GM Top Engine Cleaner

[tpis15]

Has anyone used gm's top engine cleaner? It is supposed to clean out excessive carbon build up and free sticking rings. This seems to be a common problem with the northstar engine line due to a lack of WOT driving. I was thinking about giving this a try. It sounds a lot like sea foam to me. So has anyone had any success with this stuff?

The following is straight from a service manual, in regards to the TSB issued for a "cold knock" on the northstar, caused by excessive carbon.

Before considering major engine repairs, the technician should perform the following procedure to clean carbon from the engine combustion chambers.
Note: This procedure must be strictly followed. Hydrostatic lock may result causing severe engine damage if this procedure is not strictly adhered to. (that's important.)

1) Obtain one can of GM TOP engine cleaner (TEC) P/N 1052626.
2) Start the engine and bring the engine coolant temp to 200 degrees on the instrument panel gauge. (220F on a scan tool)
IMPORTANT: Do not raise the engine speed above idle
3) with the engine idling, disconnect the PCV hose from the PCV valve and slowly spray the TEC into the end of the hose.
4) Raise the engine speed to approximately 2000 rpm until you see a cloud of white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe, then shut off the engine.
5) Let the vehicle sit for at least 20 minutes, preferably overnight. This allows time for the TEC to act on the carbon deposits.
6) Once the soak period has been completed, start the engine and proceed to remove the remainder of the TEC from the engine by increasing the engine speed to 2000rpm until the white smoke has diminished.

[giannid]

I used it last August right before I did a major tune up. I believe that is somewhat stronger than Sea Foam (it has more ingredients). Make sure you buy the one in a spray can, because the flow is more controlled and there's little chance of hydrolocking the engine. Follow those instructions and you should be fine ... make sure you change the spark plugs ASAP. It might not be a bad idea to clean the throttle body while you are at it.

G

[tpis15]

Has anyone tried pouring it directly into the cylinders through the spark plug holes in an effort to better clean the rings?

[Deleted]

My local.. well no longer mine... dealer won't add this to my engine. They claim it does damage to the internals. I laughed and asked for my car keys back

[giannid]

I wouldn't be surprised if they hydrolocked an engine and now they refuse to perform that service in any other car.

G

[aurorabrain]

tpis15 said:

Has anyone tried pouring it directly into the cylinders through the spark plug holes in an effort to better clean the rings?

It works wonders when done this way, and you can't hydrolock the engine with the spark plugs out. The problem is that the GOOD top engine cleaner is discontinued and a new VOC compliant product replaced it which doesn't work as well. You HAVE to change the oil after you do this procedure.

[exiled350]

is this stuff only good for aluminum motors, or can it be used on iron motors as well. Id like to give it a shot on my '96 Grand Am with the 3.1l 60° v6.

[Deleted]

Apr 10, 2008 17:29:05 GMT -6 exiled350 said:

is this stuff only good for aluminum motors, or can it be used on iron motors as well. Id like to give it a shot on my '96 Grand Am with the 3.1l 60° v6.

Go nuts! Won't hurt if done properly

[oldsmobiletw]

how much is this product ?

[edge350]

Speaking of carbon build up....My Camero had a slight tick in the tack at idle so I was sure there a dirty injector. I tried synthetic 5000 mile fuel additive and it seemed useless. So, I went to the GM Parts counter thinking about trying a decarb. He said to try their $25 fuel additive 1st, and if that doesn't work have them do a decarb. I said I tried an additive already. He said not this one...a tech was back there too, and he chimed in about it being the best on the market, etc. and if it doesn't work they'll discount me on doing the decarb for me.

So I figure what the heck. I used it and I got white smoke during heavy acceleration which I didn't normally get. The smoke went away the next fuel up. I have better throttle response now, maybe thats in my head, but the tack sits dead still at idle now. I got another bottle for my Aurora and will be adding it my just before my next oil change.

[Deleted]

The Cleens, AKA Top Engine Cleaner is around $10 from the parts department at GM. #993026 (in Canada)

Apr 12, 2008 14:43:14 GMT -6 edge350 said:

"... He said not this one...a tech was back there too, and he chimed in about it being the best on the market"

What product are you referring to?

I have been using Techron Fuel System Cleaner from Chevron with limited success. I have 1 more bottle before I move onto something like cleens.