2_point8_boy

what is the easiest way to get rid of carbon build up in the engine? I've heard the running some ATF through it can do it, but I don't want to risk the engine/CAT health. Are there any 100% safe ways to do it, and what exactly is the procedure for running ATF through it if that's what it comes down to. Do I just pull a vacuum line and let the engine suck it out of the bottle, or is there another way??? Thanks

Jeff

KED85

I'll Bite.
HOW do you know you have a carbon build up?
With carb engines, I use the GM engine Top End Cleaner.
I go to industrial area of Torrance to do this!
These FI engines really run very clean.
IF ya trying to bring back to life an older POS it may not work and ya may just have to install a newer engine or run it til it dies.
Or swap heads or....
When I killed my 2.8 MPFI I had SLUDGE in it, along with carbon.
But carbon was due to me overheating engine as the bottom rad hose dropped off radiator.
SLUDGE was due to previous owner & lack of dilligent oil changes.
These 60* heads wear the valve guides real quick.

2_point8_boy

Got a car that we took the exhaust manifold off of and ran the car, crap came flyin' out of there like there was no tomorrow. Good case for possible carbon build up if you ask me. I know the car has in bad shape for a while, but runs a lot better now. Had an injector the just stayed open, ruined like 3 CATs before my bozo of a buddy decided to actually look into the fuel system. Never said he was the sharpest marble. Thanks though.

KED85

I'll offer this.
You're observation of exhaust manifold off, start, may have produced what results ya saw.
Let's go forward.
How do ya plan on using this ride?
Cause whatever ya clean up, create for longevity & extra power, on this current mill, can certainly be transfered to another 60* mill when this one dies.
And whatever positive stuff ya do to this mill, will help clean it up (carbon wise) & make the current mill last longer before ya toss it into the junk pile & swap in a 3.4!
If ya want a number of my wrecking yard I obtain 3.4s from give a shout!
Bottom line, you are creating a win-win situation for yourself.
I do not doubt you may be able to add a gas additive to help remove carbon build up.
YET ya gotta watch out for additives & injectors.
Some don't like each other, I hear.
I'd say do the distributor rebuild next and remote mount your coil like mine.

2_point8_boy

the car in quetion isn't a camaro or f-bird, it's a volvo. Just didn't know who else to ask, since this is the place to get answers. I fuigure the procedure is the same for just about all engines. Thinking back on it though, taking the exhaust off could ahve cause the prob, but just thought I would get some knowledge of it anyway. A little knowledge never hurt anyone, unless it was somthin' bad about the mafia...

KED85

3 choices.
Cylinder Head Exchange, Sun Valley, San Fernando Road.
My Machinist in Torrance
Add a gas additive,
Drive the $hit outta it.
Then change plugs.

2_point8_boy

forgot that you lived in SoCal Ked. I live there too. I always go to pick-a-part in sunland. They are right down the street from the power plant. They don't get a lot of cars in there anymore though that have things I need. Thanks for the Info though.

KED85

I guarantee that the FBodies will be dryng up in there, kinda soon.
If ya need a machinist, give a shout!
He's in Torrance, may be able to turn your Volvo head around in a day.

Damien00677

about cleaning up the carbon, I would say go with the top end engine cleaner that ked mentioned at the beginning. GM part number 1050002 is that stuff in a can with no sprayer. What you do is suck it up through a vaccuum line, keep the car runnning till you suck up most or all of the can, then let it die and sit for maybe 10-15 minutes. Everyone that I know that has done this has felt improvements in power and gas mileage. they were 3 or 4 GM's and a F*rd.

Ked, why did you mount your coil there and upside down

P.S. if you decide to do this, I would recommend doing it somwhere where neighbors won't complain or call the local emergency personell

KED85

Why like this?
it's away from the engine exhaust manifold.
I only drilled two holes in the car to mount it
the aluminum was free
I couldn't mount it right side up due to the coil wire to distributor interference with the rain gutter overhang
it doesn't get wet in this spot
works great like it is
final reason
I helped someone once remount an aftermarket coil in the correct/bracket spot.
WHAT A WASTE OF TIME, so this idea is perfect!
I never heard of the suck up the GM top end cleaner by a vacuum hose trick.
I always poured it into the carb until it stalled then, yep, that's why I did this trick industrial area of Torrance!
I just read about a product from Justice Brothers.
Removes valve carbon.
Pour in gas tank.
Also helps injectors, too.

Damien00677

i'll hafta check it out...do you know what its called (the product from justice brothers)

KED85

These guys are locals so ya can give them a shout for any true questions.
I'll quote form the press release printed in the Super Chevy issue May 2003

INTAKE VALVE CLEANER (product name)

"Justice Brothers intake valve cleaner (Justice Bros. 2734 E. Huntington Dr. Duarte 626-359-9174 www.justicebrothers.com) is specially formulated to remove the burn-on carbon from the intake valve & return the flow to it's original level. It also helps to clean out the deposits in fuel injectors & carbs to help your hot rod keep running the way it should.

Any question give them a shout.
Hope this is a clue.
PS Volvos last a long time. Part are expensive