TheSamba.com :: View topic - ATF combustion chamber deposit burn-off...

Sun May 29, 2005 8:56 pm

OK, I tried the 'search' option, but was wading through too much stuff...

I saw some info a couple of years ago about burning off combustion chamber deposits with tranny fluid. My trusted mechanic actually recommended this to me with our old Volvo 740, and it helped things out a bit. I was peaking into the #1 spark plug hole today to find TDC, and this trick came back to mind, it was that inspiring!!!! For those not familiar with the process, it involves drawing a half cup or so of ATF into the combustion chambers via a vacuum line, and running the engine at about 2200 RPM until all the smoke is gone (and does it make smoke -- make sure your neighbors are gone for the weekend) and voila! 'clean' combustion chambers, valves etc. Repeat process once.

Before I do anything stupid, is this something you just don't do to a t-4 engine? Will something crap out on me? This is for a 1980 air-cooled Vanagon. If this is a viable option, is half a cup too much, too little? 2200 RPM sound about right?

Thanks!

Sun May 29, 2005 9:23 pm

Water is a better option. No smoke!

Sun May 29, 2005 10:05 pm

i dunno... I know the process is tried and true, but I just don't like the idea of introducing water / steam in there to be potentially drawn into the oil system from the pistons moving oil up and down (ok ok, side to side)the cylinder wall, especially since I'm seeing oil on the #4 spark plug. A genuine concern, or just paranoid? :?

Sun May 29, 2005 10:31 pm

Water is a good option, but be careful- water doesn't compress like fuel. Neither does trans fluid. You don't want to bend a rod. Feed it in VERY sparingly.

Mon May 30, 2005 3:56 am

Has anyone ever tried this with noticeable results? Doesnt a fuel additive in the tank work the same way? How about dropping some fuel additive in the chamber?

Mon May 30, 2005 6:39 am

Is the motor all carboned up? Old people been driving it for several years or something? I wouldn't mess with that unless you knew you had a problem. I'd be more tempeted to do that to a V8 not a small 4 if I was having a problem. Otherwise go open it up on the expressway for a few hundred miles, your Vanagon will be happy.

Mon May 30, 2005 7:33 am

You guys are all nuts.

Go to a local GM (Yea) Dealer.

Ask for a can of "top engine cleaner" - $6/7 a can,.

Here's a link, they also make it in a spray..

http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/1015/products/8399/GM-Top-Engine-Cleaner-Liquid-6-8-cyl-15oz.htm

Suck it in VIA a vacuum line on a hot engine. Suck in 1/2 the can. LEt it sit for 1 hour.

Fire van back up. Suck rest of can in, drive it like you stole it.

Best stuff, won't harm plugs, cat, or 02 sensors. Change oil when done.

Made a WORLD OF CHANGE on my tired 2.1!!!!

:P

Mon May 30, 2005 9:53 pm

arrr... she's not sea-worthy yet, cap'tn. :-({|= There's no way I'm going out on the highway without new tires. These tires may not even get me around the island... all 4 going bald, cracks in the rubber. And, there ain't no expressways 'round here, not even a stop light. I will have to settle for drawing some crude substance into the combustion chambers...

Anyone know if the Hankook RA08 tires listed on Bus Depot are available in Canada? I'm going to make some calls tomorrow and see where it gets me.

Mon May 30, 2005 10:11 pm

Hankook's Canadian website doesn't mention the RA08 anywhere... like I said, I'm going to make some phone calls... there are a few places around that sell the Hankooks.. Yokos etc etc.. Michis are too spendy.