Carbon Build-up

Damionk · #1 08-10-2008, 07:32 PM

The '96 Honda Accord that recently came into my possession was checked by my brother, the mechanic in the family, said that there may be some carbon built up in the engine. I was wondering if there is a good way to get rid of it. Maybe something I can put in the tank. I don't want to have to take anything apart if at all possible. I asked my brother at the time he mentioned it and we both got distracted talking about something else. So, I will turn to the "experts"

here.

Right Lane Cruiser · #2 08-10-2008, 11:16 PM

My grandfather used to say you should take the car out onto the highway at a higher rate of speed to "blow out the carbon every once in a while."

I don't know if this has any real value or not...

Damionk · #3 08-10-2008, 11:18 PM

That's the exact same thing my fiancé's dad said today. But, I'm not sure I'm comfortable doing that with trying to save gas....maybe I would be better off taking that momentary hit to my FE. (Just thinking aloud on that last part.)

Edit:I did do a Google search and came up with a few things. One was something called seafoam. Most of the others mentioned a fuel additive that is designed to clean out carbon.

A024523 · #4 08-11-2008, 12:15 PM

Your mechanic meant the carbon build-up that occurs on the intake and exhaust valves, which causes them to not close completely, thereby not optimizing cylinder compression. Adding a good fuel system cleaner to a tank of gas ought to clean it up. Goto your local auto-parts store and specifically look for one that cleans valves. I need to do mine bi-annually, otherwise the build-up negatively effects my required smog inspection.

Damionk · #5 08-11-2008, 01:37 PM

My brother recommended that I use something called gunk...I think. I don't remember off the top of my head. He said just to spray it into the air intake when the engine is running.

A024523 · #6 08-11-2008, 01:52 PM

I can't help you there. The only product called "gunk" I have seen is an engine degreaser that is only used for the outside of the engine, not the inside, but he might be referring to some other producted by the same name?

Damionk · #7 08-11-2008, 02:54 PM

The same or similar. I can't remember off the top of my head right now.

benwynn · #8 08-13-2008, 01:41 PM

I've used SeaFoam for that and it seemed to do an ok job. I had to replace a head in my subaru (was like that before I used the SeaFoam). But, I noticed that the carbon buildup on the valves wasn't as thick as it was on the head I replaced it with.

abcdpeterson · #9 08-13-2008, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A024523

Your mechanic meant the carbon build-up that occurs on the intake and exhaust valves, which causes them to not close completely, thereby not optimizing cylinder compression. Adding a good fuel system cleaner to a tank of gas ought to clean it up. Goto your local auto-parts store and specifically look for one that cleans valves. I need to do mine bi-annually, otherwise the build-up negatively effects my required smog inspection.

that sounds like good advice. My Mazda Tribute just went over 100,000 and the mileage has been dropping. I think I will give that a try.

JusBringIt · #10 08-13-2008, 07:27 PM

Seafoam is very good for cleaning out your intake, clearing up rough idle, and getting rid of carbon deposits.

Another more difficult technique is steam cleaning by spraying a gentle mist into the intake while the engine is running, not so much to cause hydrolock. Make sure its an amount that logically looks like it could become steam before it gets to the cylinders. Make sure the car is warm before attempting this.

Disclaimer:
Do this at your own risk as I am not responsible for any damage done to your vehicle if you attempt to steam clean.