Discussion
Has anyone had any experience of using Redex (of the various types) with the Cerbera?
Clearly being an old engine (mine's '98 with 56k), it may well benefit from a good old de-coke....
Would this create extra benefit by clearing up the valves etc, or would there be increased risk that leaks/gaskets etc may be more exposed?
Mike
Clearly being an old engine (mine's '98 with 56k), it may well benefit from a good old de-coke....
Would this create extra benefit by clearing up the valves etc, or would there be increased risk that leaks/gaskets etc may be more exposed?
Mike
The problem with any of the "De-Coke in a Bottle" products is:
1) Removal of carbon build up on a higher mileage engine can significantly increase oil consumption
2) The dislodging of carbon deposits can lead to them collecting in the oil galleries, possibly resulting in oil starvation
The light carbon & oil gums that will have naturally built up in a well serviced higher mileage engine can actually help to reduce excessive oil consumption & improve compression.
Dislodge these deposits at your own risk!
The use of "De-Coke in a Bottle" products in such an engine can be the beginning of the end.
The best thing to do is step away from the snake oil shelf, change your oil regularly with a quality oil at the appropriate grade for your engine.
All quality engine oils contain a detergent additive package that is more than capable of providing the necessary & non-aggressive removal (and suspension) of carbon deposits within your engine.
The only exceptions to this being running in oil & some classic/vintage specific mono grades.
Diesel specific oils typically carry significantly higher levels of detergent to cope with the dirtier combustion process, if you really feel your engine needs a de-coke then a diesel engine oil will be better than any magic potion in a bottle.
The very short term use of a diesel specific oil will work well on cleaning up a petrol engine but it shouldn't left in there longer than a couple of full oil temp cycles (say two runs of 50 miles), at this point it's essential complete another oil & filter change using the correct petrol engine oil.
Finally the type of magic de-coke potions that are added to the inlet while the engine is running can be very effective, but again can dislodge carbon you would have been better of leaving where it was.
If you want to de-coke an engine in this fashion there is no need to spend money on Sea Foam & the like, simply fill a plant sprayer with water from the tap, raise the engine revs to over 2000 RMP and gently introduce a small mist of water into the inlet manifold.
This is a rather risky practice and not recommended due to the potential for hydraulic lock, however I have seen it done many times with excellent results in cleaning up combustion chambers.
If you have ever seen an engine that has inducted water from say a breached inlet manifold coolant path or head gasket you will know how effective super heated steam can be at cleaning a combustion chamber.
But if you want my honest opinion I would simply stick to a good quality petrol engine oil and change it more regularly along with a decent filter.
Like I say "step away from the snake oil shelf"!
1) Removal of carbon build up on a higher mileage engine can significantly increase oil consumption
2) The dislodging of carbon deposits can lead to them collecting in the oil galleries, possibly resulting in oil starvation
The light carbon & oil gums that will have naturally built up in a well serviced higher mileage engine can actually help to reduce excessive oil consumption & improve compression.
Dislodge these deposits at your own risk!
The use of "De-Coke in a Bottle" products in such an engine can be the beginning of the end.
The best thing to do is step away from the snake oil shelf, change your oil regularly with a quality oil at the appropriate grade for your engine.
All quality engine oils contain a detergent additive package that is more than capable of providing the necessary & non-aggressive removal (and suspension) of carbon deposits within your engine.
The only exceptions to this being running in oil & some classic/vintage specific mono grades.
Diesel specific oils typically carry significantly higher levels of detergent to cope with the dirtier combustion process, if you really feel your engine needs a de-coke then a diesel engine oil will be better than any magic potion in a bottle.
The very short term use of a diesel specific oil will work well on cleaning up a petrol engine but it shouldn't left in there longer than a couple of full oil temp cycles (say two runs of 50 miles), at this point it's essential complete another oil & filter change using the correct petrol engine oil.
Finally the type of magic de-coke potions that are added to the inlet while the engine is running can be very effective, but again can dislodge carbon you would have been better of leaving where it was.
If you want to de-coke an engine in this fashion there is no need to spend money on Sea Foam & the like, simply fill a plant sprayer with water from the tap, raise the engine revs to over 2000 RMP and gently introduce a small mist of water into the inlet manifold.
This is a rather risky practice and not recommended due to the potential for hydraulic lock, however I have seen it done many times with excellent results in cleaning up combustion chambers.
If you have ever seen an engine that has inducted water from say a breached inlet manifold coolant path or head gasket you will know how effective super heated steam can be at cleaning a combustion chamber.
But if you want my honest opinion I would simply stick to a good quality petrol engine oil and change it more regularly along with a decent filter.
Like I say "step away from the snake oil shelf"!
Edited by ChimpanLucky on Thursday 29th March 11:33
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