Yesterday, I decided to use Amsoil PowerFoam on my Saturn to see if it would result in any driveability improvements. I had previously ran a tank of 87 that was heavily dosed with Amsoil PI, which actually permanently improved the idle and throttle response.
In order to safely feed the PowerFoam into the engine, I removed the 3/8" hose from the brake booster and clamped in half with a pair of slipjoint pliers. This allowed the engine to run at about 1500 rpm. With the engine running, I sprayed the powerfoam into the hose. The can delivered just the right rate of chemical-- engine did not stumble.
I actually did two cleanings.
First attempt: Used 2/3 of a can. No smoke during the injection process. Allowed it soak for 10 minutes, then restarted. Car started on second attempt, all smoke was gone after 2 minutes of holding the throttle at 3000rpm. Test drive showed slight improvement in throttle response.
Second attempt: Used about 5oz. Sprayed the chemical in the same way. However, this time, lots of smoke came out of the tailpipe and there was smoke coming out of the EGR valve. Not sure what was going on, I cut the treatment short and shut down the car. Waited 10 minutes, restarted, and more smoke came out of the tailpipe than the second time. Initially, the idle was very rough, but smoothed out after some driving. No improvement in throttle response compared to the first treatment.
Conclusion? Not sure if this type of treatment is needed in a port-injected vehicle, especially if a potent cleaner such as Amsoil PI has been used. However, the PowerFoam may have cleaned my intake manifold, which has a 1/4" layer of carbon. I'll remove the intake tubing tomorrow to see if the PowerFoam cleaned up the manifold.
Has anyone else noticed very little improvements with these types of "induction cleaning?"
In order to safely feed the PowerFoam into the engine, I removed the 3/8" hose from the brake booster and clamped in half with a pair of slipjoint pliers. This allowed the engine to run at about 1500 rpm. With the engine running, I sprayed the powerfoam into the hose. The can delivered just the right rate of chemical-- engine did not stumble.
I actually did two cleanings.
First attempt: Used 2/3 of a can. No smoke during the injection process. Allowed it soak for 10 minutes, then restarted. Car started on second attempt, all smoke was gone after 2 minutes of holding the throttle at 3000rpm. Test drive showed slight improvement in throttle response.
Second attempt: Used about 5oz. Sprayed the chemical in the same way. However, this time, lots of smoke came out of the tailpipe and there was smoke coming out of the EGR valve. Not sure what was going on, I cut the treatment short and shut down the car. Waited 10 minutes, restarted, and more smoke came out of the tailpipe than the second time. Initially, the idle was very rough, but smoothed out after some driving. No improvement in throttle response compared to the first treatment.
Conclusion? Not sure if this type of treatment is needed in a port-injected vehicle, especially if a potent cleaner such as Amsoil PI has been used. However, the PowerFoam may have cleaned my intake manifold, which has a 1/4" layer of carbon. I'll remove the intake tubing tomorrow to see if the PowerFoam cleaned up the manifold.
Has anyone else noticed very little improvements with these types of "induction cleaning?"
