Italian tune up
 

In my related post on car emissions it was suggested that an Italian tune up might help. I am aware that this refers to driving the car hard but I would be grateful for more specific guidance on how to safely conduct such a 'tune-up' so as not to make matters worse!!
Thanks,
John

Check out these threads for some info:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/off-topic-discussion/32202-italian-tuneup.html?highlight=italian

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/46769-italian-tune-up.html?highlight=italian

Hope this helps!

However...
 

Hello,

Hmmmm. I remember talking to the factory service rep for Ferrari back when they introduced their fuel injected 308s.

He told me, and the Ferrari dealer mechanic confirmed, that an Italian tune-up was no longer needed to keep the plugs clean and prevent carbon build-up since the mixture was much better metered than with Webers. The mechanic said that he'd set Webers to perform up to about 100 MPH or 100 MPH and over. The 100 and over setting required throttle blipping and high speed "Italian Tune-ups" to keep the car running right.

So, what's so different about a fuel injected Mercedes that it requires something Ferrari does not? I believe they were using the same Bosch systems.

What do the forum gods of combustion have to say about this?

Just some Easter ponderings.

Regards,

I'll be doing mine next weekend. I will be driving from Raleigh, NC to NYC.
Although I do not rev it high (I let it shift normally), the first 3 hours are steady at 80-85 MPH.
I will put in 2 bottles of fuel injector cleaner on the first tank, that should do some cleaning.
An oil change when I get there will be in order.
I am due for one (2700 miles ago).

These cars are meant to be driven. I have found the subject tuneup to be especially effective on the spark free engines. My car gets this treatment at every opportunity without the use of additives. Long grades work best for raising the engine temperature to the point where carbon burns off. A big benefit of long grades is that the engine can get the required workout without attracting unwanted attention. Long on ramps can also be advantageous if the engine is already up to temp.