George Moore wrote:

Paul,
   Back in the Late 70's when Leaded fuel was being phased out and auto
compression ratios were being lowered by Detroit, the auto High
Performance magazines, as well as the speed shops, were all pushing
Water Injection as the best alternative for people still running H.P.
engines above 10 to 1 compression ratios.  The primary benefit was
avoiding detonation and still being able to run a lot of advance in the
ignition timing.  Companies like Holley and Edelbrock starting selling
kits and the magazines were pumping out articles monthly and how to make
homebuilt versions using winshield washer tanks with built-in pumps and
controlled by inexpensive manifold vacuum switches.

Well, a side effect to all of this was that, people were reporting
engines that were as clean as the day they were assembled, upon
teardown.  The supposed theory behind this, was that the water entering
the hot combustion chamber flashed to steam, effectively steam cleaning
the piston tops, valve faces, etc.  Of course in hindsight, I wonder, if
it was so great, why is it still not used ?  Unless Fuel Injection
effectively provides the same side benefit ?

Just Observations,  George

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