Update:

PHEW! *wipes forehead*

The rattle was the result of the plastic cover over the distributor rubbing against the blower fan. Apparently it shook loose during the really rough start experienced after letting the cleaner soak.

Car is running better than ever; no rough idling, no hard starts -- all is well.

Also, the oil level was noticeably lower after the process but when checked again this morning, it had risen back to normal. (no explanation)

Sorry if I alarmed anyone, do not be afraid to use this cleaner... it DOES work.

~~Paul

I been monitoring these posts with interest. And when you came back with *banging* noises, I thought this is not for me!

But glad it was nothing, as I know you are!!

__________________
Regards . . . . JimF
-------------------
'94 S500 Cpe

Visit my Mercedes Web Page

First, armed with the ACDelco part #, I was able to find a local Mom&Pop auto parts store that claims they can order either the spray or the liquid for me @ $5+ change...

I have also sent an email to AcDelco for further info, and will update this thread with whatever I find out.

As for the GM Top End Cleaner, according to a Parts Manager at a local Chevy dealership with 38 years experience using it, it should be safe to leave the second half a bottle in the car for well over an hour or even two with no damage.

__________________

Scott Longston
Northern California Wine Country...
"Turbos whistle, grapes wine..."

Local O'Reilly Auto Parts has a decarbonizing product called "Sea Foam" with very similar instructions...

__________________
Bill Streep
San Antonio
'57 190SL (toy)
'08 S5500 (mine)
'09 CLK550 (wife's)
'06 SLK350 (daughter's)
'11 GLK350 (daughter's)
'03 CLK310 (spare)

Pmizell, glad to hear that your car is OK.

Longston: Easy does it there… Before you use it, ask yourself if your car *really* needs it.

Bstreep: Amzoil used to sell something called “Power Foam”, but this was 20 years ago. I don’t know if they still sell it or not. Seafoam. What on earth were they thinking when naming that product?

Pmizell,
Now finally we have someone address the million-dollar question: it works!

All I can say is that additive products may work for some, while for others, they may see no noticeable improvement. It all depends on how your car takes to the additive. Not noticing any improvements doesn't mean the product sucks, but when a product works for you doesn't equally mean everyone else would enjoy the same benefits. Which well-meaning driver do not want to always better his/her precious car? As with all modifications/additives, there is no sure thing. All it takes is a positive attitude to try and be educated in the process.

Having said so much, I just gotten myself 3 Lubro-Moly products today!

The "Motor Clean" (engine detergent used at idle for 10mins before oil change), "Motor Protect" (poured into new oil; contains molybdenum disulphide) and the "Ventil Sauber Valve Clean" (used in fuel tank prior to oil change). Costs me approx. US$32 for the lot. Yea, I know it could be a waste of money, but at least I know I'd tried it. Will let you guys know if it works when I have my oil change due mid-Aug.



Mervyn
1983 W126 (280SEL)
PS. anyone has any leads on which online store to get the X-66 or GM's Top Engine Cleaner, please post here, thanks!

Thanks for taking the time to write ACDelco.

In regards to your inquiry on the ACDelco part number X66-A , GM part number 12302498 is the aerosol version of the Carburetor Tune-Up Conditioner.

The ACDelco part number X-66P, GM part number 12302500 is the 1 pint pourable version of the Carburetor Tune-Up Conditioner. There is also a 1 quart version. It's ACDelco part number X66-Q, GM part number 12302501.


Here is more information on the Carburetor Tune-Up Conditioner.

-Slowly pour or spray through the carburetor.

-Works effectively in a variety of engine types, from small engines to high-compression V8's.

This peak performance cleaner:

-Eliminates deposits in the carburetor intake, intake manifold, and combustion chambers.

-Frees vales more effectively.

-Restores compression losses caused by carbon deposits.

-Contains rust preventatives.

-Will not harm painted surfaces under normal conditions.

-Maintains the engine cleanliness necessary for peak performance.

-Removes carbon from inside the engine without adverse effects on emissions controls.

-Cleans clogged fuel injectors when used in injection cleaning devices.

-Makes tune-up adjustment faster and easier.

-Helps reduce the number of comebacks.

For more information feel free to contact us http://www.acdelco.com or consumer assistance at 1(800)ACDelco.


I found a local distributor and will be getting a can of the aerosol today to clean up my Ford Aerostar.

[Edited by longston on 07-13-2001 at 06:53 PM]

__________________

Scott Longston
Northern California Wine Country...
"Turbos whistle, grapes wine..."

NOTE:
As of September 9 2009 this product is no longer available through any of our sources...

OK, you guys want A/C DELCO De-carb, you got it. You can order this through PartsShop section. The cost plus freight may make it a little spending so order lots. Part numbers are listed below. Don't forget Mercedes people, if you ask for it, we'll do our best to get it for you. Thank you, from your dedicated partsman, Phil

NOTE:
As of September 9 2009 this product is no longer available through any of our sources...

Phil AKA Partsman: Your intentions are honest & your efforts are admirable, but in this case, it may become problematic when people start using this stuff in a casual manner; treating it with the same type of lackadaisical attitude that is applied to oil additives & miracle snake oil treatments. Especially when it is used improperly i.e., directions not followed or having it incorrectly introduced into the engine.

O.K. people, so now it is going to be readily available. Just because people *want* something, doesn’t mean that it is always a *good* thing to actually get it.

I hear a loud creaking noise… what is that? OH, it’s the squeaky hinges on Pandora’s box that is now opening. And what do I see inside that infamous box – why it’s a giant can of worms! And Murphy is standing right over there with the can opener.

And with that, I will now gracefully bow out of this thread. Caveat Emptor. Literally.

RTH

Gee RTH,

I think we see the same crystal ball. I'm almost sorry I brought up the subject. Warnings are ever so important here. Not only for the chemical content but also for technique. In my example I about soiled my pants when I got a constant misfire, knowing how close a good treatment comes to engine damage. Luckily I was just a temporary victim of misfire identification and a key cycle solved the problem.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Can you use this on a diesel, if so how do you introduce it to the engine??

PS-The million dollars will not be provided by me

Well, actually it’s more like a $6,000 question. I think that’s about what a long block sells for. If you are willing to take the risk, let us know what happens. But DO NOT under any circumstances think that I am endorsing the idea. In fact, (no offense intended here mind you) your question only serves as an example of what Stevebfl & I have been warning about - the potential for misuse of this product, and the potential EXTREME consequences.

Your 45th page *could* be your last one.

RTH

I know that I said that I would bow out of this thread, but I’m back. A deal is a deal, right Steve?

Steve made a very succinct point – that there is a fine line between proper treatment vs. engine damage. So, I would like to make an analogy.

Are you people out there aware of what chemotherapy is? An oversimplification follows.
It is where a relatively toxic substance is introduced into the body to fight cancer.
The amount infused is *just* below the amount that would kill a person.
That’s what an oncologist does – determination of type & amount.
Have you ever seen a person undergoing chemotherapy?
It is NOT a pleasant thing.
The toxicity causes you to barf your brains out & lose your hair, among other pleasantries.
It is a treatment of LAST RESORT.

Not to be a downer here, but odds are that a certain percentage of the participants in these forums are going to develop cancer at some point in their lives.
Does this mean that you would want to go to your doctor for chemotherapy every now & then ‘just in case’ you happen to have any cancer cells forming somewhere in your body?
I don’t think so. (Unless you are seriously whacked-out, in which case you need a psychiatrist instead.)

However, I am afraid that this is exactly what people are going to be doing with X-66.
X-66 is a treatment of last resort; it is chemotherapy for your engine.
Treat your car the same way that you treat yourself (or better, in some cases ) Do not use it casually.
It is a treatment of last resort.
Oh, whoops, did I already say that?
It is a treatment of last resort.
Again, repeat after me: IT IS A TREATMENT OF LAST RESORT.

Regards,
RTH

It's a simple carburetor cleaner/decarbonizing agent, not plutonium...



I have used way more dangerous chemicals over the years, and I feel that the extreme cautions being expressed here are excessive in regard to the abilities of our membership to maturely acertain the effective application of this agent. You know, some of us have been around the block more than once, and are fully capable of making informed decisions. Besides, this is certainly not the "doomsday device" it is being portrayed as... A little respect, please...

I was solely responsible for getting Phil to research, and offer X-66 as an available chemical agent to the membership at large. I did so simply because I feel that the members here are mature and responsible enough to know what is right for their given appliction, and fully capable to make their own rational decisions.

Again, there are no implied warranties, or guarantees here, do your own research. Everyone should be careful to understand and use the instructions provided with any additives, or chemical agents that might be suggested by anyone on these forums.

Anyone who does otherwise, only has their own conscience and decision making abilities to answer to...

BTW, CJ, didn't I already tell you that this chemical was strictly for spark ignited engines? No diesels, please...

__________________

Scott Longston
Northern California Wine Country...
"Turbos whistle, grapes wine..."

I must give due respect to RTH and Steve for sounding the warning bells here. Afterall, you guys belong to the "been there, done that" group of people.

However, I cannot help but agree more with Scott Longston. And also to our dedicated partsman Phil, who has really been showing his dedication in his job literally! This is what I like about this forum, we're not just hearing and helping each other member out, someone else is listening to our needs too. Making the X-66 available to members here does not translate into doomsday, afterall the choice still lies with the customer.

I too can give an analogy. The notion "Caveat Emptor" has been used widely in finanical/investment circles. Broking firms are clambering to provide a wide and diverse range of products and services for their customers, and these range from high-risk to low-risk investment instruments. Anyone knows jolly well that you are supposed to do your homework if you were to part with a substantial amount of your hard-earned cash, and if you don't, you may end up burning your fingers (and wallets too!). The idea is to practice caution, do your research, be responsible and finally always make a calculated informed decision. If anything goes awry after that, then at least you cant fault anyone nor yourself.

I think we owe it to ourselves to act like responsible and discerning adults, and it is with the likes of RTH and Steve that we get a good dose of cautionary advice(as well as many other enlightening words). Thanks!

Scott, I'm sure some members here will start ordering the X-66 from Partshop since it is now available. So in order that we make this thread useful for everyone, why not list a COMPREHENSIVE step-by-step procedure to using this product, along with the do's and the dont's. Then at least we do not end up maligning the X-66, nor do we cast "hopes" on less informed readers. Scott, do you think you could do such a writeup?

Ok, enough of my long-windedness. Thanks to all, this has been a real enjoyable thread.

Mervyn
1983 W126 (280SEL)