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1994 Ford Ranger Engine Carbon Build Up.

I have 180,000 miles on this vehicle but still is in showroom condition. Every two years it fails the smog test. In 2008 I paid $750 to get it passed the smog test hurdle. My mechanic says I have a carbon build-up problem because I don't drive it enough. ( average about 1200 miles per year). He suggested that I use a high octane gasoline and drive at 80 mph for about an hour before bringing the car in for a test. A pep-boy employee suggested I use "Seafoam" in my gasoline to clean out unburned carbon particles. I am retired now and I am income eligible for assistance from the State of California (if funds are available). Do you have any suggestions for prepping the vehicle prior to smogging.Must pass this month.
Answer:

You can use Sea Foam to help with removing carbon build up from your Ford Ranger's valve heads and pistons, but depending on how bad your vehicle failed the smog test, Sea Foam may or may not help. Smog check repair stations have a more heavy duty product they use which is mixed with water and administered through your Ford's intake manifold at 2500RPM. But again, how much this will help your Ford Ranger pass the smog check will be unknown until after you use perform the engine decarbonization. Removing carbon from your Ford Ranger's engine will reduce cylinder compression, resulting in lowered NO emissions. I'm going to assume your Ford failed the smog inspection due to high NO. If this is the case decarbonizing your trucks engine will help you pass the smog test. If your truck failed for other emissions (HC or CO), it's best to perform a complete diagnosis of the failure including all emissions components prior to performing the decarbonization due to the fact the carbon removal process, especially one which is administered through the intake manifold while your Ford's engine is running, is very hard on your engine and can potentially cause more damage then good. Engine decarbonizers, except for those products which are poured in through the gas tank, are always used at the vehicle owners own risk. posted by SmogTips Support

2ND QUESTION: Thank you so much for your help. I followed your advice with the seafoam and I passed the smog test only hurdle. My NO emmissions were above average but below maximum allowable. Would periodic applications of sea foam get my measured readings of NO at average or below? 2nd ANSWER: We can recommend using Sea Foam once every couple of years. The application is harsh on your engine. Instead use regular gasoline additives designed to reduce carbon deposits. Additives added through the gas tank are safer for your engine. posted by SmogTips Support

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