Head off or not

[mickeytwonames]

I have ten days looking after my aged Pa. Should I take the hard off for a de-coke? The car runs fine. Will I OPEN UP ACAN OF WORMS? Or is it a wise and prudent thing to do. Cars going to get a oil change and general seeing too anyway. Any views most welcome.

[lambrettalad]

If the cars running fine ,I'd leave well alone.Moggies will soon give you enough to do, with out help from you

[mike.perry]

Would you expect the dentist to take your head off to clean your teeth?? :

[MarkyB]

Modern oils and fuels contain additives which mean cars don't need regular de cokes any more.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

[mickeytwonames]

Thanks for restraining me!

[simmitc]

I'm worried about your dad's health if you're going to "look after him" for a few days, and are thinking of taking his head off

As regards the car, don't try to fix something that isn't broken. "The car runs fine" so what more do you want?

[bmcecosse]

I agree - leave the head alone - but DO check and reset the valve gaps. I suggest 12 thou inlets and 15 thou exhausts to allow for the hotter running unleaded fuel... No additives necessary - just check/reset the valve gaps every 3000 miles.

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

I am going to stick my neck out here and advise a decoke. It's a day's work, will give you the opportunity to examine the bores and water passages. Lapping in the valves will extend their life and give smoother and efficient running, proper seating. As long as a new copper head gasket is fitted and the job done well all will be fine.

And I can assure you all that carbon still collects inside the engine.

[les]

Yes I might agree, if you've got nothing else in the world to do-----well actually no, even if you've nothing else to do. Running fine is running fine!!

[dalebrignall]

if its working fine then leave well alone .

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

The point of a decoke is to do it when everything is fine, to prevent possible trouble in the future.

[bmcecosse]

Not these days - modern fuels if burned correctly (nice light beige plugs) don't leave any 'coke'. And regular valve gap checking/resetting (3000miles) will ensure the valves are unlikely to burn out.