the one question I have is, Do you absoulutely have to use the PM3 cleaner, or would a different name brand carb cleaner work?

I'm going to give this a try, even though I don't have any problems, as I'm a total engine freak with some extra time, and I'll prolly change out the oil as well.

Do you guys think that this carbon knock issue would cause lower gas mileage?

just a thought...