Decarbonize engine
 

I have recently corrected an extended issue of an over rich carburetor. Now I would like to decarbonize the engine. I was watched videos of using water down the carb (steam) and Seafoam (hotsoak).

What has been your experience with either or both? If you used Seafoam, how long did you let it hotsoak? Do you need to do this more than once? Does it really work, or do I need to remove the heads?

Thank you.

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

spray of water down the carb throat of a warm, running engine has always worked for me-run the engine about 1500 rpms

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

Drive it. Jack E/NJ

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

If you have ever pulled the head on an engine that is leaking coolant into one or more cylinders(and still running) you will find that the coolant cleans the piston, valves and head like new.
My vote is for water mist.

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

Woodieman is correct. That will work great.

Tommy

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

Thanks guys. Awhile back I bought a bore scope that hooks to my phone. It is not great but from the images I could get, the top of the pistons don't look too bad. At least not as bad as I would have thought.

I will work on this further today to get better/clearer pictures. It is not real good too close up.

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

Back in the olden days we would slowly pour kerosene into the carb while jazzing the throttle to keep it from stalling. The pistons and chamber stayed pretty clean. I don't know whether it was the kerosene treatments or the fact that I ran the p__s out of that engine.

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

Every time I come back from Denver, I have to climb over 3,000 ft in 13 miles. The gas pedal spends most of its time pretty close to the floor. The drive in itself is probably self cleaning.

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

I've used this method a few times. Seems to steam clean the combustion chambers. I used to refer to it as a tune up in a glass.


Sal

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

I wouldn't use cold water on a very warm engine, as things crack when shocked.
I was taught this method in auto shop class and a spray was used during fast idle on a slightly warm engine until there was stalling. instructed to leave overnight and then make sure nothing or no-one was standing behind the car when it was restarted the next day! The instructor was an old time mechanic with old time ideas, but they worked.

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

>>>pistons don't look too bad. At least not as bad as I would have thought.>>>
>>>The drive in itself is probably self cleaning.>>>


Agreed. 8^) Jack E/NJ

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

In the fifties, my old man always bought Olds 88's with the top engine. On highway trips, he would occasionally accelerate to almost 100 (he sometimes made it if the straightaway was long enough). He said he was "blowing the carbon out". I don't really think that it was all about that.

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

Hey J. Franklin Spray or mist is the key. The temp will take care of itself. Just don't overwater. Hydraulic lock is a very painful experience

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

Tubman, my dad had Packards till 1958 when he bought a Lincoln same story. His last Packard was a 56 Carribian & i don't think it ever had time to "carbon up". Those 2 4's were open a lot..........a real car!
mike

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

tubman>>>He said he was "blowing the carbon out". I don't really think that it was all about that.>>>


True. Not all. It must be fun too. Jack E/NJ

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

Dad was never wrong
I "blow the carbon out" whenever I get the chance

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

My dad always used diesel fuel. He would slowly pour it down the carb at a about 1500 rpm. When the motor would start to lug down he would back off until it would pick up again, then increase the amount of diesel till it started lugging again & repeat. It would smoke up the neighbor hood & stink like hell. One time someone called the fire dept cause they thought a house was on fire. Two engines showed up lights & sirens wailing!

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

He was more likely adding carbon, not removing it!

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

>>>He was more likely adding carbon, not removing it!>>>


Of course. This is another fun part. Technically known as rolling coal to the diesel fuel cognoscenti. 8^) Jack E/NJ

Re: Decarbonize engine
 

Can this be done with a supercharger on the motor??