GM top engine cleaner

[oehm]

I am about to run some top engine cleaner through my Buick, but I have a couple questions first. I recently (less than 300 miles ago) had my cylnder heads gone through with a valve job, valve seals, ect. so I there probably is not much carbon built up on the heads. Will the top engine cleaner still produce massive amounts of smoke enough to double check for exhaust leaks?

Also, can I just dump the top engine cleaner into my alky tank, and hit the test button to introduce it into the engine?

Thanks

Ian

 

[salvageV6]

I don't think you want the Naptha solvent in the Top Engine Cleaner to go through the alky. system.

With 300 miles on the heads not much reason to do it, especially if you use the alky. kit often.

 

[GotGas8668]

if you just want smoke to ceck for leaks use some tranny fluid

 

[oehm]

are there any downsides to using the tranny fluid?

 

[MistaScott]

Yes, the Top Engine Cleaner will produce smoke even with clean engine internals for at least a few minutes. Just have several sets of eyes on the exhaust because the smoke may not be billowing out of the leaks. Make sure you follow the gnttype.org procedure (1/2 bottle in, don't let car die. Dump other half in, car dies. Refire engine and then comes the smoke).

I would dump it directly into the TB, don't put it in the alky system -- it is nasty stuff.

I'd say use Top Engine because it is made to go in the intake. But a little bit of ATF won't hurt anything. Change the oil after you use either one.

 

[Rickracer]

For less than the price of the Top Engine cleaner and an oil change....

....you could locate and purchase a mechanic's stethoscope, which is an invaluable tool for locating any kind of noise. Idler or tensioner bearings, alternator noises, water pumps, vacuum leaks, exhaust leaks, you name it. There is a part I call the transducer, that has a thin rod atttached to a disc inside a small chamber (about an inch and a half in diameter). This parts takes the old long screwdriver to the ear trick to a whole new level. The other side of the chamber has a nipple on it for the hose, and the rest looks like a regular doctor's stethoscope. By removing the transducer, you can listen for vacuum and/or exhaust leaks with just the hose, and pinpoint them. You could use a 2' long piece of vacuum hose to accomplsh the same thing though, in a pinch. Trust me, if you get the stethoscope, you will find yourself using it for lots of things.