Engine Vac?

[Butch Brandt]

Can anyone explain the "engine vac" process for me?



All I know is that it is some type of machine hooked up to the engine that is supposed to remove all the carbon from the combustion chambers, is recommended every 80/100,000 miles, and is supposed to improve power, starting, economy, and injector life. Cost is $160.

 

[Alan Reagan]

The only system I've seen that is anywhere close to what you are describing is the Castle system used on gasoline engines. A cleaner is applied through a vacuum line at a drip fast enough to slow the engine idle once it is applied. The chemicals clean the system including valves and pistons and blows it out the exhaust. I haven't seen the system used on diesels.

 

[JoeBioDiesel]

Hi Butch,

Snap-on and Motorvac have an Engine vac system (called Dieseltune for the Diesels) that work pretty well. I used to sell them for Snap-on when I worked for them. I've witnessed that they work well. My buddies John Deere tractor would miss under highload and low RPM until we Motorvac-ed it. I use it on my own stuff too. The problem is the new solvent they use is not what it used to be. Most of the repair shops aren't aware there was a change. Motorvac was in violation of a patent and had to stop producing and selling the solvent. I haven't heard good stuff about the new solvent. It doesn't harm anything, but doesn't clean as well either.

I wouldn't pay $160. 00 for the new stuff. You might be better off getting your injector nozzles cleaned and calibrated if you're worried about it.



My 2 cents.



Joe Rappa