenser  154  that is formed by distal end  150   b  of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  may be defined by a nozzle  155  of an elongated fluid-dispensing wand  156 . The nozzle  155  may have an orifice size of approximately about 0.12″ in order to dispense the dilute acidic solution  146  as a fine mist. 
     The nozzle  155  may include a right-angle spray deflector  158  for directing the dilute acidic solution  146  in a particular direction. The fluid-dispensing wand  156  may also include an actuating handle  160  that permits the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, to selectively dispense the dilute acidic solution  146  from the nozzle  155 . When the vehicle, V, is arranged upon a lift, L (as seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), or, alternatively, when the vehicle, V, is arranged over a servicing pit, P (not shown), the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may be located under the exhaust system  100 , and, therefore, may easily insert the distal end  150   b  of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  into the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  that is formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . 
     The proximal end  150   a  of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  may include a positive pressure source  162  that is fluidly-connected to the source, reservoir or container  152  of the dilute acidic solution  146 . The positive pressure source  162  may include, for example, a shop air source (e.g., an air line supplying regulated air pressure at 30-60 psi), or, alternatively, a manually-operated pump that pressurizes the source, reservoir or container  152  of the dilute acidic solution  146  in order to force the dilute acidic solution  146  through the fluid-dispensing wand  156  and out of the nozzle  155  as described above. In an embodiment, the actuating handle  160  may open or close a valve (not shown) disposed in the fluid-dispensing wand  156 ; when the valve is arranged in the open orientation, the positive pressure source  162  may force the dilute acidic solution  146  out of the nozzle  155  (as seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 8D ), and, conversely, when the valve is arranged in the closed orientation, the dilute acidic solution  146 , which is pressurized by the positive pressure source  162 , is not permitted to be expelled from the nozzle  155  (as seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 8C ). 
     The dilute acidic solution dispensing device  150  may commercially available from MCMASTER-CARR® and sold as Model 7044T42. The nozzle  155  may be commercially available from MCMASTER-CARR® and sold as Model 30995K15. 
     The cleaning method performed by the dilute acidic solution dispensing device  150  may be conducted for a predetermined period of time deemed effective for cleaning a particular type of catalytic converter  108 , or, alternatively, a longer time period considered generally suitable for any catalytic converter  108 . The cleaning operation performed by the dilute acidic solution dispensing device  150  may be verified using a gas analyzer, GA (see, e.g.,  FIG. 13 ). The gas analyzer, GA, may be, for example, a five-gas analyzer that is commercially available from Snap-On Tools and sold as model HHGA5BP. The gas analyzer, GA, may be fluidly-connected to the exhaust system  100  by, for example, by inserting a sample probe, P, of the gas analysis, GA, into the tailpipe  114  of the exhaust system  100  in order to detect an acceptable, predetermined exhaust gas level (e.g., a predetermined level of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and/or oxides of nitrogen (NO x )) when the engine, E, is keyed-on. Accordingly, the step of introducing the dilute acidic solution  146  into the catalytic converter  108  may be repeated until the gas analyzer, GA, detects a predetermined exhaust gas level. 
     In another embodiment, the gas analyzer, GA, may be utilized for determining if the close-out member  175  seals the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  that is formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . Referring to  FIG. 13 , in an example, a heat-resistant flexible tube  250  formed by, for example, a silicone material may be fluidly-connected to the gas analyzer by a hose  252 . The heat-resistant flexible tube  250  may be placed adjacent the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  and circumferentially about the close-out member  175  for fluidly-isolating the at least one opening  148  and the close-out member  175  from the surrounding atmosphere. After keying-on the engine, E, if an exhaust leak occurs about the close-out member  175 , the heat-resistance flexible tube  250  may isolate the exhaust leak which may then be detected by the gas analyzer, GA. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8E-8F , a dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ is shown according to an embodiment. The dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ may be substantially similar to the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  as described above with the exception that the source, reservoir or container  152 ′ of the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ does not include the dilute acidic solution  146 , but, rather, includes a flushing medium/fluid  146 ′, such as, for example, water (i.e., a fluid, such as water, is utilized for flushing the dilute acidic solution  146  and contaminates off of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 ). In some implementations, however, the source, reservoir or container  152 ′ of the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ may be omitted and the fluid (e.g., air) of the positive pressure source  162  (e.g., a shop air source) may be utilized for flushing the dilute acidic solution  146  and contaminates off of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 8E-8F , in a substantially similar manner as described above at  FIGS. 8C-8D , when the vehicle, V, is arranged upon a lift, L (as seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), or, alternatively, when the vehicle, V, is arranged over a servicing pit, P (not shown), the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may be located under the exhaust system  100 , and, therefore, may easily insert a distal end  150   b ′ of the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ into the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  that is formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . Upon the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, actuating the actuating handle  160 ′ of the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′, the actuating handle  160 ′ may open or close a valve (not shown) disposed in the fluid-dispensing wand  156 ′; when the valve is arranged in the open orientation, the positive pressure source  162 ′ may force the flushing medium  146 ′ out of the nozzle  155 ′ (as seen in  FIG. 8F ), and, conversely, when the valve is arranged in the closed orientation, the flushing medium  146 ′, which is pressurized by the positive pressure source  162 ′, is not permitted to be expelled from the nozzle  155 ′ (as seen in  FIG. 8E ). Upon the flushing medium  146 ′ being directed through the passage  136  formed by the housing portion  130  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 , the flushing medium  146 ′ may remove the earlier-dispensed dilute acidic solution  146  and the contaminates from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8G-8H , once the step of flushing the dilute acidic solution  146  and contaminates from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  with the flushing medium  146 ′ is complete, the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may close-out the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  by disposing a close-out member  175  in the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148 . The close-out member  175  may include a material that is resistant to, for example road debris, salt, sand, rocks and the like while also being suitable for withstanding automotive heat cycles while sealing exhaust fumes (resulting from, for example, approximately 3 psi of internal exhaust pressure) contained within the fluid-flow passage  136 . In an implementation the close-out member  175  may be a ‘swaging nut’ that is commercially available from MCMASTER-CARR® and sold under the trade-name ‘A-T Series Insert.’ In another implementation, the close-out member  175  may be a knurled threaded insert commercially available from AVK Industrial Products and sold as model number ATC2-813; an installation tool sold as model number AAT916-813 commercially available from AVK Industrial Products may be utilized for swaging the knurled threaded insert  175  into the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148 . In the event that the catalytic converter  108  has to be re-serviced at a later time in a substantially similar manner as described above, the close-out member  175  may be selectively removed from the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  in order to permit one or more of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  and the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ to remove contaminates from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  in a subsequent cleaning process. 
     During or after the step of applying the dilute acidic solution  146  upon the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  with the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150 , or, alternatively, before, during or after the step of flushing the dilute acidic solution  146  from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  with the flushing medium  146 ′ of the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′, the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ may be removed from the exhaust system  100  in a fluid removal step. Referring to  FIG. 9 , in an embodiment, the fluid removal step may be conducted by a vacuum source  164 . If desired, the fluid removal step conducted by the vacuum source  164  may be alternatively conducted after the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  is closed-out by the close-out member  175 ; by closing-out the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  with the close-out member  175 , a vacuum imparted to the exhaust system  100  by the vacuum source  164  will be greater due to the fact that ambient air, from the surrounding atmosphere, A, will not be pulled into the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  due to the fact that the close-out member  175  seals the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  from the surrounding atmosphere, A. 
     The vacuum source  164  may be attached to the tailpipe  114  of the exhaust system  100  such that the vacuum source  164  may be fluidly-connected to the distal, downstream end  100   b  of the exhaust system  100 . In an embodiment, the vacuum source  164  may be attached to the tailpipe  114  by a heat-resistant connector  166  and a hose  168 . The vacuum source  164  may be commercially sold under the trade-name, a SHOP-VAC®, and may include, for example, a stainless steel tank that receives one or more of the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ that is pulled, by way of a vacuum applied by the vacuum source  164 , from the catalytic converter  108 , the third pipe portion  110 , the muffler  112  and then the tailpipe  114 . 
     The heat-resistant tailpipe connector  166  may be formed by a silicone material in the form of a cylindrical or oval sleeves that frictionally-attaches to the tailpipe  114 . In some instances, if a vehicle, V, has been driven for a period of time prior to being arranged upon a lift, L (as seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), or, alternatively, over a servicing pit, P (not shown), the catalytic converter  108  may be heated to a temperature that would delay the contaminate removal process associated with the application of the dilute acidic solution  146  upon the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 ; additionally, the tailpipe  114  may be heated in a substantially similar manner. Accordingly, the heat-resistant tailpipe connector  166  is formed from a material that will thermally insulate the hose  168  from the tailpipe  114  if the tailpipe  114  is heated. The cross-section of the heat-resistant tailpipe connector  166  may be any desirable shape that corresponds to the geometry of the tailpipe  114 ; accordingly, in some circumstances, the heat-resistant tailpipe connector  166  may be sized to a fixed dimension that corresponds to a specific tailpipe  114  of a specific vehicle, V, or, alternatively, the heat-resistant tailpipe connector  166  may be adjustable in order to ‘universally’ correspond to tailpipes  114  of different sizes. 
     The hose  168  may fluidly-connect the heat-resistant tailpipe connector  166  to the vacuum source  164 . The hose  168  may be formed from a rubber or plastic material and include, for example, a corrugated body. In some implementations, the hose  168  may be transparent in order for the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, to inspect the amount of dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ being drawn from the exhaust system  100  and into the stainless steel tank of the vacuum source  164 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a fluid removal step may be performed after the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  is closed-out by the close-out member  175  in order to remove the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ from the exhaust system  100 . In some implementations, the fluid removal step of  FIG. 10  may be performed after the fluid removal step is performed by the vacuum source  164  as described above. The purpose of utilizing the fluid removal step of  FIG. 10  after performing the fluid removal step of  FIG. 9  is to flush out a remainder of the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ that is contained by the catalytic converter as seen in, for example,  FIG. 8H . 
     The fluid removal step of  FIG. 10  may be performed by keying-on the engine. E. In an example, the exhaust gas produced by the engine, E, may ‘push’ the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ downstream through the exhaust system  100  such that the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ are expelled through the catalytic converter  108 , the third pipe portion  110 , the muffler  112  and out of the tailpipe  114 . Although some implementations may utilize the engine, E, for removing the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ from the exhaust system  100  after the vacuum source  164  has removed the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′, some implementations for removing the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ from the exhaust system  100  may be conducted by utilizing the engine, E, alone without using the vacuum source  164 . In some implementations, the engine, E, may be ran above idle speed in order to discharge exhaust gas with an adequate amount of force for removing the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ from the exhaust system  100 . 
     When the engine, E, is utilized for discharging the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ from the exhaust system  100 , the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may fluidly-connect a discharge bucket  170  to the tailpipe  114 . In an implementation, the discharge bucket  170  may be attached to the tailpipe  114  by, for example, one or more of a tailpipe connector  172 , a hose portion  174  and an elbow portion  176 . In some implementations, the discharge bucket  170  may include a cover  178  having a first opening  180  that is fluidly-connected to one or more of the tailpipe connector  172 , the hose portion  174  and the elbow portion  176 . The cover  178  may also include a second opening  182  that permits the discharge bucket  170  to be vented to atmosphere, A. In some implementations, the discharge bucket  170  may also include one or more clamps  184  for removably-securing the cover  178  to the body  186  of the discharge bucket  170 . In some instances, the body  186  of the discharge bucket  170  may be formed from a relatively heavy material in order to maintain the discharge bucket  170  in an upright orientation. In other instances, a weight  188  may be arranged within the body  186  of the discharge bucket  170  for maintain the discharge bucket  170  in an upright orientation. 
     Irrespective of the method for removing the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ from the exhaust system  100  (i.e., by way of the vacuum source  164  as seen in  FIG. 9  or by keying-on the engine, E, as seen in  FIG. 10 ), the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ are neutralized prior to disposal. In an implementation, the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ may be neutralized by mixing the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ with a neutralizing medium, NM (see, e.g.,  FIG. 14 ) that is disposed within a first container, C 1  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 14 ). The neutralizing medium, NM, may include, for example, baking soda, soda ash (e.g., CAS No. 497-19-8), alkaline powder or the like. A predetermined amount of oxalic acid in powder form, AP (see, e.g.,  FIG. 14 ), for making the dilute acidic solution  146  that is utilized for cleaning the catalytic converter  108  as described above may be supplied in a second container, C 2  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 14 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the first container, C 1 , including the neutralizing medium, NM, and the second container, C 2 , including the predetermined amount of oxalic acid in powder form, AP, may be included in a kit, K. The kit, K, may be bundled (i.e., enclosed together) in an enclosure, EN (e.g., a box, shrink-wrap film bag or the like). 
     Although an exemplary kit, K, is described above, the kit, K, is not limited to including the first container, C 1 , including the neutralizing medium, NM, and the second container, C 2 , including the predetermined amount of oxalic acid in powder form, AP. For example, the kit, K, may include any of the components described above that are interfaced with the exhaust system  100 . In one example, the kit, K, may include one or more of: one or a plurality of close-out member(s)  175 , the heat-resistant connector  166 , the discharge bucket  170 , the tailpipe connector  172 , the hose portion  174  and the elbow portion  176 , the cover  178  and the weight  188 . In some implementations, the kit, K, could also include the drill, D, the drill bit, DB 1 /DB 2 , the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150 , the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ and the vacuum source  164 . 
     In an optional step, the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ may be utilized in a substantially similar manner as described above prior to the introduction of the dilute acidic solution  146  by the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150 . In some instances, if a vehicle, V, has been driven for a period of time prior to being arranged upon a lift, L (as seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), or, alternatively, over a servicing pit, P (not shown), the catalytic converter  108  may be heated to a temperature that would delay the contaminate removal process associated with the application of the dilute acidic solution  146  upon the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . Therefore, if the flushing medium  146 ′ of the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ is water, the water  146 ′ may be utilized in a preliminary step for the purpose of cooling the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  of the catalytic converter  108 ; once the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  of the catalytic converter  108  has been sufficiently cooled, the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  may be utilized for applying the dilute acidic solution  146  to the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . In an implementation, a temperature sensor (not shown), such as for example, a thermocouple or thermistor, an infrared temperature sensor, or the like may be temporarily attached to one or more of the upper surface  108   a  and/or the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108 , and, the application of the water  146 ′ by the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ may be performed until the temperature sensor indicates a predetermined temperature (e.g., approximately about 140° F.) of the catalytic converter  108  has been reached. In some implementations, the temperature sensor may be held by hand against the catalytic converter  108 , or, alternatively, the temperature sensor may be attached to the catalytic converter  108  with, for example, a VELCRO® strap (not shown). An exemplary temperature sensor may be sold under the trade name Fluke 54 II B. 
     As a result of post-fabricating′ the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  in the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 , the catalytic converter  108  may be serviced without removing and disconnecting the catalytic converter  108  from the exhaust system  100  such that the catalytic converter  108  is permitted to be cleaned while remaining installed on the vehicle, V. Further, by post-fabricating the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  in the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 , accessibility to the fluid-flow passage  136  extending through the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  is improved when, for example, a servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, is located under the vehicle, V, when the vehicle, V, is arranged upon a lift, L (as seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), or, alternatively, when the vehicle, V, is arranged over a servicing pit, P (not shown). 
     Further, although the at least one opening  148  formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108  is described as being ‘post-fabricated,’ the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  is not limited to being formed in such a fashion. For example, the at least one opening  148  formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108  may be formed by the manufacturer of the catalytic converter  108 , or, alternatively, the at least one opening  148  formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108  may be formed by the OEM before the vehicle, V, has been released by the OEM. Accordingly, in such an implementation, the at least one opening  148  formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108  may be referred to as a ‘pre-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  (i.e., the at least one opening is not formed in an ‘after-market’ environment by, for example, a servicing agent or owner, A/O (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), of the vehicle, V); in an implementation, the at least one opening  148  formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108  may be pre-fabricated in any desirable manner such as, for example: drilling, welding, casting, molding, stamping or the like. In the event that the at least one opening  148  is ‘pre-fabricated’ as described above, the manufacturer of the catalytic converter  108  or the OEM may pre-dispose the close-out member  175  in the ‘pre-fabricated’ at least one opening  148 . Therefore, the step of removing material from the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  by utilizing, for example, a drill, D, for forming the at least one opening  148  in an after-market modification step by a servicing agent or owner, A/O (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), of the vehicle, V, may be omitted. In the implementation of ‘pre-fabricating’ the at least one opening  148  as described above, the ‘pre-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  is not the port  120   b  that supportably-receives the first, upstream oxygen sensor  116   b , and, further, the close-out member  175  is not the first, upstream oxygen sensor  116   b.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 11A-11L , another embodiment for removing contaminates from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  disposed within the fluid-flow passage  136  formed by the housing portion  130  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  is described. Firstly, referring to  FIG. 11A , the fluid-flow passage  136  may extend through the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . Besides the catalytic converter  108 , the fluid-flow passage  136  also extends through all of the components  102 - 106 ,  110 - 114  of the exhaust system  100 . As seen in  FIG. 11A , the fluid-flow passage  136  is isolated from the surrounding atmosphere, A (except for the opening of the tailpipe  114  that defines the distal, downstream end  100   b  of the exhaust system  100 ). 
     Access to the fluid-flow passage  136  is permitted by an upstream opening  138  formed by the upstream connecting flange  126  and a downstream opening  140  formed by the downstream connecting flange  134 . The upstream connecting flange  126  is coupled (e.g., welded, bolted or the like) and fluidly-coupled to the mid-pipe  106 , and, the downstream connecting flange  134  is coupled (e.g., welded, bolted or the like) and fluidly-coupled to the third pipe portion  110 . 
     An upper heat shield  142   a  (see also  FIGS. 7A-7D ) may be arranged upon the upper surface  108   a  of the catalytic converter  108 , and, a lower heat shield  142   b  (see also  FIGS. 7A-7D ) may be arranged upon the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108 . A honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  may be disposed within the fluid-flow passage  136  formed by the housing portion  130  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 ; the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  reduces NOx emissions when the vehicle is operated. 
     After a prolonged use of the vehicle, V, the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  may be coated and/or plugged with contaminants, which may result in the exhaust system  100  failing an emissions test. The contaminants may be removed from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  by introducing a cleaning solution  146  (e.g., a dilute acidic solution as seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 11C-11F ) into the passage  136  formed by the housing portion  130  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  that contains the contaminated honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . An exemplary dilute acidic solution  146  may be made from oxalic acid, CAS No. 6153-56-6, which may be commercially available from Indian Oxalate Limited, Mumbai, India. An exemplary concentration level of the dilute acidic solution  146  that may be suitable for removing contaminants from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  may be approximately about 5-10%. While an oxalic acid is described above as exemplary acid that is utilized for preparing the dilute acidic solution  146 , it will be appreciated that other acids may be utilizing for preparing the dilute acidic solution  146 ; for example, another type of acid that may be utilized for preparing the dilute acidic solution  146  may include, for example, an organic acid. An exemplary organic acid may include, for example, an acetic acid, a citric acid or the like. Other acids that may be utilized for preparing the dilute acidic solution  146  may include, for example, a sulphamic acid, a phosphoric acid or the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11A-11B , the dilute acidic solution  146  may be introduced into the passage  136  formed by the housing portion  130  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  by ‘post-fabricating’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 11B ) in the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . According to the embodiment shown at  FIGS. 11A-11L , a first ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   a  of the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  is prepared at the upstream neck portion or transition portion  128  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  such that the first ‘post-fabricated opening  148   a  of the’ post-fabricated′ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  is located upstream of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . According to the embodiment shown at  FIGS. 11A-11L , a second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b  of the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  is prepared at the downstream neck portion or transition portion  132  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  such that the second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b  of the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  is located downstream of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . 
     The term, ‘post-fabricating’ may be defined as an act that occurs after the catalytic converter  108  has been released by the manufacturer of the catalytic converter  108 . The term, ‘post-fabricating’ may alternatively be defined as an act that occurs after the vehicle, V, has been released by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that assembled the vehicle, V. Other definitions of the term, ‘post-fabricating’ may mean that the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  are formed in an ‘after-market’ environment by, for example, a servicing agent or owner, A/O (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), of the vehicle, V. 
     The ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  may be formed in the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  by removing material from the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . Referring to FIGS.  6  and  11 A- 11 B, an exemplary method for removing material from the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  is the utilization of a drill, D. In an example, the drill, D, may include a drill bit, DB 1 /DB 2 , having a diameter for ‘post-fabricating’ the at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b ; the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings may any diameter, and, in some implementations may be as small as approximately about 0.25″ and as large as approximately about 0.75″. In an example, the drill bit, DB 1 , may be a conical/tapered, step drill bit. In an example, the drill bit, DB 2 , may be a spotting, stubby drill bit. 
     The lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  may be a preferable location for post-fabricating the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b . As seen in, for example,  FIG. 6 , accessibility of the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  by the servicing agent or owner, A/O, (when the servicing agent or owner, A/O, is locate under the vehicle, V) is not impeded when, for example, the vehicle, V, is arranged upon a lift, L, or, alternatively, when the vehicle, V, is arranged over a servicing pit, P (not shown). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11C-11F , a dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  is shown according to an embodiment. The dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  includes a proximal end  150   a  and a distal end  150   b . The proximal end  150   a  of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  may include a source, reservoir or container  152  of the dilute acidic solution  146 , and, the distal end  150   b  of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  may include a dispenser  154  that dispenses the dilute acidic solution  146  into the passage  136  formed by the housing portion  130  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 11C-11D , the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may firstly insert the distal end  150   b  of dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  into the first ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   a  of the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  for directing the dilute acidic solution  146  toward an upstream surface  144   a  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . Then, as seen in  FIGS. 11E-11F , the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may secondly insert the distal end  150   b  of dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  into the second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b  of the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  for directing the dilute acidic solution  146  toward a downstream surface  144   b  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 11D , when the distal end  150   b  of dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  is inserted into the first ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   a  such that the dilute acidic solution  146  is directed directly toward the upstream surface  144   a  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 , the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may arrange a container or discharge bucket, B, under the second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b  in order to catch the dilute acidic solution  146  that is directed through the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  by firstly entering the upstream surface  144   a  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  and secondly exiting the downstream surface  144   b  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . As seen in  FIG. 11F , when the distal end  150   b  of dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  is inserted into the second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b  such that the dilute acidic solution  146  is directed directly toward the downstream surface  144   b  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 , the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may arrange a container or discharge bucket, B, under the first ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   a  in order to catch the dilute acidic solution  146  that is directed through the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  by firstly entering the downstream surface  144   b  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  and secondly exiting the upstream surface  144   a  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . 
     Because the first and second ‘post-fabricated’ openings  148   a ,  148   b  are formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 , the dilute acidic solution  146  (and contaminates removed from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 ) may escape the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  with the assistance of gravity. Additionally, by preparing the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  (as opposed to the ‘pre-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  described above), the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  may be ‘double washed’ in two directions being a downstream direction (as seen in  FIG. 11D ) and an upstream direction (as seen in  FIG. 11F ). 
     The dispenser  154  that is formed by distal end  150   b  of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  may be defined by a nozzle  155  of an elongated fluid-dispensing wand  156 . The nozzle  155  may have an orifice size of approximately about 0.12″ in order to dispense the dilute acidic solution  146  as a fine mist. 
     The nozzle  155  may include a right-angle spray deflector  158  for directing the dilute acidic solution  146  in a particular direction. The fluid-dispensing wand  156  may also include an actuating handle  160  that permits the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, to selectively dispense the dilute acidic solution  146  from the nozzle  155 . When the vehicle, V, is arranged upon a lift, L (as seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), or, alternatively, when the vehicle, V, is arranged over a servicing pit, P (not shown), the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may be located under the exhaust system  100 , and, therefore, may easily insert the distal end  150   b  of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  into the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  that is formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . 
     The proximal end  150   a  of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  may include a positive pressure source  162  that is fluidly-connected to the source, reservoir or container  152  of the dilute acidic solution  146 . The positive pressure source  162  may include, for example, a shop air source (e.g., an air line supplying regulated air pressure at 30-60 psi), or, alternatively, a manually-operated pump that pressurizes the source, reservoir or container  152  of the dilute acidic solution  146  in order to force the dilute acidic solution  146  through the fluid-dispensing wand  156  and out of the nozzle  155  as described above. In an embodiment, the actuating handle  160  may open or close a valve (not shown) disposed in the fluid-dispensing wand  156 ; when the valve is arranged in the open orientation, the positive pressure source  162  may force the dilute acidic solution  146  out of the nozzle  155  (as seen in, e.g.,  FIGS. 11D and 11F ), and, conversely, when the valve is arranged in the closed orientation, the dilute acidic solution  146 , which is pressurized by the positive pressure source  162 , is not permitted to be expelled from the nozzle  155  (as seen in, e.g.,  FIGS. 11C and 11E ). 
     The dilute acidic solution dispensing device  150  may commercially available from MCMASTER-CARR® and sold as Model 7044T42. The nozzle  155  may be commercially available from MCMASTER-CARR® and sold as Model 30995K15. 
     The cleaning method performed by the dilute acidic solution dispensing device  150  may be conducted for a predetermined period of time deemed effective for cleaning a particular type of catalytic converter  108 , or, alternatively, a longer time period considered generally suitable for any catalytic converter  108 . The cleaning operation performed by the dilute acidic solution dispensing device  150  may be verified using a gas analyzer, GA (see, e.g.,  FIG. 13 ). The gas analyzer, GA, may be, for example, a five-gas analyzer that is commercially available from Snap-On Tools and sold as model HHGA5BP. The gas analyzer, GA, may be fluidly-connected to the exhaust system  100  by, for example, by inserting a sample probe, P, of the gas analysis, GA, into the tailpipe  114  of the exhaust system  100  in order to detect an acceptable, predetermined exhaust gas level (e.g., a predetermined level of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and/or oxides of nitrogen (NO x )) when the engine, E, is keyed-on. Accordingly, the step of introducing the dilute acidic solution  146  into the catalytic converter  108  may be repeated until the gas analyzer, GA, detects a predetermined exhaust gas level. 
     In another embodiment, the gas analyzer, GA, may be utilized for determining if the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  seals the ‘post-fabricated’ first and second openings  148   a ,  148   b  that are formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . Referring to  FIG. 13 , in an example, a heat-resistant flexible tube  250  formed by, for example, a silicone material may be fluidly-connected to the gas analyzer by a hose  252 . The heat-resistant flexible tube  250  may be placed adjacent the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  and circumferentially about the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  for fluidly-isolating the ‘post-fabricated’ first and second openings  148   a ,  148   b  and the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  from the surrounding atmosphere. After keying-on the engine, E, if an exhaust leak occurs about one or more of the close-out members  175   a ,  175   b , the heat-resistance flexible tube  250  may isolate the exhaust leak which may then be detected by the gas analyzer, GA. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11G-11J , a dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ is shown according to an embodiment. The dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ may be substantially similar to the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  as described above with the exception that the source, reservoir or container  152 ′ of the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ does not include the dilute acidic solution  146 , but, rather, includes a flushing medium/fluid  146 ′, such as, for example, water (i.e., a fluid, such as water, is utilized for flushing the dilute acidic solution  146  and contaminates off of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 ). In some implementations, however, the source, reservoir or container  152 ′ of the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ may be omitted and the fluid (e.g., air) of the positive pressure source  162  (e.g., a shop air source) may be utilized for flushing the dilute acidic solution  146  and contaminates off of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 11G-11J , in a substantially similar manner as described above at  FIGS. 11C-11F , when the vehicle, V, is arranged upon a lift, L (as seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), or, alternatively, when the vehicle, V, is arranged over a servicing pit, P (not shown), the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may be located under the exhaust system  100 , and, therefore, may easily firstly (as seen in  FIGS. 11G-11H ) insert a distal end  150   b ′ of the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ into the first ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   a  of the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  that is formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . Then, the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may easily secondly (as seen in  FIGS. 11I-11J ) insert the distal end  150   b ′ of the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ into the second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b  of the ‘post-fabricated’at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  that is formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . Upon the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, actuating the actuating handle  160 ′ of the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′, the actuating handle  160 ′ may open or close a valve (not shown) disposed in the fluid-dispensing wand  156 ′; when the valve is arranged in the open orientation, the positive pressure source  162 ′ may force the flushing medium  146 ′ out of the nozzle  155 ′ (as seen in  FIGS. 11H ,  11 J), and, conversely, when the valve is arranged in the closed orientation, the flushing medium  146 ′, which is pressurized by the positive pressure source  162 ′, is not permitted to be expelled from the nozzle  155 ′ (as seen in  FIGS. 11G ,  11 I). Upon the flushing medium  146 ′ being directed through the passage  136  formed by the housing portion  130  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 , the flushing medium  146 ′ may remove the earlier-dispensed dilute acidic solution  146  and the contaminates from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . 
     In a substantially similar manner as described above, the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may arrange the container or discharge bucket, B, under the first ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   a  (as seen in  FIG. 11H ) and the second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b  (as seen in  FIG. 11J ) in order to catch the flushing medium  146 ′ and the dilute acidic solution  146  (and contaminates removed from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 ) that is directed through the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . Further, as similarly explained above, because the first and second ‘post-fabricated’ openings  148   a ,  148   b  are formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 , the flushing medium  146 ′ and the dilute acidic solution  146  (and contaminates removed from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 ) may escape the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  with the assistance of gravity. Additionally, by preparing the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  (as opposed to the ‘pre-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  described above), the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  may be ‘double flushed’ in two directions being a downstream direction (as seen in  FIG. 11D ) and an upstream direction (as seen in  FIG. 11F ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11K-11L , once the step of flushing the dilute acidic solution  146  and contaminates from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  with the flushing medium  146 ′ is complete, the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may close-out the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  by disposing a first close-out member  175   a  of at least two close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  in the first ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   a  and a second close-out member  175   b  of the at least two close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  in the second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b . Each of the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  may include a material that is resistant to, for example, road debris, salt, sand, rocks and the like while also being suitable for withstanding automotive heat cycles while sealing exhaust fumes (resulting from, for example, approximately 3 psi of internal exhaust pressure) contained within the fluid-flow passage  136 . In an implementation each of the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  may be a ‘swaging nut’ that is commercially available from MCMASTER-CARR® and sold under the trade-name ‘A-T Series Insert.’ In another implementation, the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  may each be a knurled threaded insert commercially available from AVK Industrial Products and sold as model number ATC2-813; an installation tool sold as model number AAT916-813 commercially available from AVK Industrial Products may be utilized for swaging the knurled threaded inserts  175   a ,  175   b  into the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b . In the event that the catalytic converter  108  has to be re-serviced at a later time in a substantially similar manner as described above, the first and second close-out member  175   a ,  175   b  may be selectively removed from the first and second ‘post-fabricated’ openings  148   a ,  148   b  in order to permit one or more of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  and the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ to remove contaminates from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  in a subsequent cleaning process. 
     During or after the step of applying the dilute acidic solution  146  upon the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  with the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150 , or, alternatively, before, during or after the step of flushing the dilute acidic solution  146  from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  with the flushing medium  146 ′ of the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′, the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ may be removed from the exhaust system  100  in a fluid removal step. Referring to  FIG. 9 , in an embodiment, the fluid removal step may be conducted by a vacuum source  164 . If desired, the fluid removal step conducted by the vacuum source  164  may be alternatively conducted after the first or second ‘post-fabricated’ openings  148   a ,  148   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  are closed-out by the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b ; by closing-out the first or second ‘post-fabricated’ openings  148   a ,  148   b  with the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b , a vacuum imparted to the exhaust system  100  by the vacuum source  164  will be greater due to the fact that ambient air, from the surrounding atmosphere, A, will not be pulled into the first or second ‘post-fabricated’ openings  148   a ,  148   b  due to the fact that the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  seal the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  from the surrounding atmosphere, A. 
     The vacuum source  164  may be attached to the tailpipe  114  of the exhaust system  100  such that the vacuum source  164  may be fluidly-connected to the distal, downstream end  100   b  of the exhaust system  100 . In an embodiment, the vacuum source  164  may be attached to the tailpipe  114  by a heat-resistant connector  166  and a hose  168 . The vacuum source  164  may be commercially sold under the trade-name, a SHOP-VAC®, and may include, for example, a stainless steel tank that receives one or more of the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ that is pulled, by way of a vacuum applied by the vacuum source  164 , from the catalytic converter  108 , the third pipe portion  110 , the muffler  112  and then the tailpipe  114 . 
     The heat-resistant tailpipe connector  166  may be formed by a silicone material in the form of a cylindrical or oval sleeves that frictionally-attaches to the tailpipe  114 . In some instances, if a vehicle, V, has been driven for a period of time prior to being arranged upon a lift, L (as seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), or, alternatively, over a servicing pit, P (not shown), the catalytic converter  108  may be heated to a temperature that would delay the contaminate removal process associated with the application of the dilute acidic solution  146  upon the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 ; additionally, the tailpipe  114  may be heated in a substantially similar manner. Accordingly, the heat-resistant tailpipe connector  166  is formed from a material that will thermally insulate the hose  168  from the tailpipe  114  if the tailpipe  114  is heated. The cross-section of the heat-resistant tailpipe connector  166  may be any desirable shape that corresponds to the geometry of the tailpipe  114 ; accordingly, in some circumstances, the heat-resistant tailpipe connector  166  may be sized to a fixed dimension that corresponds to a specific tailpipe  114  of a specific vehicle, V, or, alternatively, the heat-resistant tailpipe connector  166  may be adjustable in order to ‘universally’ correspond to tailpipes  114  of different sizes. 
     The hose  168  may fluidly-connect the heat-resistant tailpipe connector  166  to the vacuum source  164 . The hose  168  may be formed from a rubber or plastic material and include, for example, a corrugated body. In some implementations, the hose  168  may be transparent in order for the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, to inspect the amount of dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ being drawn from the exhaust system  100  and into the stainless steel tank of the vacuum source  164 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a fluid removal step may be performed after the first and second ‘post-fabricated’ openings  148   a ,  148   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  are closed-out by the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  in order to remove the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ from the exhaust system  100 . In some implementations, the fluid removal step of  FIG. 10  may be performed after the fluid removal step is performed by the vacuum source  164  as described above. The purpose of utilizing the fluid removal step of  FIG. 10  after performing the fluid removal step of  FIG. 9  is to flush out a remainder of the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ that is contained by the catalytic converter as seen in, for example,  FIG. 11L . 
     The fluid removal step of  FIG. 10  may be performed by keying-on the engine. E. In an example, the exhaust gas produced by the engine, E, may ‘push’ the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ downstream through the exhaust system  100  such that the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ are expelled through the catalytic converter  108 , the third pipe portion  110 , the muffler  112  and out of the tailpipe  114 . Although some implementations may utilize the engine, E, for removing the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ from the exhaust system  100  after the vacuum source  164  has removed the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′, some implementations for removing the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ from the exhaust system  100  may be conducted by utilizing the engine, E, alone without using the vacuum source  164 . In some implementations, the engine, E, may be ran above idle speed in order to discharge exhaust gas with an adequate amount of force for removing the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ from the exhaust system  100 . 
     When the engine, E, is utilized for discharging the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ from the exhaust system  100 , the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may fluidly-connect a discharge bucket  170  (which may be the same discharge bucket, B, described above in  FIGS. 11D ,  11 F,  11 H and  11 J) to the tailpipe  114 . In an implementation, the discharge bucket  170  may be attached to the tailpipe  114  by, for example, one or more of a tailpipe connector  172 , a hose portion  174  and an elbow portion  176 . In some implementations, the discharge bucket  170  may include a cover  178  having a first opening  180  that is fluidly-connected to one or more of the tailpipe connector  172 , the hose portion  174  and the elbow portion  176 . The cover  178  may also include a second opening  182  that permits the discharge bucket  170  to be vented to atmosphere, A. In some implementations, the discharge bucket  170  may also include one or more clamps  184  for removably-securing the cover  178  to the body  186  of the discharge bucket  170 . In some instances, the body  186  of the discharge bucket  170  may be formed from a relatively heavy material in order to maintain the discharge bucket  170  in an upright orientation. In other instances, a weight  188  may be arranged within the body  186  of the discharge bucket  170  for maintain the discharge bucket  170  in an upright orientation. 
     Irrespective of the method for removing the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ from the exhaust system  100  (i.e., by way of the vacuum source  164  as seen in  FIG. 9  or by keying-on the engine, E, as seen in  FIG. 10 ), the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ are neutralized prior to disposal. In an implementation, the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ may be neutralized by mixing the dilute acidic solution  146  and/or the flushing medium  146 ′ with a neutralizing medium, NM (see, e.g.,  FIG. 14 ) that is disposed within a first container, C 1  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 14 ). The neutralizing medium, NM, may include, for example, baking soda, soda ash (e.g., CAS No. 497-19-8), alkaline powder or the like. 
     A predetermined amount of oxalic acid in powder form, AP (see, e.g.,  FIG. 14 ), for making the dilute acidic solution  146  that is utilized for cleaning the catalytic converter  108  as described above may be supplied in a second container, C 2  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 14 ). The oxalic acid in powder form, AP, may be mixed with approximately about two-to-four gallons of water in the source, reservoir or container  152  of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  in order to prepare dilute acidic solution  146 . The two-to-four gallons of water may be distilled or purified by using, for example, a reverse osmosis filter. The amount (e.g., two-to-four gallons) of water may be dependent upon the number of catalytic converters  108  to be cleaned by the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V (i.e., some vehicles, V, may have one or two catalytic converters  108 ). In an implementation, two gallons of water may be sufficient for cleaning one catalytic converter  108 . The amount (by weight) of the oxalic acid in powder form, AP, to be mixed with the water may be equal to approximately about five-one-hundredths ( 0 . 05 ) of the weight of the amount of water. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the first container, C 1 , including the neutralizing medium, NM, and the second container, C 2 , including the predetermined amount of oxalic acid in powder form, AP, may be included in a kit, K. The kit, K, may be bundled (i.e., enclosed together) in an enclosure, EN (e.g., a box, shrink-wrap film bag or the like). 
     Although an exemplary kit, K, is described above, the kit, K, is not limited to including the first container, C 1 , including the neutralizing medium, NM, and the second container, C 2 , including the predetermined amount of oxalic acid in powder form, AP. For example, the kit, K, may include any of the components described above that are interfaced with the exhaust system  100 . In one example, the kit, K, may include one or more of: one or a plurality of close-out member(s)  175 ,  175   a ,  175   b , the heat-resistant connector  166 , the discharge bucket  170 , the tailpipe connector  172 , the hose portion  174  and the elbow portion  176 , the cover  178  and the weight  188 . In some implementations, the kit, K, could also include the drill, D, the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150 , the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ and the vacuum source  164 . 
     In an optional step, the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ may be utilized in a substantially similar manner as described above prior to the introduction of the dilute acidic solution  146  by the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150 . In some instances, if a vehicle, V, has been driven for a period of time prior to being arranged upon a lift, L (as seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), or, alternatively, over a servicing pit, P (not shown), the catalytic converter  108  may be heated to a temperature that would delay the contaminate removal process associated with the application of the dilute acidic solution  146  upon the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . Therefore, if the flushing medium  146 ′ of the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ is water, the water  146 ′ may be utilized in a preliminary step for the purpose of cooling the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  of the catalytic converter  108 ; once the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  of the catalytic converter  108  has been sufficiently cooled, the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  may be utilized for applying the dilute acidic solution  146  to the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . In an implementation, a temperature sensor (not shown), such as for example, a thermocouple or thermistor, an infrared temperature sensor, or the like may be temporarily attached to one or more of the upper surface  108   a  and/or the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108 , and, the application of the water  146 ′ by the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ may be performed until the temperature sensor indicates a predetermined temperature (e.g., approximately about 140° F.) of the catalytic converter  108  has been reached. In some implementations, the temperature sensor may be held by hand against the catalytic converter  108 , or, alternatively, the temperature sensor may be attached to the catalytic converter  108  with, for example, a VELCRO® strap (not shown). An exemplary temperature sensor may be sold under the trade name Fluke 54 II B. 
     As a result of post-fabricating′ the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  in the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 , the catalytic converter  108  may be serviced without removing and disconnecting the catalytic converter  108  from the exhaust system  100  such that the catalytic converter  108  is permitted to be cleaned while remaining installed on the vehicle, V. Further, by post-fabricating the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  in the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 , accessibility to the fluid-flow passage  136  extending through the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  is improved when, for example, a servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, is located under the vehicle, V, when the vehicle, V, is arranged upon a lift, L (as seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), or, alternatively, when the vehicle, V, is arranged over a servicing pit, P (not shown). 
     Further, although the at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108  are described as being ‘post-fabricated,’ the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  is not limited to being formed in such a fashion. For example, the at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108  may be formed by the manufacturer of the catalytic converter  108 , or, alternatively, the at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108  may be formed by the OEM before the vehicle, V, has been released by the OEM. Accordingly, in such an implementation, the at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108  may be referred to as ‘pre-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  (i.e., the at least two openings are not formed in an ‘after-market’ environment by, for example, a servicing agent or owner, A/O (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), of the vehicle, V); in an implementation, the at least one opening  148  formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108  may be pre-fabricated in any desirable manner such as, for example: drilling, welding, casting, molding, stamping or the like. In the event that the at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  are ‘pre-fabricated’ as described above, the manufacturer of the catalytic converter  108  or the OEM may pre-dispose the at least two close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  in the ‘pre-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b . Therefore, the step of removing material from the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  by utilizing, for example, a drill, D, for forming the at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  in an after-market modification step by a servicing agent or owner, A/O (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), of the vehicle, V, may be omitted. In the implementation either of ‘pre-fabricating’ the at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  as described above, the ‘pre-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  are not the ports  120   b ,  122   b  that supportably-receives the first, upstream oxygen sensor  116   b  and the second, downstream oxygen sensor  118   b , and, further, either of the at least two close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  are not the first, upstream oxygen sensor  116   b  and the second, downstream oxygen sensor  118   b.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 12A-12J , another embodiment for removing contaminates from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  disposed within the fluid-flow passage  136  formed by the housing portion  130  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  is described. Firstly, referring to  FIG. 12A , the fluid-flow passage  136  may extend through the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . Besides the catalytic converter  108 , the fluid-flow passage  136  also extends through all of the components  102 - 106 ,  110 - 114  of the exhaust system  100 . As seen in  FIG. 12A , the fluid-flow passage  136  is isolated from the surrounding atmosphere, A (except for the opening of the tailpipe  114  that defines the distal, downstream end  100   b  of the exhaust system  100 ). 
     Access to the fluid-flow passage  136  is permitted by an upstream opening  138  formed by the upstream connecting flange  126  and a downstream opening  140  formed by the downstream connecting flange  134 . The upstream connecting flange  126  is coupled (e.g., welded, bolted or the like) and fluidly-coupled to the mid-pipe  106 , and, the downstream connecting flange  134  is coupled (e.g., welded, bolted or the like) and fluidly-coupled to the third pipe portion  110 . 
     An upper heat shield  142   a  (see also  FIGS. 7A-7D ) may be arranged upon the upper surface  108   a  of the catalytic converter  108 , and, a lower heat shield  142   b  (see also  FIGS. 7A-7D ) may be arranged upon the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108 . A honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  may be disposed within the fluid-flow passage  136  formed by the housing portion  130  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 ; the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  reduces NOx emissions when the vehicle is operated. 
     After a prolonged use of the vehicle, V, the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  may be coated and/or plugged with contaminants, which may result in the exhaust system  100  failing an emissions test. The contaminants may be removed from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  by introducing a cleaning solution  146  (e.g., a dilute acidic solution as seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 12D ,  12 F) into the passage  136  formed by the housing portion  130  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  that contains the contaminated honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . An exemplary dilute acidic solution  146  may be made from oxalic acid, CAS No. 6153-56-6, which may be commercially available from Indian Oxalate Limited, Mumbai, India. An exemplary concentration level of the dilute acidic solution  146  that may be suitable for removing contaminants from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  may be approximately about 5-10%. While an oxalic acid is described above as exemplary acid that is utilized for preparing the dilute acidic solution  146 , it will be appreciated that other acids may be utilizing for preparing the dilute acidic solution  146 ; for example, another type of acid that may be utilized for preparing the dilute acidic solution  146  may include, for example, an organic acid. An exemplary organic acid may include, for example, an acetic acid, a citric acid or the like. Other acids that may be utilized for preparing the dilute acidic solution  146  may include, for example, a sulphamic acid, a phosphoric acid or the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12A-12B , the dilute acidic solution  146  may be introduced into the passage  136  formed by the housing portion  130  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  by ‘post-fabricating’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 12B ) in the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . According to the embodiment shown at  FIGS. 12A-12J , a first ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   a  of the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  is prepared at the upstream neck portion or transition portion  128  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  such that the first ‘post-fabricated opening  148   a  of the’ post-fabricated′ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  is located upstream of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . According to the embodiment shown at  FIGS. 12A-12J , a second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b  of the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  is prepared at the downstream neck portion or transition portion  132  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  such that the second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b  of the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  is located downstream of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . 
     The term, ‘post-fabricating’ may be defined as an act that occurs after the catalytic converter  108  has been released by the manufacturer of the catalytic converter  108 . The term, ‘post-fabricating’ may alternatively be defined as an act that occurs after the vehicle, V, has been released by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that assembled the vehicle, V. Other definitions of the term, ‘post-fabricating’ may mean that the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  are formed in an ‘after-market’ environment by, for example, a servicing agent or owner, A/O (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), of the vehicle, V. 
     The ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  may be formed in the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  by removing material from the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . Referring to FIGS.  6  and  12 A- 12 B, an exemplary method for removing material from the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  is the utilization of a drill, D. In an example, the drill, D, may include a drill bit, DB 1 /DB 2 , having a diameter for ‘post-fabricating’ the at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b ; the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings may any diameter, and, in some implementations may be as small as approximately about 0.25″ and as large as approximately about 0.75″. In an example, the drill bit, DB 1 , may be a conical/tapered, step drill bit. In an example, the drill bit, DB 2 , may be a spotting, stubby drill bit. 
     The lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  may be a preferable location for post-fabricating the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b . As seen in, for example,  FIG. 6 , accessibility of the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  by the servicing agent or owner, A/O, (when the servicing agent or owner, A/O, is locate under the vehicle, V) is not impeded when, for example, the vehicle, V, is arranged upon a lift, L, or, alternatively, when the vehicle, V, is arranged over a servicing pit, P (not shown). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12C-12F , a dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  is shown according to an embodiment. The dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  includes a proximal end  150   a  and a distal end  150   b . The proximal end  150   a  of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  may include a source, reservoir or container  152  of the dilute acidic solution  146 , and, the distal end  150   b  of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  may include a dispenser  154  that dispenses the dilute acidic solution  146  into the passage  136  formed by the housing portion  130  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 12C-12D , the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may firstly insert the distal end  150   b  of dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  into the first ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   a  of the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  for directing the dilute acidic solution  146  toward an upstream surface  144   a  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . Then, as seen in  FIGS. 12E-12F , the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may secondly insert the distal end  150   b  of dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  into the second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b  of the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  for directing the dilute acidic solution  146  toward a downstream surface  144   b  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 12C-12D , when the distal end  150   b  of dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  is inserted into the first ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   a  such that the dilute acidic solution  146  is directed directly toward the upstream surface  144   a  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 , the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may also fluidly connect a vacuum source  164  to both of the second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b  and the tailpipe  114  by a first heat-resistant connector  166 ′ disposed in the second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b  and a second heat-resistant connected  166 ″ disposed in the tailpipe  114 ; both of the first and second heat-resistant connects  166 ′,  166 ″ may be fluidly-connected to a hose  168  extending from the vacuum source  164 . The vacuum source  164  may be commercially sold under the trade-name, a SHOP-VAC®, and may include, for example, a stainless steel tank that receives the dilute acidic solution  146  that is pulled, by way of a vacuum applied by the vacuum source  164 , directly from the second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b  and along a portion of the exhaust system  100  defined by the catalytic converter  108 , the third pipe portion  110 , the muffler  112  and then the tailpipe  114  in order to catch the dilute acidic solution  146  that is directed through the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  by firstly entering the upstream surface  144   a  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  and secondly exiting the downstream surface  144   b  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12E , prior to arranging the distal end  150   b  of dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  is inserted into the second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b , an adapter  200  having a female-threaded fluid flow passage  202  is arranged in the first ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   a . A male threaded adapter  204  that is connected to the hose  168  extending from the vacuum source  164  may then be threadingly and fluidly-connected to the female-threaded fluid flow passage  202  of the adapter  200 . Once the male threaded adapter  204  is connected to the female-threaded fluid flow passage  202  of the adapter  200 , the vacuum source  164  is fluidly-connected to the fluid-flow passage  136  proximate the upstream surface  144   a  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  of the catalytic converter  108 . Additionally, a fluid-flow plug  206  may be arranged within the opening formed by the tailpipe  114  for fluidly-isolating the distal end  100   b  of the exhaust system from the surrounding atmosphere, A, in order to concentrate a vacuum imparted by the vacuum source  164  at the first ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   a.    
     Then, as seen in  FIGS. 12E-12F , when the distal end  150   b  of dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  is inserted into the second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b  such that the dilute acidic solution  146  is directed directly toward the downstream surface  144   b  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 , the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may then actuate the vacuum source  164  that is fluidly-coupled to the fluid-flow passage  136  by way of the first ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   a  in order to draw out the dilute acidic solution  146  that is directed through the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  by firstly entering the downstream surface  144   b  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  and secondly exiting the upstream surface  144   a  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . 
     Because of fluid coupling of the vacuum source  164  to each of the first and second ‘post-fabricated’ openings  148   a ,  148   b  are formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 , the dilute acidic solution  146  (and contaminates removed from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 ) may be drawn from the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  by way of a vacuum created by the vacuum source  164 . Additionally, by preparing the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  (as opposed to the ‘pre-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  described above), the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  may be ‘double washed’ in two directions being a downstream direction (as seen in  FIG. 12D ) and an upstream direction (as seen in  FIG. 12F ). 
     The dispenser  154  that is formed by distal end  150   b  of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  may be defined by a nozzle  155  of an elongated fluid-dispensing wand  156 . The nozzle  155  may have an orifice size of approximately about 0.12″ in order to dispense the dilute acidic solution  146  as a fine mist. 
     The nozzle  155  may include a right-angle spray deflector  158  for directing the dilute acidic solution  146  in a particular direction. The fluid-dispensing wand  156  may also include an actuating handle  160  that permits the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, to selectively dispense the dilute acidic solution  146  from the nozzle  155 . When the vehicle, V, is arranged upon a lift, L (as seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), or, alternatively, when the vehicle, V, is arranged over a servicing pit, P (not shown), the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may be located under the exhaust system  100 , and, therefore, may easily insert the distal end  150   b  of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  into the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  that is formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . 
     The proximal end  150   a  of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  may include a positive pressure source  162  that is fluidly-connected to the source, reservoir or container  152  of the dilute acidic solution  146 . The positive pressure source  162  may include, for example, a shop air source (e.g., an air line supplying regulated air pressure at 30-60 psi), or, alternatively, a manually-operated pump that pressurizes the source, reservoir or container  152  of the dilute acidic solution  146  in order to force the dilute acidic solution  146  through the fluid-dispensing wand  156  and out of the nozzle  155  as described above. In an embodiment, the actuating handle  160  may open or close a valve (not shown) disposed in the fluid-dispensing wand  156 ; when the valve is arranged in the open orientation, the positive pressure source  162  may force the dilute acidic solution  146  out of the nozzle  155  (as seen in, e.g.,  FIGS. 12D and 12F ), and, conversely, when the valve is arranged in the closed orientation, the dilute acidic solution  146 , which is pressurized by the positive pressure source  162 , is not permitted to be expelled from the nozzle  155  (as seen in, e.g.,  FIGS. 12C and 12E ). 
     The dilute acidic solution dispensing device  150  may commercially available from MCMASTER-CARR® and sold as Model 7044T42. The nozzle  155  may be commercially available from MCMASTER-CARR® and sold as Model 30995K15. 
     The cleaning method performed by the dilute acidic solution dispensing device  150  may be conducted for a predetermined period of time deemed effective for cleaning a particular type of catalytic converter  108 , or, alternatively, a longer time period considered generally suitable for any catalytic converter  108 . The cleaning operation performed by the dilute acidic solution dispensing device  150  may be verified using a gas analyzer, GA (see, e.g.,  FIG. 13 ). The gas analyzer, GA, may be, for example, a five-gas analyzer that is commercially available from Snap-On Tools and sold as model HHGA5BP. The gas analyzer, GA, may be fluidly-connected to the exhaust system  100  by, for example, by inserting a sample probe, P, of the gas analysis, GA, into the tailpipe  114  of the exhaust system  100  in order to detect an acceptable, predetermined exhaust gas level (e.g., a predetermined level of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and/or oxides of nitrogen (NO x )) when the engine, E, is keyed-on. Accordingly, the step of introducing the dilute acidic solution  146  into the catalytic converter  108  may be repeated until the gas analyzer, GA, detects a predetermined exhaust gas level. 
     In another embodiment, the gas analyzer, GA, may be utilized for determining if the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  seal the ‘post-fabricated’ first and second openings  148   a ,  148   b  that are formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 . Referring to  FIG. 13 , in an example, a heat-resistant flexible tube  250  formed by, for example, a silicone material may be fluidly-connected to the gas analyzer by a hose  252 . The heat-resistant flexible tube  250  may be placed adjacent the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  and circumferentially about the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  for fluidly-isolating the ‘post-fabricated’ first and second openings  148   a ,  148   b  and the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  from the surrounding atmosphere. After keying-on the engine, E, if an exhaust leak occurs about one or more of the close-out members  175   a ,  175   b , the heat-resistance flexible tube  250  may isolate the exhaust leak which may then be detected by the gas analyzer, GA. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12G-12J , a male threaded adapter  204  of a pressurized air source  208  (e.g., a pressurized, substantially oil-free air source) may be connected to the female-threaded fluid flow passage  202  of the adapter  200  arranged in the first ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   a , and, a male threaded adapter  204 ′ connected to the hose  168  of the vacuum source  168  may be connected to a female-threaded fluid flow passage  202 ′ of an adapter  200 ′ arranged in the second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b ; further, the second heat-resistant connected  166 ″ may be re-disposed in the tailpipe  114  for fluidly-connecting the hose  168  extending from the vacuum source  164  to the tailpipe  114 . The arrangement of the pressurized air source  208  and the vacuum source  168  as described above provides a flushing system  150 ′ for flushing the dilute acidic solution  146  from the exhaust system  100 . 
     In operation, the pressurized air source  208  is activated for jetting air into the fluid-flow passage  136  by way of the first ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   a  such that the injected air pushes the dilute acidic solution  146  through the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  from the upstream surface  144   a  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  toward the downstream surface  144   b  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . Simultaneously or after the actuation of the pressurized air source  208 , the vacuum source  164  may be activated for further assisting the drawing of the dilute acidic solution  146  through the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  from the upstream surface  144   a  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  toward the downstream surface  144   b  of the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 . Because the vacuum source  164  is fluidly-connected to both of the second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b  and the tailpipe  114 , the vacuum source may remove the dilute acidic solution  146  from the exhaust system with a vacuum at both of the second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b  and the tailpipe  114 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 121-12J , once the step of flushing the dilute acidic solution  146  and contaminates from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  is complete, the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may close-out the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  by disposing a first close-out member  175   a  of at least two close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  in the first ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   a  and a second close-out member  175   b  of the at least two close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  in the second ‘post-fabricated’ opening  148   b . Each of the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  may include a material that is resistant to, for example, road debris, salt, sand, rocks and the like while also being suitable for withstanding automotive heat cycles while sealing exhaust fumes (resulting from, for example, approximately 3 psi of internal exhaust pressure) contained within the fluid-flow passage  136 . In an implementation each of the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  may be a ‘swaging nut’ that is commercially available from MCMASTER-CARR® and sold under the trade-name ‘A-T Series Insert.’ In another implementation, the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  may each be a knurled threaded insert commercially available from AVK Industrial Products and sold as model number ATC2-813; an installation tool sold as model number AAT916-813 commercially available from AVK Industrial Products may be utilized for swaging the knurled threaded inserts  175   a ,  175   b  into the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b . In the event that the catalytic converter  108  has to be re-serviced at a later time in a substantially similar manner as described above, the first and second close-out member  175   a ,  175   b  may be selectively removed from the first and second ‘post-fabricated’ openings  148   a ,  148   b  in order to permit one or more of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  and the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ to remove contaminates from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  in a subsequent cleaning process. 
     During or after the step of applying the dilute acidic solution  146  upon the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  with the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150 , or, alternatively, before, during or after the step of flushing the dilute acidic solution  146  from the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144  with the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′, the dilute acidic solution  146  may be removed from the exhaust system  100  in a fluid removal step. Referring to  FIG. 9 , in an embodiment, the fluid removal step may be conducted by a vacuum source  164 . If desired, the fluid removal step conducted by the vacuum source  164  may be alternatively conducted after the first or second ‘post-fabricated’ openings  148   a ,  148   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  are closed-out by the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b ; by closing-out the first or second ‘post-fabricated’ openings  148   a ,  148   b  with the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b , a vacuum imparted to the exhaust system  100  by the vacuum source  164  will be greater due to the fact that ambient air, from the surrounding atmosphere, A, will not be pulled into the first or second ‘post-fabricated’ openings  148   a ,  148   b  due to the fact that the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  seal the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  from the surrounding atmosphere, A. 
     The vacuum source  164  may be attached to the tailpipe  114  of the exhaust system  100  such that the vacuum source  164  may be fluidly-connected to the distal, downstream end  100   b  of the exhaust system  100 . In an embodiment, the vacuum source  164  may be attached to the tailpipe  114  by a heat-resistant connector  166  and a hose  168 . The vacuum source  164  may be commercially sold under the trade-name, a SHOP-VAC®, and may include, for example, a stainless steel tank that receives the dilute acidic solution  146  that is pulled, by way of a vacuum applied by the vacuum source  164 , from the catalytic converter  108 , the third pipe portion  110 , the muffler  112  and then the tailpipe  114 . 
     The heat-resistant tailpipe connector  166  may be formed by a silicone material in the form of a cylindrical or oval sleeves that frictionally-attaches to the tailpipe  114 . In some instances, if a vehicle, V, has been driven for a period of time prior to being arranged upon a lift, L (as seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), or, alternatively, over a servicing pit, P (not shown), the catalytic converter  108  may be heated to a temperature that would delay the contaminate removal process associated with the application of the dilute acidic solution  146  upon the honeycomb catalyst substrate  144 ; additionally, the tailpipe  114  may be heated in a substantially similar manner. Accordingly, the heat-resistant tailpipe connector  166  is formed from a material that will thermally insulate the hose  168  from the tailpipe  114  if the tailpipe  114  is heated. The cross-section of the heat-resistant tailpipe connector  166  may be any desirable shape that corresponds to the geometry of the tailpipe  114 ; accordingly, in some circumstances, the heat-resistant tailpipe connector  166  may be sized to a fixed dimension that corresponds to a specific tailpipe  114  of a specific vehicle, V, or, alternatively, the heat-resistant tailpipe connector  166  may be adjustable in order to ‘universally’ correspond to tailpipes  114  of different sizes. 
     The hose  168  may fluidly-connect the heat-resistant tailpipe connector  166  to the vacuum source  164 . The hose  168  may be formed from a rubber or plastic material and include, for example, a corrugated body. In some implementations, the hose  168  may be transparent in order for the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, to inspect the amount of dilute acidic solution  146  being drawn from the exhaust system  100  and into the stainless steel tank of the vacuum source  164 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a fluid removal step may be performed after the first and second ‘post-fabricated’ openings  148   a ,  148   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  are closed-out by the first and second close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  in order to remove the dilute acidic solution  146  from the exhaust system  100 . In some implementations, the fluid removal step of  FIG. 10  may be performed after the fluid removal step is performed by the vacuum source  164  as described above. The purpose of utilizing the fluid removal step of  FIG. 10  after performing the fluid removal step of  FIG. 9  is to flush out a remainder of the dilute acidic solution  146  that is contained by the catalytic converter as seen in, for example,  FIG. 12H . 
     The fluid removal step of  FIG. 10  may be performed by keying-on the engine. E. In an example, the exhaust gas produced by the engine, E, may ‘push’ the dilute acidic solution  146  downstream through the exhaust system  100  such that the dilute acidic solution  146  is expelled through the catalytic converter  108 , the third pipe portion  110 , the muffler  112  and out of the tailpipe  114 . Although some implementations may utilize the engine, E, for removing the dilute acidic solution  146  from the exhaust system  100  after the vacuum source  164  has removed the dilute acidic solution  146 , some implementations for removing the dilute acidic solution  146  from the exhaust system  100  may be conducted by utilizing the engine, E, alone without using the vacuum source  164 . In some implementations, the engine, E, may be ran above idle speed in order to discharge exhaust gas with an adequate amount of force for removing the dilute acidic solution  146  from the exhaust system  100 . 
     When the engine, E, is utilized for discharging the dilute acidic solution  146  from the exhaust system  100 , the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, may fluidly-connect a discharge bucket  170  (which may be the same discharge bucket, B, described above in  FIGS. 11D ,  11 F,  11 H and  11 J) to the tailpipe  114 . In an implementation, the discharge bucket  170  may be attached to the tailpipe  114  by, for example, one or more of a tailpipe connector  172 , a hose portion  174  and an elbow portion  176 . In some implementations, the discharge bucket  170  may include a cover  178  having a first opening  180  that is fluidly-connected to one or more of the tailpipe connector  172 , the hose portion  174  and the elbow portion  176 . The cover  178  may also include a second opening  182  that permits the discharge bucket  170  to be vented to atmosphere, A. In some implementations, the discharge bucket  170  may also include one or more clamps  184  for removably-securing the cover  178  to the body  186  of the discharge bucket  170 . In some instances, the body  186  of the discharge bucket  170  may be formed from a relatively heavy material in order to maintain the discharge bucket  170  in an upright orientation. In other instances, a weight  188  may be arranged within the body  186  of the discharge bucket  170  for maintain the discharge bucket  170  in an upright orientation. 
     Irrespective of the method for removing the dilute acidic solution  146  from the exhaust system  100  (i.e., by way of the vacuum source  164  as seen in  FIG. 9  or by keying-on the engine, E, as seen in  FIG. 10 ), the dilute acidic solution  146  is neutralized prior to disposal. In an implementation, the dilute acidic solution  146  may be neutralized by mixing the dilute acidic solution  146  with a neutralizing medium, NM (see, e.g.,  FIG. 14 ) that is disposed within a first container, C 1  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 14 ). The neutralizing medium, NM, may include, for example, baking soda, soda ash (e.g., CAS No. 497-19-8), alkaline powder or the like. 
     A predetermined amount of oxalic acid in powder form, AP (see, e.g.,  FIG. 14 ), for making the dilute acidic solution  146  that is utilized for cleaning the catalytic converter  108  as described above may be supplied in a second container, C 2  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 14 ). The oxalic acid in powder form, AP, may be mixed with approximately about two-to-four gallons of water in the source, reservoir or container  152  of the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150  in order to prepare dilute acidic solution  146 . The two-to-four gallons of water may be distilled or purified by using, for example, a reverse osmosis filter. The amount (e.g., two-to-four gallons) of water may be dependent upon the number of catalytic converters  108  to be cleaned by the servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V (i.e., some vehicles, V, may have one or two catalytic converters  108 ). In an implementation, two gallons of water may be sufficient for cleaning one catalytic converter  108 . The amount (by weight) of the oxalic acid in powder form, AP, to be mixed with the water may be equal to approximately about five-one-hundredths ( 0 . 05 ) of the weight of the amount of water. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the first container, C 1 , including the neutralizing medium, NM, and the second container, C 2 , including the predetermined amount of oxalic acid in powder form, AP, may be included in a kit, K. The kit, K, may be bundled (i.e., enclosed together) in an enclosure, EN (e.g., a box, shrink-wrap film bag or the like). 
     Although an exemplary kit, K, is described above, the kit, K, is not limited to including the first container, C 1 , including the neutralizing medium, NM, and the second container, C 2 , including the predetermined amount of oxalic acid in powder form, AP. For example, the kit, K, may include any of the components described above that are interfaced with the exhaust system  100 . In one example, the kit, K, may include one or more of: one or a plurality of close-out member(s)  175 ,  175   a ,  175   b , the heat-resistant connector  166 , the discharge bucket  170 , the tailpipe connector  172 , the hose portion  174  and the elbow portion  176 , the cover  178 , the weight  188 , first heat-resistant connector  166 ′, second heat-resistant connector  166 ″, adapter  200 , adapter  200 ′, male threaded adapter  204 , male threaded adapter  204 ′, fluid-flow plug  206  or the like. In some implementations, the kit, K, could also include the drill, D, the dilute acidic solution dispensing system  150 , the dilute acidic solution flushing system  150 ′ and the vacuum source  164 . 
     As a result of post-fabricating′ the ‘post-fabricated’ at least one opening  148  in the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 , the catalytic converter  108  may be serviced without removing and disconnecting the catalytic converter  108  from the exhaust system  100  such that the catalytic converter  108  is permitted to be cleaned while remaining installed on the vehicle, V. Further, by post-fabricating the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  in the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108 , accessibility to the fluid-flow passage  136  extending through the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  is improved when, for example, a servicing agent/owner, A/O, of the vehicle, V, is located under the vehicle, V, when the vehicle, V, is arranged upon a lift, L (as seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), or, alternatively, when the vehicle, V, is arranged over a servicing pit, P (not shown). 
     Further, although the at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108  are described as being ‘post-fabricated,’ the ‘post-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  is not limited to being formed in such a fashion. For example, the at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108  may be formed by the manufacturer of the catalytic converter  108 , or, alternatively, the at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108  may be formed by the OEM before the vehicle, V, has been released by the OEM. Accordingly, in such an implementation, the at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108  may be referred to as ‘pre-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  (i.e., the at least two openings are not formed in an ‘after-market’ environment by, for example, a servicing agent or owner, A/O (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), of the vehicle, V); in an implementation, the at least one opening  148  formed in the lower surface  108   b  of the catalytic converter  108  may be pre-fabricated in any desirable manner such as, for example: drilling, welding, casting, molding, stamping or the like. In the event that the at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  are ‘pre-fabricated’ as described above, the manufacturer of the catalytic converter  108  or the OEM may pre-dispose the at least two close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  in the ‘pre-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b . Therefore, the step of removing material from the lower surface  108   b  of the body  124  of the catalytic converter  108  by utilizing, for example, a drill, D, for forming the at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  in an after-market modification step by a servicing agent or owner, A/O (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ), of the vehicle, V, may be omitted. In the implementation either of ‘pre-fabricating’ the at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  as described above, the ‘pre-fabricated’ at least two openings  148   a ,  148   b  are not the ports  120   b ,  122   b  that supportably-receives the first, upstream oxygen sensor  116   b  and the second, downstream oxygen sensor  118   b , and, further, either of the at least two close-out members  175   a ,  175   b  are not the first, upstream oxygen sensor  116   b  and the second, downstream oxygen sensor  118   b.    
     The present invention has been described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that it is possible to embody the invention in specific forms other than those of the exemplary embodiments described above. This may be done without departing from the spirit of the invention. The exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and should not be considered restrictive in any way. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents, rather than by the preceding description.