Carbon build up around intake valves?

[mike the snake]

I read somewhere that the spring pressure on our stock valves is only like 35 or 38 pounds!

[kinda5150]

Originally Posted by Poodles

Has a million uses...uses that destroy engines, transmissions, catalytic converters...

...when used improperly.

excellent if used in the appropriate manner, at least in my experience. however, i've never tried it in a transmission...and not sure i'd want to. for combustion chamber cleaning--don't just tap a line into the intake and insert the full contents of the bottle--it needs to be presented slowly (we use an iv sort of thing w/a valve to control the flow rate). i also use a bit of marvel mystery oil in the mix to aid in the cleaning. using it in a slow, controlled manner is quite effective and shouldn't harm any components downstream (o2/cc). i have used this only on cars where crappy gas has been used on a regular basis (mapco comes to mind) and should not be an issue w/using the best fuel in your area (happens to be shell where i am).

[Poodles]

Originally Posted by kinda5150

...when used improperly.

excellent if used in the appropriate manner, at least in my experience. however, i've never tried it in a transmission...and not sure i'd want to. for combustion chamber cleaning--don't just tap a line into the intake and insert the full contents of the bottle--it needs to be presented slowly (we use an iv sort of thing w/a valve to control the flow rate). i also use a bit of marvel mystery oil in the mix to aid in the cleaning. using it in a slow, controlled manner is quite effective and shouldn't harm any components downstream (o2/cc). i have used this only on cars where crappy gas has been used on a regular basis (mapco comes to mind) and should not be an issue w/using the best fuel in your area (happens to be shell where i am).

Using it properly would be never using it on a modern engine.


Aluminum is listed as an incompatible material on the MSDS: http://seafoamsales.com/msds/


Inserting it through a vacuum line is, well, dumb. One can achieve the exact same results (without tossing tons of oil through your engine that will damage the cat) by using simple WATER through a needle valve.


Don't get me started on putting it in your oil. Unless you like causing rod knock...


It's snake oil, plain and simple.

[kinda5150]

Originally Posted by Poodles

Using it properly would be never using it on a modern engine.


Aluminum is listed as an incompatible material on the MSDS: http://seafoamsales.com/msds/


Inserting it through a vacuum line is, well, dumb. One can achieve the exact same results (without tossing tons of oil through your engine that will damage the cat) by using simple WATER through a needle valve.


Don't get me started on putting it in your oil. Unless you like causing rod knock...


It's snake oil, plain and simple.

hmmm, i won't get into a pissing contest w/you. in my experience (engines from 1983-2005, including aluminum, and engines from nissan, volvo, porsche, toyota, saturn) it has performed excellently to clean combustion chambers. it was introduced to me from a highly qualified mechanic of european vehicles and his experience using it on thousands of vehicles. so again, that is my experience. snake oil or placebo affect, all i know is that it has worked for me w/no adverse affects (immediately checked and then rechecked once a yr w/a boroscope w/no signs of pitting or other abnormality). i have not used it in oil, nor in the transmission as previously stated.

[Gords_zenith]

Originally Posted by mike the snake

The pics of those valves looks pretty good.

I had a BMW 135i which has DI, and has the problem of carbon buildup on the intake valves. My car started misfiring, and the dealership had to use a walnut shell type of sandblasting to clean the intake ports and valves. They were REALLY really clogged up with carbon.

The reason is that all DI engines still have EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) systems, where the engine crankcase blow-by is run back through the intake and reburned. Normally on a port injected engine, the gas flowing through the ports and over the valves effectively cleans these parts.

On Direct injection engines, only air, and the oily smoke from the EGR flows over the valves and ports, which are hot, and this smokey oil sticks to the ports and valves and builds up over time.

Our cars have both port, and direct injection, so I don't see us having this issue, but you can eliminate the possibilty of it happening by installing an oil catch can, also known as an air/oil separator.

These pull the oil out of the EGR blow-by, and send basically only air back through the engine. Some OCC's then run the captured oil back into the engine, others catch the oil and need to be emptied periodically,.

Oil catch cans/air-oil separators are relatively cheap and easy to install too, they are a good mod IMO.

Hi, I have a small correction; I think your confusing an EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) with PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) which is what you are describing. And EGR valve takes exhaust gases from the exhaust manifold and injects it into the intake manifold depending on engine load and vacuum to reduce the temps in the cylinders to reduce NOx gases(emissions). Other than that your right on the money.

[mike the snake]

You are correct. I sometimes mix up EGR and PCV.

It is the PCV (engine blow-by) that is run into the intake and what causes the carbon buildup.

EGR is as you say, which runs exhaust gasses back through the intake.

[Poodles]

It's actually the combination of those two systems that cause the issues

[Gords_zenith]

Our engine doesn't have an EGR system though. Pretty sure it's been phased out now with DI engines and with new technology.

[Poodles]

Originally Posted by Gords_zenith

Our engine doesn't have an EGR system though. Pretty sure it's been phased out now with DI engines and with new technology.

Depends on the engine, but yes EGR can be accomplished through cam timing.

[JP]

Does Subaru use Upper Engine Cleaner in the regular dealer servicing in the US?

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/f...e/CIMG0587.jpg

[Gords_zenith]

Originally Posted by Poodles

Depends on the engine, but yes EGR can be accomplished through cam timing.

Thanks. I didn't know that existed, as I was referring to the traditional way.

[nickmerronesucks]

Ive seen that "fuel system cleaner" my work sells kick ass on some shitty cars with mad carbon build up.. you can buy it at sears auto fyi.

[LV2CRNR]

I have 54,000+ miles and car running strong as ever

[Astroboy]

Originally Posted by LV2CRNR

I have 54,000+ miles and car running strong as ever

NA or FI?