Could someone be kind enough to tell me what an Italian Tune-up is and what it does and is it good for a car or not? Is it recommended? How often should it be done? Thanks

Sure. An "italian tune up" is just a shorthand way of saying that you blow accumulated carbon out of the engine by placing enough of a load on the engine so that it operates at the high end of its operating temperature. Typically this is done by flooring the throttle, preferably while going up a long steep grade. The engine heats up, and built up soot or carbon becomes dislodged by the heat, and is burned out of the engine. Once the soot and carbon has been removed, the engine typically will run more smoothly - much as if it had received a tune-up. As long as the engine doesn't overheat, no harm should be done to it. It is particularly beneficial for older style diesels. Newer gasoline cars with computer controls benefit far less from the treatment in my opinion because their control systems tend to prevent the condtions that lead to carbon build up it the first place.

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Tjohn

82 300 SD
77 450 SL (gone)

.........you been hanging around the Diesel guys and they didn't tell you that..............

bottom of this page explains alot
http://www.members.tripod.com/~fuelie/tuneup.htm

really, it gets the engine hot, parts moving fast, and blows out the carbon...
somebody with more time can explain why its italian
~Nate

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95 Honda Shadow ACE 1100.
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso. 2.4 swap, 10.5 to 1 comp, big cams. Autocross time attack vehicle!
2012 Escape, 'hunter" (5 sp 4cyl)

ok, i'll eb the dummy who trys to explain why its italian, where do ferraris come from? italy!! (i think) and what do ferraris do best?? WOT!!! and if you live in italy (and have tons of cash) you'll probably have a ferrari?? is that correct?? or am i way off??

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1982 300D (w123, "Grey Car")
1982 300D (w123, "Blue Car")
2001 Ford F150 "Clifford" (The Big Red Truck)
1997 Dodge Ram 2500 12V Cummins
1996 Dodge Ram 2500 12V Cummins
Previous Vehicles:
1995 E300D, 1980 300SD, 1992 Buick Century, 2005 Saturn Ion

The name comes from Alfa Romeos in the USA, when we had them, that customers would take into the shop because they were running poorly. The mechanic would then take the car on the highway and put his foot to the floor heating up the engine up and thus blowing out any carbon buildup. I own a 78 Alfa Spider Veloce and I occasionally drive it as they are driven in Italy...hard and fast. They really love it and run better for it. Also, I make a habit of doing this with all of my cars prior to taking them in for emissions inspections.

Antonino