Carbon cleaning - regular service item ?

I think your dealer has found a cash extraction technique. Many garages have a carbon cleaning technique that is inserted into the spark plug holes and uses finely ground walnut shells to essentially grit blast the carbon off the valves and seats. Then when you start the engine the walnut shells burn up. It works, but if you don't need it, it is a waste of money.

If you aren't experiencing any bad symptoms, the Chevron product "Techron" is the best additive to keep the engine from carboning up. It will even clean up an engine that is carboned up. Chevron gas has Techron in it. Most good stores sell it as an additive.

Thanks Stephen. Since it's running well, my reaction was "do nothing".

I tend to buy only premium fuel with de-gumming agents anyway (only a dollar or two more when you fill up, so who's counting). I'm sure that the Caltex premium product here (a Chevron company, I think) contains Techron, although Shell 98 octane is the usual drink.

Chris

Stephen M. Henn>

Chris

Who is the dealer?

Jose (Melbourne)

Thanks

Jose

But as far as the catalytic converter is concerned, it's just like burning an extra quart of oil. That will make yor converter inoperative in half the time or less. It's a bogus claim either way whether or not your car has a converter.

John Roberts>