I was talking to one of my friends the other day and he mentioned something about him doing a complete carbon cleaning on his 350 chevy and it runs 110% smoother. Anyone else ever heard of this? I just took the throttle body off of my 95 with a 351 and it was CAKED in carbon on the back side of the flappers and on the back side of the throttle body and inside the intake manifold. Now I'm just curious about this carbon cleaning. Anyone got any ideas what this is and how much it costs and how to do it?

 

Sonic immersion. When you're done do the IAC as well as it won't immerse with the electrical components. When you go back together run a can of Seafoam through it. The stuff's amazing. I actually gained about 1 mpg due to using it. I changed nothing else including where I buy my gas and got a 1 mpg boost. Guys on the Bronco board turned me on to it.

 

seafoam is your friend. I've had the same results, despite my aprehension to buying it. I was nervous when I saw a lawnmower or boat or something on the label... I ran it anyway, cause it said gas engines, and boy, it seemed to idle a little smoother, and I got the 1 mpg boost too

Ryan

 

Do I just put it in the fuel? I put some in my tranny a week ago or so and it seemed to make it shift smoother and everything. I also know someone with a nissan V6 and he said he put a can of that stuff in his fuel and he gained 3 MPG. I just cleaned my throttle body completely, including the IAC. Is seafoam also able to be applied through the intake manifold? Thats my main concern. I wiped my finger along the inside when I had the throttle body off and dear Lord...... my finger was BLACK. Im scared to know what the rest of the internal parts of my engine look like...

 

Seafoam can be run through the vacuum line from the brake booster through the intake, SLOWLY. Engine will shudder, buck and smoke like rip. In the crankcase I applied 1/2 a can and changed oil the next day after 120 miles, more or less. I thought I was draining liquid soot. regualr oil changes yeild oil that looks quite good after the cleaning. I ran one can through each tank, front and rear and was amazed at it's performance. I also had a lawnmower that was not starting even when I cleaned the plug, yep, you guessed it, Seafoam through the primer and started on the third pull, runs fine. At just under $5.00 a can, I'd probably byy 4 or 5 and submerge the throttle body in it, bet it comes clean with just a toothbrush afterwards. I know this sounds like a commercial for the stuff but it works, amazingly.

 

I didnt even think about running it through the brake booster. Good idea. I like the though of it smokin while I do it. Makes me think I'm workin on a diesel. lol Alright then it looks like I'm going to buy a few cans of seafoam for my engine this time. By the way I've already cleaned my throttle body. Did that with some throttle body spray and a toothbrush earlier. I just hope it does a good job in cleaning the inside of my manifold. Thanks a bunch for your help Tex.

 

run a can trough the tank. than use the second can in the next tank. the smoke thing is not the best way to clean everything out. might be a good idea to replace fuel filter first. just my 2 cents

 

The smoke is just a by product of induction into the fuel system intake system and cleaning of the carbon buildup. It is not the sole manner of cleaning, but will address a lot of points and areas that the use as a fuel addative will not. That's why I run a can through each fuel tank. The upper manifold cleaning and fuel delivery system cleaning are two separate issues and if the TB was a carboned up as Handyman had, I'd use at least a 1/2 can through the vac line. Again, slowly. You don't want any deposit carbon to build up on a valve seat and create problems although I never experienced any. The fuel filter change is an excellent idea, make sure to de-pressurize the system first though. Great thought for only .02. Everybody has an idea to help on these boards, just an amazing place. Well 4:30 comes early, later days.

 

Take care Tex. By the way, my name's Chad. You can call me by my real name if you like.

 

My pleasure, Chad, Tex was my call sign in the Marine Corps, flew F-4B's and N's long, long, ago. Sell lumber and building materials now, couldn't stand the cube forest of engineering. Not a trace of rain on the screen, gonna be a good week. All the best Chad, check 6 & 12.

 

Interesting. Been curious if I should join the marines once I'm out of high school. Not sure though. I'm workin a good job now as an electrician, or at least on my way there since I've only been doin it since August. Not sure what I want in the future yet though. I'm only 17 so I guess I have a few options open...

 

tex, i find that running a couple of cans trough first and then SLOWLY putting some in brake booster has always worked the best for me. i put the seafoam in a oil squirter, it lets you put it in nice and slow, and it helps fom it blowing around from the fan. and do change the oil like you suggest. 2 cents more from me.

 

Here's some more info on the Seafoam...I worked in a parts store that sold Seafoam, anyway a salesman came around to "educate us" on the best way to use it. He said to use 1/3 can in the crankcase, 1/3 can in the fuel tank, and 1/3 can was slowly added to the engine, either thru a vacuum hose(EFI) or if carb, by pouring down the carb throat. You need to run at fast idle to keep it from stalling, when can was almost empty let the motor stall as the last is put into the engine. Let sit for 5-10 minutes and start engine... CAUTION- DO NOT STAND NEAR THE TAILPIPE OR START INSIDE A SHOP!!! It will smoke like mad for a little while, but the inside of the engine will be VERY clean. It works as advertised as crazy as it sounds.