Using this machine - I texted my guy. Thoughts?
ATS 3C
Official manufacturer of Bernie Thompson’s (Automotive Test Solutions) engine carbon cleaning chemicals for the auto industry located in Albuquerque New Mexico. 505 CRF, 505 CRO, 505 Pour-In
www.atschemicals.com
I have never seen this setup or heard of this company so, this is all from just what I can see/read with a quick search.
The length of time the ATS service takes depends on the ad you read (10-20 minutes depending on source). SeaFoam calls for a 5-15 minutes soak plus the about 7 minutes to apply. It comes in an aerosolized can. CRC calls for a 1 hour soak time. These are both one chemical, one step processes. They both cost $15-20. ATS is charging $280-300 for the 3 part chemicals you are looking at. All 3 parts are applied within that 10-20 minutes including the soak time. Add in your technicians labor and I am guessing it is $350-450. How close am I?
Looking at the machine, it is computer controlled. It is essentially automating the process. They attach an accelerometer to ensure the engine is running (normally done by the technician and stopped if the car stalls). Then, the system is using solenoids to send the chemicals. Basically, you pour chemicals A, B, and C into separate containers and you use a small air pump to pressurize the container (normally done with shop air or gravity). The only way to automate switching chemicals is by opening and closing each container with valves or solenoids. Because all of this is automated, now the technician can sit in the car to control throttle (like the adjustable stick that I am used to
https://www.penntoolco.com/thexton-...MI8-39lZOeggMV9RetBh2NEgoCEAQYAiABEgK1VvD_BwE or an assistant).
The technician is still supposed to use their own scan tool to monitor the cars sensors, they are still supposed to control the throttle, etc.
IMHO, I have never seen a chemical cleaner that I would pay $300 for a single use application for cleaning anything. I would suggest either SeaFoam Intake or CRC Turbo for $20 and if you can't get a buddy to hang out and press the throttle, spend the $50 on the stick. Then if you want, spend another $15 on SeaFoam to dump in the fuel tank. Final addition if you really want is to spend another $15 on SeaFoam and put it in your oil. I highly recommend changing turbo filters after that though. Using these 3 steps, you would clean the Intake/valves/throttle body, fuel system/injectors, and oil system (especially solenoids and tight passages) for $100 (plus turbo filters if you decide to do them). The ATS system will do the intake and valves only, leaving fuel and oil systems dirty, and cost you at least $300. Take the money you save and put it towards a catch can system and/or a meth system.