Ford De-carbonize Process - Spark Knock

Ford came out with a new TSB 04-19-2 that lists a procedure they are now recommending for de-carbonizing the engine if spark knock occurs. Sounds very familiar to the Seaform instructions but they use both an aerosol and a liquid via the PCV line. If anyone tries this out please post the cost of the cleaners.


Parts

PM-3 Carburetor Tune-Up Cleaner 16 fl. oz. (liquid)
PM-2 Carburetor Tune-Up Cleaner Aerosol 18 oz.

a. Start engine and bring it up to operating temperature, then shut the engine off.

b. Remove the PCV valve from the valve cover and remove the PCV from the hose.

c. Have an assistant start the engine and hold at 2000 RPM:

(1) PM-2 CARBURETOR TUNE-UP CLEANER (AEROSOL) 18 OZ.: Spray the entire can into the end of the PCV hose.

(2) PM-3 CARBURETOR TUNE-UP CLEANER 16 FL. OZ. (LIQUID): Insert the PCV hose into the can allowing the engine to ingest the entire can.


CAUTION DO NOT ALLOW THE ENGINE TO INGEST PM-3 TOO QUICKLY DUE TO POTENTIAL HYDRO-LOCK CONDITION.

d. When Step "c" is completed, shut off the engine immediately and allow it to soak for ten (10) minutes.

e. Start engine, bring it up to 2000 RPM and let it run for a few minutes at that RPM to clean it out.

f. Install the PCV valve back into the hose and insert it back into the valve cover.

g. Road test vehicle for 2-3 miles.

h. Repeat De-carbonize procedure one additional time if needed.

i. Change oil and filter after final de-carbon process.

Are PM2 and PM3 types or brands or something else?

In other words what does PM2 and PM3 mean?

PM-2 and PM-3 are Ford part numbers, found them online and they cost only around $4 each.

lol........so $8.00 in parts.........................so Ford should charge about $150 for the procedure.

lol........so $8.00 in parts.........................so Ford should charge about $150 for the procedure.

I forgot to mention the other part of the TSB, reprogramming the timing to "retard" so you better add another $150 to that.

the best carbon cleaner is 2 oz. of atf and mix with 12 oz. of water get a spray bottle and spray into the fresh air cleaner tube on the intake or take off the air cleaner and spray untill bottle is empty reving ure car up just alittle like holding it around 2000 rpm. trust me it is the best top engine cleaner. any questions just post

Any chance of messing up the cats with all that stuff? I've heard that a coolant leak into the cylinders can kill them!

no it is such a small quanity that you will not have any problems i do it atleast once a week.

Great info. Lewis....
I would almost want to try the de-carbon process and see if that solves the problem.....and then have the re-flash to retard the timing.....only if needed... The retard of the timing would likely help with pinging....but reduce fuel economy.

I would also use the Ford products as suggested.

Reducing the oil coming in through the PCV would seem a VERY good preventative measure.
If one has the old style valve cover on the '99 and 00 years....... replacing would be a good move.

Have to agree with Wiswind.

The Ford stuff doesn't seem to be overly expensive and they actually have a written procedure specific to the Windstar. One would assume that this has been tested to some degree.

The procedure sort of reminds me of the days when you used to throw intake cleaner down the carburator until it stalled and then let it sit for about 10 minutes. When you started the car all of the black smoke (probably the cleaner burning off) made you think it was actually cleaning. Somewhat of a placebo.

Still it is worth a try.