I generally try to drive to get ther best gas mileage, but I run the s*** out of it from time to time The thing that I am asking though is if I am crazy for feeling like the engine runs smoother after redlining it a few times. To me, the engine seems to run better after being run hard, but it may just be in my head. I always thought that running it hard helps to blow carbon out out of the engine, but I have no proof of that. What do you think? Thanks.

 

No. Using just RPM to help getting rid of carbon deposits on the valves is for Direct Injected engines in which the injector avoids splashing the valves with fuel that usually cleans them off.

There are carbon cleaners that you can use in which a large vacuum source is needed (or in some cases, the canister has an inlet to the throttle body already) in which you can use rpm to clean excess carbon off. Some people use Sea Foam. I tend not to use that for my hondas.

Since your honda uses standard fuel injection BG44K Fuel System cleaner can clean the carbon deposits on the valves and other places of the engine (IMHO) a safer manner. Not to say that SeaFoam doesn't work, but I just don't feel the benefits in addition to not seeing them (after using a bore-scope) .

Now, a good long distance drive on a highway at a slightly higher rpm does help get rid of some of the loose carbon build-up around the engine system just due to the consistent heat and cylinder pressure of the engine since it would be at a higher engine load. But to "rev the **** out of it occasionally" doesn't do what you think it does.

You asked, I've answered, take it as a grain of salt. You'll be fine.

 

Is this specific to Honda's?

I ask as there is the story of the Italian Tune Up regarding a city softly driven Ferrari that had issues until it was put onto the track and ripped a few times. Then it was purring like a kitten.

Oh and to clarify, I suspect the answer is already present in your original reply but I must admit, I actually do not know all the differences in injection. My knowledge is basically, carb or injected. I am pretty sure it is more complicated than that.

 

That is a humorous question. Maybe if you never do. Additives like seafaom work fine. I like berryman b12 (napa). Get the car hot, and wet soak it. Dribble it in a vacuume line for a while when its running. Three, five minutes maybe. Just enough to keep it running. Not an exact science. Then dump it in the line. Enough to kill the engine, and not hydro lock it. Leave it sit for about a half hour, and go do the mosquito patrol around your neighborhood. Take it on the highway, and get on it through the gears. Let people look at you funny when you smoke them out of their own car. If it doesn't smoke a lot, you didn't do it good enough. Put the rest in your tank, and do a can per the next couple tank fills.

 

This applies to standard fuel injected vehicles. Not specific to Honda.

Never compare exotic manufacturers to your daily driven car. Different materials, engineering and purpose .

 

yea. And they burn to the ground in a big heap of melted plastic. The magnesium really makes a nice fire.