Carbon removal
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Carbon removal
Hello everybody, I'm wondering whether or not I should have a carbon removable procedure done as suggested by a mechanic.
I have a 96 F350 DRW which I bought about a year ago. It has 38000 miles on it and overall it runs good. Over the past few months I've noticed it is starting a little harder and will occasssionally "ping" when I'm loaded and pulling up a hill. I thought about changing out the plugs but the mechanic suggested doing the carbon removal first (he wants to use a Kit from 3M). Again, the truck isn't running real bad but I want to keep it in good shape for the summer towing season. I have read other posts about carbon removal and have come up with a few questions:
If I do the carbon removal will I need to replace the plugs? Will the procedure mess up my catalytic conv.? What are the other risks of doing the carbon removal? Would it be better to just change out the plugs?
I have disconnected the battery for 1/2 hour which reset the computer. (it seems to run better). I'm thinking about cleaning the MAF.
Thanks in advance for your opinions. This is a great forum.
I have a 96 F350 DRW which I bought about a year ago. It has 38000 miles on it and overall it runs good. Over the past few months I've noticed it is starting a little harder and will occasssionally "ping" when I'm loaded and pulling up a hill. I thought about changing out the plugs but the mechanic suggested doing the carbon removal first (he wants to use a Kit from 3M). Again, the truck isn't running real bad but I want to keep it in good shape for the summer towing season. I have read other posts about carbon removal and have come up with a few questions:
If I do the carbon removal will I need to replace the plugs? Will the procedure mess up my catalytic conv.? What are the other risks of doing the carbon removal? Would it be better to just change out the plugs?
I have disconnected the battery for 1/2 hour which reset the computer. (it seems to run better). I'm thinking about cleaning the MAF.
Thanks in advance for your opinions. This is a great forum.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 877
Likes: 1
From: Colorado, U.S.A!
Welcome to FTE!
First of all, don't drive when you're loaded!
Sorry, couldn't help it!
Seems like 38K miles is a little low to have carbon buildup. Have you pulled the codes? You might try cleaning the MAF sensor, too. Just one opinion...
First of all, don't drive when you're loaded!
Sorry, couldn't help it!Seems like 38K miles is a little low to have carbon buildup. Have you pulled the codes? You might try cleaning the MAF sensor, too. Just one opinion...
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 886
Likes: 1
From: Houston/Hope BC
You might want to consider buying some Techron at the autopart store. The stuff seems to work, IMO. About $10.00. Don't know where you buy gas, but I have come to believe the extra few cents the majors charge really does translate into better cleaning additives. Chevron (there's that techron again) seems to make a happier truck for me anyway.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,624
Likes: 8
From: Missouri
Trickling cold water into the intake is as good as any chemical for removing carbon. Running the engine with your thumb plugging the booster vacuum line while you spray carb cleaner in there will work too.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 329
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
"Ratsmoker" has the right idea...
Steam (water) is an excellent way to remove carbon. I have had great success using a small spray bottle to "atomize" the water which carries well in the intake track and small amounts will not harm the internals. I have disassembled engines which have had this process done and the combustion chambers, valves and pistons look like new...
Also, 38k does seem low for you to have this type of problem unless you are getting oil into the intake tract somewhere?
Steam (water) is an excellent way to remove carbon. I have had great success using a small spray bottle to "atomize" the water which carries well in the intake track and small amounts will not harm the internals. I have disassembled engines which have had this process done and the combustion chambers, valves and pistons look like new...
Also, 38k does seem low for you to have this type of problem unless you are getting oil into the intake tract somewhere?
