Carbon in engine and 90k checkup question

When I was replacing my spark plugs, I took a flash light to check inside the engine as I always do. I saw lots of shinny black carbon looking up at me and was wondering how to cheaply get rid of this.

I always use premium gas (usually go with Shell) and every two to three oil changes use injector cleaner. However I bought this truck with 90k.


Next question: My truck is way over due for its 90k maintenance. What dose this include/should include? How much does this usually cost? Thanks.

 

seafoam

 

X2

 

The 5zv fe is due for a timing belt at 90k. Water pump at same time, just because of all the labor to get to it (PM). I think I have heard about $500 for a shop to do it. There are writeups online if you are up to it.

Just changing the plugs might help your burn...I would recommend the OEM Densos to avoid messing with the burn characteristics...

Have you changed all your driveline fluids? Um, uh, I think 30K on the oils, unless hard service. 15k on grease...

Did it come with an owner's manual and service record?

 

Oh, hey, and I am not sure, but K&N box filter? Does that use an oiled filter? Maybe get rid of that and use a dry filter (like AFE pro dry drop-in to stock air box), get some MAF sensor cleaner, and clean your throttle body. If your MAF is getting a bad read because it is fouled by AF oil, that could affect your air/fuel mixture and burn, and the TB clean is a standard service item. There are writeups on that, too.

 

scocar got all your maintance needs covered. if you know how to do that (or know how to pay someone to do it) then your good.

 

Thanks scocar!

What is seafoam and how do you do it/apply it.

 

There is this neat thing called Google.

http://www.seafoamsales.com/

Cleaning Varnish and Carbon Deposits - Fuel Injected Engines
To clean carbon and varnish deposits from the tops of cylinders and the backs of intake valves, add 1 oz. Sea Foam to each gallon of fuel. Sea Foam will slowly re-liquefy the varnish and gum deposits that hold carbon together.
To remove carbon and varnish deposits more quickly, Sea Foam can be induced directly into the combustion chamber via the following method. With the engine warmed up and running, SLOWLY POUR 1/3 to ½ can of Sea Foam down the carburetor throat or into any main manifold vacuum line that DISTRIBUTES EVENLY TO ALL CYLINDERS. Note that some newer induction systems, like those found on Vortec and Subaru “H” style engines, do not have any vacuum line that distribute evenly. Consequently, this process should only be attempted by technicians with a comprehensive understanding of the engine’s induction system.
Once the product has been applied, turn off the engine and allow the Sea Foam to heat soak for a minimum of 10 minutes. At this time, Sea Foam will dissolve the varnish deposits that hold carbon together. After allowing the Sea Foam to soak, restart the engine in a WELL VENTILATED AREA as exhaust will be extreme for a short time. Drive aggressively for 2 to 5 miles to allow all the atomized carbon to be safely expelled from the system.
Performing a Sea Foam Engine Treatment on a Fuel Injected Engine
Begin by parking the vehicle in a well ventilated area. Locate a vacuum line that you are certain DISTRIBUTES EVENLY TO ALL CYLINDERS. On many vehicles the easiest option is taking the vacuum line from your brake booster PCV. (See notes about special situations such as the Vortex or Subaru H style engines.) If you are not certain, contact a certified technician.







Start the engine. For automatic transmissions, keep the car in PARK. For manual transmissions, put the car in neutral and apply the parking brake. SLOWLY POUR 1/3 to ½ can of Sea Foam Motor Treatment into the vacuum hose, while at the same time revving the engine to about 2000 RPMs. You will begin to see clouds of white exhaust from the tailpipes. When you have finished pouring, turn off the engine and let it sit for at least 10 minutes.







Now start the vehicle again. Drive it aggressively (but legally) for about 2 to 5 miles or until the white smoke is no longer being produced.
Ceaning Fuel Injectors or Carburetor Jets
To clean fuel injectors and carburetor jets, add 1 oz. Sea Foam to each gallon of fuel. It will slowly clean varnish and carbon deposits as you drive.
Performance improvements may include:

• Smoother idle
• restored power and pickup
• Elimination of hesitations

 

Oh, by the way, the MAF sensor is super sensitive and fragile. You need to use MAF cleaner for that. The throttle body uses specific cleaner too. (I did not mean to imply that you use MAF sensor cleaner on the TB). You should be able to find both at Kragen/O'reilly or whatever big auto parts chain you have nearby.

 

Thanks for the help!

 

Lucas sales a fuel additive and its suppose to help with the carbon build up. I use seafoam or lucas in my fuel evertime i get an oil change. I also clean my throttlebody out with carb cleaner. Runs like a dream!

 

Fill up your tank about half way...throw in a fuel additive of your choice...then top it up...this way the additive doesn't mix with the crap at the bottom of your tank first

 

here is the seafoam thread, lots of good information here:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/63790-seafoam.html

 

THanks for everything. Seafoamed yesterday and boy what a diff.

I live a very nice neighborhood so it was a bit aquard to be spewing an ass ton of carbon out of my truck. Probably pissed of a few neighbors.

My throttle body was clean as a whistle but I sparyed it down a bit as well. Next will by my MAF (and I got a deck plate comming in so those will probably be done at the same time).

Thanks agian for all the help!