C0V3R

I've been having some vacuum and idling problems recently which I have traced back to the valves (backing off the adjustment brings back vacuum, but will result in lifter ticking, on new lifters/rods). During replacement of the lifters I noticed that the intake ports of the heads were heavily coated in carbon deposits from when it used to be running rich.

My current theory is, if I do not have bad valve seats/worn valves, I probably have carbon buildups affecting the sealing. As cleaning up possible deposits is alot easier and quicker than whipping off the heads I want to try a couple of cleaning products first.

Does anyone have any experience with these detergent products? Any recommendations etc?

smally351

I have used a mix of hot water and brake fluid with good results before. Hold the revs up to about 2000rpm and squirt it in thru a vacuum hose. Worth a try.

C0V3R

Approx how much did you put in over what amount of time?

EDXR8

Just water through the throttle body apparently does a really good job. Just hold the engine at revs (probably 2000-3000rpm) and keep spraying water into the TB, you can spray a fair bit in vefore the engine begins to choke and try to stall. I have never heard the use of brake fluid mixed with water, personally I would be a bit cautious with it because of its corrosive properties.

Aussiblue

Don't do it. Yes the water will remove the carbon from inside the engine but you risk blocking your catalytic converter in the process. You could remove your cat while you do it but there are better ways that I will post shortly.

__________________
Regards Blue

Aussiblue

If you must do something use Redex (http://www.honeywell.com.au/business...redex/rpt.html or http://www.honeywell.com.au/business...redex/pit.html) or a similar reputable product that lubricates the head and removes carbon, at each oil change but remember overuse or too frequent use also risks blocking your cat. I use the injector cleaner at each 5,000 km oil change and that seems enough to keep most of the carbon out.

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Regards Blue

Aussiblue

Re blocking the converter see the following and think if you really want to put water, oil or carbon into it enmasse (let alone all three at once).

http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Trouble/Catalyticconv.htm
http://www.all-catalytic-converters.com/techtip3.html
http://www.car-sound.com/04failures.asp

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Regards Blue

ALONGIJR

THE BEST WHY I HAVE FOUND AND USED {WITH A CAT ON} IS TO MIX WINDEX WITH AMMONIA 50/50 WITH RUBBING ALCOHAL THEN ADD A BIT OF OCTAN BOOST ONE SMALL BOTTLE SHAKE IT UP GOOD {IT WILL TRY TO SEPERATE.
RUN THE CAR AT ABOUT 2500 RPM AND PULL THE BRAKE BOOSTER LINE AND LET IT SUCK IT UP THERW THERE. DONT JUST STICK IT IN THE BOTTEL. HOLD THE LINE ABOVE THE LIQUID AND LET THE SUCKTION PULL A SMALL AMOUNT AT A TIME SLOWLY OTHERWISE IT WILL STALL OUT THE CAR. IT WILL THROW A GOOD AMOUT OF WHITE SMOKE OUT THE TALE PIPE. THAT IS ALL THE CARBEN BERNING.

THIS WORKS GREAT I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MEANY TIMES IT HAS SAVED ME FROM HAVING TO PULL HEADS...
GOOD LUCK.....

C0V3R

I've got no cats so the more potent it is the better!

Aussiblue

OK no cat then just the spray bottle of water will be fine.

__________________
Regards Blue