1990 GT-X

Hi, bought an rx8 and was just wondering if you guys had any suggestions on how to keep the carbon from building up and causing carbon lock? Some guys say to blast the engine out with a little water while reving it up will blow out and break up the carbon. What do you think?

kingaaron

iTrader: (1)

No, search in the diy for carbon cleaning procedure.

Old Rotor

When I feel there is a little hesitation in the engine I add a can of Seafoam(Walmart $8) to a half or quarter tank of gas and give her hell.

Chad D.

iTrader: (19)

/\ +1

1990 GT-X

This stuff you get at walmart, is there any certain miles you should drive when adding it? Meaning how often do you recommend doing this treatment.

Tweek

That really works?

kster

Some people have suggested using Lube Control FP Plus to minimize carbon build-up over time. I just ordered some of this stuff myself to try out.

the1jesster

Start running pre mix check the thred on it

kster

How long did you use FP+ for? Notice any difference? Do you add ~1oz before a fuel fill-up?

kster

Thanks for the info. My order should arrive later this week and I'll start with a similar procedure.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

I always drive to empty (except on the track), and then I add 7oz of premix before I fill up to make sure it gets good an mixed. I will be playing with some different premixes (still running Lucas 2 stroke for my SOHN for now) and I will see what smokes and what doesn't.

Smoke is an issue for me as I am catless so it is worse when premixing 2 stroke. I don't smoke hardly at all running the Lucas UCL as premix.

madcows

Water/Methanol injection was used during WW2 on airplane engines to help prevent carbon buildup on surfaces within the cylinder, as well as on some earlier SAABs (probably the 2-strokes?). A few people on this forum have added such a system to their 8.

se3p_s

I have hot start problem due to low compression, if i do seafoaming will there is any chance to increase the compression..

> MAO <

Maybe.
Maybe not.

xexok

If you do seafoam the proper way and not just add to the tank, you might get some extra compression. Just don't expect miracles like going from 6s to 8 or 9 or more. Do a search or look in the diy forum for seafoam or mazda zoom zoom cleaner.

zoomman

well se3p s look at it this way. take an hr or so out of your day and 10 bucks and try it, or spend 100's at the dealer figuring out why it wont hot start, or spend 1000's replacing a motor lol. i'd start with the seafoam. I did but it didn't help my hot start issue. Although i didn't let it sit long enough due to time restraints. Hot starting could be many issues not just low compression although its probably most common but also most commonly mistaken is a failing starter, battery, ignition plugs/wires/coils....unless you have tested and found out you do have low compression. In which case i'd do a seafoam treatment probably once a week for a month with premix. If it aint better by then best of luck. join the new motor club. or my club the im to poor to afford a new motor and am past the 100k mile warrenty and owe to much to sell it in bad shape club.

zoomman

also known as the SOL club, and Screwed club, a second cousin to the up the creek without a paddle club, and shtf club.

dmedz8

iTrader: (5)

What oil would you stay away from due to smoke?

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

ISO-EGD oils don't smoke, it's part of the standard.

TCW will smoke like a Frenchman.

olddragger

iTrader: (3)

if you are low on compression but the car still runs, just a hot start issue, then maybe try pre mix oil at 1 1/2 to 2 ozs per gallon of gas. Dont do this if you still have a cat.
It may help a little. It will not hurt anything and it may buy you some time.

se3p_s

What I will premix 2t or seafoam?

zoomman

ive had a hot start issue for 2 years lol.. although my case my not be typical.

HexRX

In regards to seafoaming properly would it, maybe, raise compression from 7.9-7.7 to 8.0ish?

Grace_Excel

iTrader: (5)

I increased my premix to 1 oz/gal since having issues with hot-starts last month. I have replaced everything I can (ignition, battery, starter...) within the last two months. However, the engine haven't had any de-carboning treatment in all it's lifetime. I'm curious to find out what the seafoam through the tank will do, but I also believe that the low compression I have might get worse if I decarbon the engine. I hope my theory be wrong once I try the seafoam this week.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

nothing will save your engine if the seals are simply worn out.

doesn't hurt to try, but as our car age, we will see more and more issues down the road