Automotive Decarbonizing an Engine with Water: Myth or Fact?

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The discussion centers on the controversial method of using water to decarbonize car engines by introducing it into the intake while the engine is running. Proponents claim that water turns to steam upon contact with hot engine components, helping to dislodge carbon deposits, a theory supported by observations of clean pistons in engines with failed head gaskets. However, skepticism exists regarding the effectiveness of this method, as it primarily addresses carbon buildup in the combustion chamber rather than in the intake system where most deposits accumulate. Historical practices, such as steam injection in the 1970s, are mentioned, but concerns about practicality and potential risks, like hydrolocking, are also raised. Overall, while water may assist in cleaning some engine parts, it is not a comprehensive solution for carbon buildup.
  • #61
In a running engine surface temperature change (and especially bulk temperature) isn't that great. From what I know it's the mechanics of steam expansion that does the trick.
 
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  • #62
We are starting to see engine damage from carbon breaking loose and sticking in the ring lands.
Can scuff cylinder walls.
There are some good chemicals out there to dissolve the carbon gradually instead of blasting it off.
 
  • #63
If the engine is disassembled so you can clean up the mess afterwards, Carbon tetraChloride, also called Tetrachloromethane, (CCl4) is a solvent for Carbon. The big problem is that CCl4 causes Cancer.
 
  • #64
Tom.G said:
If the engine is disassembled so you can clean up the mess afterwards, Carbon tetraChloride, also called Tetrachloromethane, (CCl4) is a solvent for Carbon. The big problem is that CCl4 causes Cancer.
Yeah, I'm not sure we should suggest that for anybody who isn't a chemist with access to an exhaust fume hood...
 
  • #65
The Internet can sure sound evil. This thread made me curious as to whether carbon tet was still sold. I searched and the first hit at the top of the page was "Black Friday Specials on Carbon Tetrachloride" o_O
 
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  • #66
At toyota, a recall campaign has us reading the tops of the pistons for numbers to determine if they are part of the lot of "bad pistons" put into camry 4 cylinder engines.

We use a BG product that smells identical to the product I pictured earlier in the thread.

The problem is that almost nobody at the dealerships understands basic physics and they end up having trouble getting the pistons clean enough.

I'm sure some cars are being damaged as well.
 
  • #67
Derek said:
We are starting to see engine damage from carbon breaking loose and sticking in the ring lands.
Can scuff cylinder walls.
There are some good chemicals out there to dissolve the carbon gradually instead of blasting it off.
Ive recently lost two weed whacker engines for just that reason. In both cases there was a bit of carbon "missing" and a score line down the bore just below it. Fortunately they weren't expensive machines.
 
  • #68
CWatters said:
Ive recently lost two weed whacker engines for just that reason.
Interesting observation.

Do you use regular pump gas with ethanol or ethanol free? E10 gas will absorb minor amounts of moisture , and will eventually separate into two or three distinct layers - water , alcohol and gasoline... That can be problematic if fuel is stored more than a very few months.

https://ethanolrfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Evaluation-of-Water-Uptake-by-Ethanol-RFA-09-16.pdf

old jim
 
  • #69
I try and buy ethanol free but it's not available locally so it takes planning to get some. I think I just didn't realize how much carbon was building up. Now I know I'll keep an eye on it.
 
  • #70
So I’d just like to let everyone know .. my car had a lot of flat spots and sometimes wouldn’t Rev over 3k rpm , it was starting to annoy me so I started changing all sorts of parts and nothing worked... till I tried the water into the air intake ... I got a spray bottle boiled the kettle let it cool down to normal temp again to make sure all bad deposits were gone , then I got my wife to hold the revs at 2.5-3k rpm , I sprayed the water little by little as when the engine revs wanted to drop I stopped let it pick back up and repeated this over and over , I left the car running on idle while I went and filled the spray bottle back up for another 5l to go in.. so 10l of water bit by bit for over half an hour let the engine run idle for 5 mins after I had done it, took her out for a spin and what a difference it had made ! No more flat spots no more lag just like it was because the problems start , so am wondering if carbon had built up around the swirl flaps or intake manifold itself and the water has got rid of it , 100% worked thought I would share my experience
 
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