I'm not really pretending that this is going to be a scientific experiment, but I'm going to do my best to get an accurate idea as possible as to the effectiveness of the TerraClean system on our engines. I am pretty skeptical that this will make a dramatic difference tbh not least after speaking to one of the main engineers in the UK! It seems, so far, that any time you ask TerraClean for some evidence of the results that have been achieved - they simply refer to it's scientific heritage (something about Canada) or refer to anecdotal evidence about how happy customers are.
TerraClean makes some pretty bold claims, but I'm yet to see any real evidence that it will make any difference to our V8s since there seems to be some consensus that the carbon buildup on the intake ports is due to the valve overlap designed for EGR, rather than being due to oil vapour/PCV (the empty catch cans that several owners have, being a strong indication).
This is my plan:
1) Check oil/water/fuel level
2) Get car warmed up to operating temperatures
3) RSTuning, Leeds (9.30am):
- Borescope "before" inspection (photos)
- First dyno run
- Check & record results
4) TerraClean agent, Leeds:
- Emissions "before" test
- Terraclean (2 hours?)
- Emissions "after" test
5) RSTuning, Leeds:
- Borescope "after" inspection (photos)
- Second dyno run
- Check/record results
Let's see what happens
The first I have heard of it but a simple solution of injecting a water/methanol mix in the intake. I thought that was just something that people used for hooning or at the drag races. Alcohol and water are really good solvents so no reason why it wouldn't work and looks like it does. Though some (Audi) may not like the idea of injecting methanol and water into the engine so warranties may be concern though as I understand it if done properly there is no harm to the engine. It's also not quite clear what ratio of water to methanol he used but for cleaning purposes it presumably does not have to be as high as the 50:50 mix at the races.