Finished the decarb process... observations and some questions
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,224
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From: Tulsa OK
Finished the decarb process... observations and some questions
I did the engine decarb process a few days ago complete with an oil change. The car runs great and for some reason is running cooler, noticeably cooler... don't know why.
The process was quite easy, the only nerve racking part is pouring the liquid into your engine. Besides that, it was pretty easy. Replaced the oil with 10W30 Mobile 1 and a UPF-44 filter. Throttle response is improved and there is no more pinging. The PCV mod was done a few weeks before this so I am protected against any oil vapor from the PCV line.
My only question is changing the plugs. I just put new plugs and wires on about 3,000 miles ago. Does the decarb process foul spark plugs? Should I replace them again?
Patrick :cheers:
The process was quite easy, the only nerve racking part is pouring the liquid into your engine. Besides that, it was pretty easy. Replaced the oil with 10W30 Mobile 1 and a UPF-44 filter. Throttle response is improved and there is no more pinging. The PCV mod was done a few weeks before this so I am protected against any oil vapor from the PCV line.
My only question is changing the plugs. I just put new plugs and wires on about 3,000 miles ago. Does the decarb process foul spark plugs? Should I replace them again?
Patrick :cheers:
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Warner Robins Ga
Re: Finished the decarb process... observations and some questions (Patman36)
If I may; yes, the plugs could get fouled but you said it's running great so I wouldn't worry about them. If they start to misfire, just do "an Italian tune-up"....a few WOT blasts in each of the gears. :D
Removing the carbon from the combustion chambers removes potential 'hot-spots', allowing the eng. to run "cooler"--at it's normal operating temp.
Dan
Removing the carbon from the combustion chambers removes potential 'hot-spots', allowing the eng. to run "cooler"--at it's normal operating temp.
Dan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Frisco TX
Re: Finished the decarb process... observations and some questions (Patman36)
I say change the plugs - they are cheap and its piece of mind.
Since your others are still good - put them on the shelf as spares.. :yesnod:
Since your others are still good - put them on the shelf as spares.. :yesnod:
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: San Diego CA
Re: Finished the decarb process... observations and some questions (Patman36)
Where did you get the TEC? I went to the local dealer last week, and they looked at me like I was crazy, then said "GM doesn't distribute that any more." :rolleyes:
Pete
Pete
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Culver City CA
Re: Finished the decarb process... observations and some questions (pmarone)
For what its worth, I bought the last can that Power Chevrolet in El Segundo had. Counter man told me they can no longer sell it in CA. due to environmental issues.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Tulsa OK
Re: Finished the decarb process... observations and some questions (vetdaddy)
Pete, I actually ordered it from Ken Fichtner Chevrolet (supporting dealer/vendor). It was something like $5 per can. My local dealer sold it too but for a little more. Wonder why they said GM doesn't distribute it any more? Maybe just in California?
Patrick :cheers:
Patrick :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Stamford CT.
Re: Finished the decarb process... observations and some questions (pmarone)
Just a FYI comment, but back in the "stone age" the 60's, we used to drip a bit of water into the carb, holding the rpm at about 2000, you would be amazed how well steam cleaning works on carbon build-up, just a few drops at a time. Ric
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From: Pensacola CA
Re: Finished the decarb process... observations and some questions (Power Shifter)
Also just so you guys know, the same stuff GM sells as TEC, is sold by another company. The product is called Sea Foam and is only available from Napa Auto Supply (to my knowledge). I have used it before, works great and probably still available here in CA. The bottle (can) is extremely plain looking and wont stick out as anything special.
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From: Warner Robins Ga
Re: Finished the decarb process... observations and some questions (JCR)
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Western NY
Re: Finished the decarb process... observations and some questions (Power Shifter)
Just a FYI comment, but back in the "stone age" the 60's, we used to drip a bit of water into the carb, holding the rpm at about 2000, you would be amazed how well steam cleaning works on carbon build-up, just a few drops at a time. Ric
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From: Pensacola CA
Re: Finished the decarb process... observations and some questions (pburant)
Don't some mechanics just use ethyl glycol to decarb engines?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2000
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From: Maryland
Re: Finished the decarb process... observations and some questions
Do that to my bro's '88 just about every other year. I connect a gallon jug of water to one of the plenum vacuum lines and let it suck the water through. Cures the knock / pinging problem with his engine.
Just a FYI comment, but back in the "stone age" the 60's, we used to drip a bit of water into the carb, holding the rpm at about 2000, you would be amazed how well steam cleaning works on carbon build-up, just a few drops at a time. Ric
