I get asked all the time about using Seafoam or other products to clean an engine. Granted, those products if used correctly do have their place but with something as simple as a cup of water you can decarbonize your engine. The thing is DON’T USE TOO MUCH! You can actually damage your engine if you put too much in so be careful. That said, on a fully warmed up engine a couple of squirts of water in the engine can break up carbon deposits in your engine. Just before I rebuilt the carburetor on the Ford I decided to perform this procedure and make a video about it. It’s a cheap effective way to clean your engine. Like I said though, don’t use too much or you’ll be putting an engine in.
Camera: Brian Kast
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: http://www.ericthecarguy.com
Related videos.
Cleaning Throttle Bodies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41yFXjibtLY
Solving Performance Problems 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsGTeWayqIU
Solving Performance Problems 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAKwCzUE_9M
Re Performance Problems: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vAJi5rLMGY
Diagnosing a Catalytic Converter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VZ5K8n5jj0
Related articles.
Idle issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-idle-problems
Performance issues: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-performance-issues
Getting Better MPG: http://ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-the-causes-of-poor-mpg
Discussion about this Video: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/18-The-EricTheCarGuy-Video-Forum/52276-decarbonizing-your-engine-with-water#103995
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: http://www.ericthecarguy.com
ETCG FAQ Page: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq
EricTheCarGuy code lookup: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/obd-code-lookup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricTheCarGuy?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricTheCarGuy
Google+: https://plus.google.com/100195180196698058780/posts
Information on Premium Membership: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/premium-content-streaming-etcg-content
Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.
My older Brother taught me that when I was 8 years old on his hot rod Chevy
Neat trick I'm going to try.
I used to dump the whole 12 oz cup at once never had a problem, worked great
Em… where's he putting the water? Can't find that on ford edge 2011.
To bad this wouldn't work on a new engine like the pentastar 3.6 L from dodge for a Caravan I think I have a sticky exhaust valve
ETCG is the man!
Been using technique for years. Oldest and best trick in the book
Done this for years. Works in older cars that havebeen neglected. It helps.
I learned this trick years ago and it works
i think it better to put some gasoline in with the oil right before an oil change. put a quart or two in the oil, drive 100 miles, then come home & change the oil. water? fuk no way dude. also i would do the Seafoam treatment instead of water. Seafoam in the oil, in the gas, then sprayed in the intake while running. check the videos for Seafoam cleaning. it REALLY works!
Water turns to steam at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, I don't see that happening in the intake, in the combustion chamber yes.
You have to be careful with this method. Water can leach past the rings into your engine oil and cause it to start foaming. This can end really bad. They have machines at dealerships that do this and they always change and flush the oil after this procedure is done. If your gonna do this at home at least change your oil after.
Get ready 4 the check engine
Can it be done on direct injection too?
Sir i wanna ask about this condenser radio setting on 2nz fe toyota engine..i just broke my mine..what its function and how important it is to my engine..pilipino mechanics on you tube wont answer my question..hope you can give me an idea..thqnk you and god bless.
If only 12% of the exhaust gases were water… oh wait, they are…
Can you use water in a non-carburetor engine? Where would you poor the water? I have random cylinder misfires and mechanic is recommending to decarb. I have an Infiniti QX60. I have tried the injector cleaners that go in the gasoline tank. It produced no positive effect.
I design and make this HHO machines if anybody want details feel free to contact me on
Contact me
+918866441361
ok so water for the intake, coca-cola on the battery terminals, and alcahol in the gas tank. Now can anyone think of something edible to put into the crankcase?
Do you realize modern cars don’t have a carburetor?
Are injection car can Do like this as well? Just use water to clean the carbon inside the engine?
Anthony Ruiz. For 50 years I have used water to make cheap tune-up only with water, it always works and the engine thanks you, and leave the spark plugs completely clean, before reconditioning an engine I have decarbonized it many times with water and the valves and top of the piston are like new without residue.
How about 35% hydrogen peroxide?
I did this to a 351M engine back in the early 80's and nothing really happened at the time. A few days later, I had to drive about 100 miles and pick up a travel trailer and it was night time by the time I headed back. The carbon blowing out the exhaust was unbelievable. It almost looked like it was in solid form. That truck ran so good after that.
what about using a spray bottle to make sure you don't ever drop the cup haha?
Any corrosion issue happens???
Will this work on a CRDI diesel?
What about taking off the cat converter cause will those fumes hurt them?
To clean up the soot in your car engine and exhaust pipe line, it's better to call out a chimney cleaner rather than just using water I think…..
Thanks Eric. Can you let me know if I use diluted Waxoyl bird drop remover for decarbonization of my diesel Mahindra Thar.. your input will be valuable. Thanks in advance
Can i do this Method with all Engines Petrol/Diesel? I have a 2007 D5 XC90, works with this Engine too?!
Can u do tis on a 2004 Honda civic
@EricTheCarGuy Can I do this with a Honda? If I can, how can it be done? Do I disconnect the vacuum line of the brake booster and use that vacuum line? Thanks for the information