Piston soak method related questions – temperature, spray vs. pour in

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Piston soak method related questions – temperature, spray vs. pour in

Piston soak method related questions – temperature, spray vs. pour in

Solutions Central › Category: Cleaning / Degreasing > B-12 Chemtool® Carb › Piston soak method related questions – temperature, spray vs. pour in
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Peter asked 1 month ago
Hi, Question 1: My understanding is that all B-12 products have the same chemical composition, except for the ones with the ####C part number format, that are less potent due to environmental regulations in certain states. I live in Canada and part number #0110 is easily available via Amazon, but this is the spray can container and not the pour in can. Can I spray the #0110 directly into the combustion chamber and achieve the same results? Question 2: As per some of the instructions here in the questions and solutions section, the product needs to be used in a cold engine. I\'m assuming it is safety related requirement due to a potential fire hazard. However, the product is likely more effective on a warm piston and cylinder wall. If I have an infrared thermometer and I can check the temperature of both the oil pan and the top of the piston, What would be a safe, but higher than ambient temperature at which the product can be still safely used? Assuming that higher than ambient temperature increases its cleaning efficiency...
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chemtooler Staff answered 1 month ago

Thanks for your interest in Berryman. “B-12 CHEMTOOL“ is a family of gasoline fuel additives and carburetor cleaner aerosols, and there are at least five different formulas (only one of which is a “C” product). The best pourable part #s for a piston soak are 0101, 0105, 0116, and 0121. That same particular formula is available in aerosol form as 0110, 0117, and 0120.

If you choose to work with an aerosol, yes, you can spray it directly into the combustion chambers. Just be cautious as it the spray is pretty forceful, and any B-12 CHEMTOOL product can ruin a paint job in short order.

Regardless of the B-12 CHEMTOOL product used, it should NOT be introduced into a hot engine. If it’s too hot to comfortably hold your hand on for any length of time, then it’s too hot to add to the engine. While these products are extremely flammable, the reason actually pertains to boiling point. The initial boiling point of these formulas is only 133°F (56°C), so they will instantly boil and pop or spit back at the user. (Hot solvent in the eyes is never enjoyable!)

If you’re doing the piston soak, I would not introduce the chemical into the combustion chambers if their temperature is over about 100-105°F (38-41°C). For using B-12 CHEMTOOL in the crankcase, you want the engine as cold as reasonably possible in order to prolong contact time. Doing the crankcase treatment first thing in the morning is the general recommendation.

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