De-carbonizing a 13B
 

Hey rotary heads,

My 84SE turns over and starts, but since it has been sitting since 1995, I was wondering what is the best way to remove carbon build-up on the apex seals? I read that the ATF method is only for a seized engine. Somebody had a thread last year about how to remove carbon build-up on an engine that turns over, but has been sitting for a long time. Any suggestions? Remember, it is F.I., so I can't pour anything down the carb :-)

Thanks,

SE Lover

seafoam through the leading spark plug holes...

Thanks. About how much of it in each hole? Is there a reason why I don't have to do this in the trailing side?

SE Lover

http://oregonstate.edu/~scottca/Rota...%20Housing.jpg
The lower hole is the leading which is MUCH larger = easier to get fluid in. If you have a syringe or something that would allow you to get some in the trailing, that would be great.
Now that I re-read your original post, just get 2 cans of seafoam since your car starts and runs. Put one in a 1/4-1/8 tank of gas and run the car hard. With the other, source a vacuum line by the throttle body and unhook it and let it suck the seafoam out like a straw. Get as much in as fast as you can and dont let the engine die. Once you have sucked as much in as you can, shut the car off for ~5-10 minutes. Go back after, and start the car-beware of smoke cloud.
Drive the car around and "drive it like you stole it". After that process, the engine will be thoroughly decarbonized.

^^ thatd definately clean it up.

Disassemble the engine, and go at the carbon with a fine wire brush and some solvent. Than rub everything down with some 2000grit paper....seriously thou, the Seafoam method sounds about right.

Thanks guys for your help, especially kgray.

Mike

No problem. You will love seafoam! I've used it on V8, V6, I6, I4, and even a subaru boxer applications, all with great success - domestic and import.

If it were carburated, the old "pouring water down the carb" works great too!

Yep, but it's not the case. I have also poured it right into the throttle body on a Celica before with good luck.

I still don't think its necessary to put Seafoam anywhere but in the tank. In my opinion, anywhere else is just wasting product. I use a can every couple of months, to about 1/4 tank of gas, and always feel a drastic improvement...