1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Steam Style De-carbonizing

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Old Feb 7, 2007 | 07:49 PM
  #1  
blazer1313's Avatar
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Question Steam Style De-carbonizing

Has anyone performed the Steam style decarbonizing of their rotary??? Theory is that if you take a spray bottle full of water..(not sure if its distilled or not) and spray (mist) 2 full bottles into the intake when revving at 2000 RPM, the water will instantly boil and steam out all the carbon in the inside gumming up the apex seals creating less compression...


HAS ANYONE DONE THIS...what do you think?
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Old Feb 7, 2007 | 08:05 PM
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Yes, and it does work. I often do this as a followup after using Seafoam or atf. I don't use a spray bottle though, I use a vacuum tube and container of water and let the engine suck the water in as fast as it can, keeping the revs up so it doesn't die. And I don't want to hear any msinformed comments about hydrolocking the engine.

You should use a solvent such as the Seafoam or atf 1st to soften and break up the hardened carbon buildup. I've pulled apart engines that have had coolant a seal failure and they have been as clean inside as a freshly assembled engine. Saves a lot of work cleaning up parts for a rebuild.

Last edited by trochoid; Feb 7, 2007 at 08:15 PM.
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Old Feb 7, 2007 | 08:18 PM
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How many oz. of water do you use ? 16? 32?
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Old Feb 7, 2007 | 08:59 PM
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Yup as Scott said it does work. You obviously have to keep the engine reved up so it doesn't stall and have to make sure your not going to use so much water that you seize the engine. Water obviously doesn't compress, so it is possible to over due it, it would take a substantial amount to though.

It is the same concept as seafoam, but seaform is a detergent. Water is essentially the same idea, just alot cheaper.

Last edited by Dan_s_young; Feb 7, 2007 at 09:13 PM.
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Old Feb 7, 2007 | 09:10 PM
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I've done this and it works as far as I can tell. I never took the motor apart.
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Old Feb 7, 2007 | 09:12 PM
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I did this when I first got my 7. After about 1 liter of water my cat split open and you could see the water running out, not to mention that it was quite a bit louder after that. Maybe a fluke, but figured I'd toss it out there. Now I just use the Seafoam...
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Old Feb 7, 2007 | 09:16 PM
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From: St Joe MO
1 liter/quart should be sufficient. Do use a solvent 1st though, final results will be much better.
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Old Feb 7, 2007 | 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Kentetsu
I did this when I first got my 7. After about 1 liter of water my cat split open and you could see the water running out, not to mention that it was quite a bit louder after that. Maybe a fluke, but figured I'd toss it out there. Now I just use the Seafoam...
You have to spray it a little at a time, not dump the water in. J/K hehehe
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Old Feb 7, 2007 | 10:40 PM
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Thats awesome. Is there a big difference? I would like to try this when I get my 7 running right again. So, all you do is pour a can of seafoam down the carb first? or in gas tank? Then get mist bottle and spray water down the carb? What rpm is best to be at?
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Old Feb 7, 2007 | 10:46 PM
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twinkle I actually used a vacuum line and put it in the bottle leading to a vacuum nipple that pulled hard. Untill it sucked all of the seafoam out. Thats what was reccomended to me from some members.
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Old Feb 8, 2007 | 02:27 AM
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From: St Joe MO
Depends on what you want to clean the most. With the water, use a vacuum hose, no need for it to go through the carb. For the Seafoam, if you want all of the carb and fuel system cleaned, pour it in the tank, pouring down the carb will only clean the butterflys and barrels, vacuum line hits the combustion chamber.

When doing the Seafoam through a vacuum line, I like to suck in 1/2 a can quick enough that it kills the engine, then let it sit overnight and soak. Finish off the other 1/2 can the next day at a much slowere rate of ingestion.

Last edited by trochoid; Feb 8, 2007 at 02:32 AM.
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Old Feb 8, 2007 | 05:54 AM
  #12  
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From: Anacortes, WA Hometown: P.O., WA
hmmmm....already used Lucas fuel system cleaner a week back. the only other vacuum line not being used would be on my intake plenum near the throttle plates.....i may just go the spray bottle....
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Old Feb 8, 2007 | 06:51 AM
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Just add some Seafoam to about 1/8 - 1/4 tank of gas. You will get the results you are looking for...
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