philliesfan980

Does anyone know anything about the Top Engine Clean service offered by Acura dealerships? I should have paid more attention to the service adviser when he was describing the service.

The service costs $99. I'm typically pretty conservative when it comes to car maintenance, meaning I probably go overkill on it. My car currently has about 65K miles, and he said he recommends the service every 50K.

Any descriptions or advice on this service would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

darowa

In my opinion,
If you have been changing your oil at the proper intervals and using good oil, "top engine clean" is unnecessary. It's cleaning out your wallet. Is it recommended in the user manual?

philliesfan980

When purchased the car (it's a 2004), in 2007, it had 20K on it. I've been using Mobil 1 Synthetic, and generally get it changed every 5-6K miles. I also have been using 93 octane from day 1 (20K) as well.

I'm not sure what the car was using from miles 0-20K, but there are no issues that I can feel/see/hear.

I looked through the manual, and unless I missed it, it's not even mentioned.

LuvMyTSX

Sounds like one of the "dealer extras" they like to "recommend" in addition to regular services in the manual....usually to get you to spend more on maintenance than you have to. As said before, if you've been keeping up on regular maintenance, it's likely not necessary.

philliesfan980

Great, that's what I figured, but just wanted to check here first. If someone can vouch that it does something positive for the car, I'd probably do it, but I'm just honestly confused at what potential benefits it could bring.

LuvMyTSX

I've never even heard of it, and I've had every service for the past 5 years done at my dealership, so it definitely doesn't sound like part of Acura's maintenance.

LuvMyTSX

I googled it. Sounds similar to Seafoam.

nj2pa2nc

I also have all the service on my 06 tsx done by acura/honda dealers. I have never been told to get that type of service.

DemonPoofball

Ah, just read this from a "Honda technician" on a question site if anybody wants a more specific:

"Top engine cleaner is a special cleaner that you injected into the intake manifold with a bottle that looks like an IV but for a car and the chemical gets sucked into the intake manifold where it cleans carbon deposits in the upper or "top" of the engine. It's like fuel injection cleaner but stronger. Top engine cleaner isn't really avail. at auto parts stores. It's not really called anything else but top engine cleaner. Companies like MOC, BG make the stuff and Honda has it's own kind too."

philliesfan980

Thanks Demon, I appreciate you looking into this. I don't claim to be an engine expert. Does anyone see this as a viable service?

JTso

iTrader: (2)

Unless the engine is totally neglected and poorly treated, there's absolutely no need for such service or using seafoam. Just use good gas and change the oil often (which you are already doing) and you will be fine. If you want to further reduce the carbon build-up inside the combustion chambers, install an oil catch can between the PCV valve and intake manifold.

philliesfan980

Just wanted to circle back on this since I started the topic a year and a half ago.

Now at 85K miles, I finally took the plunge on this after my service advisor recommended it the last couple of visits. He's a really nice guy, always takes 10% off without me even asking (I know the prices are marked up - but save the comments!), and went to bat for me to have my headlights replaced out of warranty with they were fried with the moisture issue that a lot of people have.

In any event, I'm glad I paid $100 for this service. Def a lot more pep in the accelerator after having this done.

miner

I had it done on my '08 at 45000 miles. I use Chevron 93 adamantly and get oil changed every 4-5000 miles. I defintely did feel a noticable difference once the service was performed.

nj2pa2nc

when I was at the acura dealer getting a new glove box installed I asked the service manager about this. He said he did not feel it was necessary for my car since it runs excellent.

TampaJim

If it is harsh enough to knock lose the carbon buildup, it is harsh enough to eat parts (seals, o-rings and gaskets). Run top-tier 91+ octane fuel, use high quality motor oil and things will be fine.