Topic: Carbon build-up on the Intake Valves

[roxer]

There is an excellent discussion going on over at the BB about DI engines and carbon build-up.

After doing some poking around the net, I see that Ford is having a serious issue with it and BMW has been cleaning theirs for several years now (most of the German cars are having performance problems).  BMW recommends a cleaning around every 35K miles.  They perform a cleaning using walnut shell blasting.

One of the members has performed a walnut shell cleaning on his already and has started an experiment on rerouting PCV vapors.  Thought I would post this for those that might be interested.  It would be good to get either DDM or  PAWs comments on the issue.

I am starting to believe I am suffering from this since I have been getting random misfire codes at start-up - cylinder 3 being consistent and where the PCV valves rests beside.  I will have to take the intake manifold off to confirm.  Car runs good after it warms up and I clear the code.  Happens about once a week.  My car has 33K on it as of this weekend.

[critter]

If you are in the Chicago area WERKS does this. Before and after shots are quite striking.

[werks]

Hi guys,

Yes we do this walnut shell blast cleaning service on the GM direct injection engines at our facility.  The service is $600.00 and cleans your intake valves like new.  Gets rid of pesky hesitation, misfires, stumbles, etc...

[roxer]

Hi guys,

Yes we do this walnut shell blast cleaning service on the GM direct injection engines at our facility.  The service is $600.00 and cleans your intake valves like new.  Gets rid of pesky hesitation, misfires, stumbles, etc...

I would like to slide up there, but I live in NC.  I hope I can find some place local to do it.  Can you speak to when this should be done in mileage terms?  30K?  50K?  Are there driving habits that help reduce this?

[werks]

I would like to slide up there, but I live in NC.  I hope I can find some place local to do it.  Can you speak to when this should be done in mileage terms?  30K?  50K?  Are there driving habits that help reduce this?

Most of the customers we have done this service with have started to experience issues in the 50-70K range so I would recommend it anywhere in there.

[roxer]

Most of the customers we have done this service with have started to experience issues in the 50-70K range so I would recommend it anywhere in there.

Thanks for the information Dave. Really appreciate the input. I'm still trying to find someone here in the south. Not looking good for anyone local.

[Rockchops]

Lots of folks do this themselves too...to varying degrees of success. It's on my list for the summer but I'm in no rush...


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[ChopTop]

Hi guys,

Yes we do this walnut shell blast cleaning service on the GM direct injection engines at our facility.  The service is $600.00 and cleans your intake valves like new.  Gets rid of pesky hesitation, misfires, stumbles, etc...

Hey Dave, have you got to the point where you can recommend a cleaning schedule?  After 20,000, 40,000, etc?

[roxer]

Hey Dave, have you got to the point where you can recommend a cleaning schedule?  After 20,000, 40,000, etc?

In reply #4 he states 50 - 70K is where folks see a performance drop and recommends then.  I think Fords and BMWs are experiencing the problem closer to 30K miles from what I have investigated.  I'm thinking I want mine done before I get a new tune.

[werks]

At this point I am recommending every 60,000 miles or if symptoms present earlier.

I just added this service to our site here - http://www.performanceautowerks.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2072

Here is a couple before and after shots -

Before -


After -

[critter]

When Dave and I decided to do this I asked him to take before and afters because I didn't quite understand the whole thing. Well, these fotos are not some marketing fotos - they are from my car. Critter