Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Carbon cleaning???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 22, 2005 | 03:00 PM
  #1  
handyman43358's Avatar
handyman43358
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,908
Likes: 2
From: West Mansfield, Ohio
Carbon cleaning???

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?
 
Reply
Old May 22, 2005 | 04:11 PM
  #2  
tex94F250's Avatar
tex94F250
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 0
From: N. Gwinnett Co. Georgia
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.
 
Reply
Old May 22, 2005 | 04:22 PM
  #3  
FghtinIrshNvrDie's Avatar
FghtinIrshNvrDie
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 0
From: Pleasant Hill, MO
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
 
Reply
Old May 22, 2005 | 09:01 PM
  #4  
handyman43358's Avatar
handyman43358
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,908
Likes: 2
From: West Mansfield, Ohio
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...
 

Last edited by handyman43358; May 22, 2005 at 09:05 PM.
Reply
Old May 22, 2005 | 09:18 PM
  #5  
tex94F250's Avatar
tex94F250
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 0
From: N. Gwinnett Co. Georgia
Seafoam, snake oil, etc....

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.
 
Reply
Old May 22, 2005 | 09:24 PM
  #6  
handyman43358's Avatar
handyman43358
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,908
Likes: 2
From: West Mansfield, Ohio
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.
 
Reply
Old May 22, 2005 | 09:31 PM
  #7  
quicklook2's Avatar
quicklook2
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 6
From: Lakewood, Ohio
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
 
Reply
Old May 22, 2005 | 09:41 PM
  #8  
tex94F250's Avatar
tex94F250
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 0
From: N. Gwinnett Co. Georgia
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.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-2

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-6

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-9

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
Old May 22, 2005 | 09:44 PM
  #9  
handyman43358's Avatar
handyman43358
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,908
Likes: 2
From: West Mansfield, Ohio
Take care Tex. By the way, my name's Chad. You can call me by my real name if you like.
 
Reply
Old May 22, 2005 | 09:47 PM
  #10  
tex94F250's Avatar
tex94F250
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 0
From: N. Gwinnett Co. Georgia
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.
 
Reply
Old May 22, 2005 | 09:50 PM
  #11  
handyman43358's Avatar
handyman43358
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,908
Likes: 2
From: West Mansfield, Ohio
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...
 
Reply
Old May 22, 2005 | 10:12 PM
  #12  
quicklook2's Avatar
quicklook2
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
Likes: 6
From: Lakewood, Ohio
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.
 
Reply
Old May 23, 2005 | 12:18 AM
  #13  
Putt's Avatar
Putt
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 1
From: Colville, Washington
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.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
yorky
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
2
Dec 23, 2012 05:28 PM
Flytyer24
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Mar 30, 2012 08:29 PM
mailmanshears
2004 - 2008 F150
11
Sep 20, 2010 06:23 PM
F-250 diesel
1997 - 2003 F150
2
Jan 23, 2007 11:00 AM
Wolfman2405
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
2
Oct 7, 2003 06:21 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:31 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE