Intake Cleaning
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 558
Likes: 245
From: SW Kansas
Intake Cleaning
I've been looking at threads about intake cleaning when the back of the valves get coked-up. Technically, this does not appear to be a difficult task but in looking at the different cleaners that people are using, I was wondering if there is any such thing as an adapter whereby one could blast the area with walnut shells while using a vacuum at the same time to contain the mess. Has anyone seen or done the job in that manner? Is there a adapter of sorts available or are people just taping the snout of a garage vacuum together with the walnut shell blaster?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
I think someone pointed out that BMW makes a special attachment that fits the intake port so you can do this, but I have not seen one for a Corvette.
I asked my dealer about cleaning the valves, and they said they just fog a cleaner through the PCV system, and do not mechanically try to clean the valves.
I asked my dealer about cleaning the valves, and they said they just fog a cleaner through the PCV system, and do not mechanically try to clean the valves.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 558
Likes: 245
From: SW Kansas
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-deposits.html
I will be installing a catch-can right after my 2016 arrives. There's considerable controversy on this forum and others about the efficacy of this device but I figure the worst that could happen is nothing but a lightning of my wallet. My guess is that it will at least postpone the time before I have to pull the intake and clean the valves and intakes.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 812
Likes: 192
See this:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-deposits.html
I will be installing a catch-can right after my 2016 arrives. There's considerable controversy on this forum and others about the efficacy of this device but I figure the worst that could happen is nothing but a lightning of my wallet. My guess is that it will at least postpone the time before I have to pull the intake and clean the valves and intakes.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-deposits.html
I will be installing a catch-can right after my 2016 arrives. There's considerable controversy on this forum and others about the efficacy of this device but I figure the worst that could happen is nothing but a lightning of my wallet. My guess is that it will at least postpone the time before I have to pull the intake and clean the valves and intakes.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 203
From: MI
although it appears that not all cars will have the same rate of valve coking. I would guess the LT1 will have slower rate of valve coking over the earlier DI german engines.
we dont have a single documented high mileage LT1 engine to inspect. although going with the theory a high mileage LT1 should have valve coking.
I believe the next generation of GDI engines will be a lot better. its one of the reasons i wont be keeping my corvette long term.
Last edited by MikeLsx; Jan 4, 2016 at 01:31 AM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Longview Texas
I see the can has a spray nozzle.
The can says you do not have to remove the intake, so can you just spray it into the PCV system?
Never mind, I found this video.
It sprays into the air intake behind the mass air flow sensor.
The can says you do not have to remove the intake, so can you just spray it into the PCV system?
Never mind, I found this video.
It sprays into the air intake behind the mass air flow sensor.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Jan 4, 2016 at 10:09 AM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 278
Likes: 76
From: Bham
You can fashion one, it will take time to mold a piece of plastic to fit the engine side, other side is easy, just needs to fit a shop vac. It could be done but when I completed the DIY, I didn't want to leave the engine exposed any longer than I have to. Next time I pull the intake manifold I can take measurements of each port.
Just know that if you are doing this cleaning fairly early, most of the oil/gunk is still "moist". Blasting dry walnut shell will have a sort of snowball effect and create clumps of oil/shell that cannot be sucked out, forcing you to get in there and manually extract the clumps. I believe I read on one of the Camaro forums that this happened. The walnut shell cleaning should be good for dried/caked on deposits but if you have any wet gunk, it may be more trouble than its worth.
Just know that if you are doing this cleaning fairly early, most of the oil/gunk is still "moist". Blasting dry walnut shell will have a sort of snowball effect and create clumps of oil/shell that cannot be sucked out, forcing you to get in there and manually extract the clumps. I believe I read on one of the Camaro forums that this happened. The walnut shell cleaning should be good for dried/caked on deposits but if you have any wet gunk, it may be more trouble than its worth.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 192
Likes: 20
Has anyone heard of or tried this? From the makers of Gunk, Motor Medic-Fuel Pro Complete.
It enters the intake system threw the brake booster vacuum. Crazy?
It enters the intake system threw the brake booster vacuum. Crazy?
Last edited by Flyingscot; Jan 4, 2016 at 12:28 PM. Reason: Spelling
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 558
Likes: 245
From: SW Kansas
Has anyone heard of or tried this? From the makers of Gunk, Motor Medic-Fuel Pro Complete.
http://youtu.be/4blMiF-YQTc
It enters the intake system threw the brake booster vacuum. Crazy?
http://youtu.be/4blMiF-YQTc
It enters the intake system threw the brake booster vacuum. Crazy?
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 192
Likes: 20
I have a problem with this method in that while the guy is saying its useful for GDI engines and indeed will clean the back of the valves I, for one, would not want all that crap washing into the cylinder while the car is running. I understand that carbon can be a pretty nasty abrasive. When I've got about 5000 miles on mine, I'll do it the old fashioned way.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 278
Likes: 76
From: Bham
I tried the spray stuff on a Ford Ecoboost sedan with GDI, I didn't think it worked that well. The stuff is really runny and dries really fast, I just don't see it working well for anything more than minimal deposits/film. Especially on a running engine with so much airflow, I doubt the fluid stays fluid on the back of the valves long enough.
I'm an advocate for catch cans after seeing my own engine. Just put it on, at least it will prevent alot of the oil. I plan to do the cleaning every 15k miles. GM is starting to integrate catch cans as well, I think LGMotorsports posted in the Z06 section about a new Camaro with the LT1 engine having an integrated catch can from factory (they had pics).
I'm an advocate for catch cans after seeing my own engine. Just put it on, at least it will prevent alot of the oil. I plan to do the cleaning every 15k miles. GM is starting to integrate catch cans as well, I think LGMotorsports posted in the Z06 section about a new Camaro with the LT1 engine having an integrated catch can from factory (they had pics).
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 322
From: Raleigh NC
I swapped my heads with several thousand miles (around 5k I believe) and did not notice anything out of the ordinary.
Those claiming this is a monumental problem requiring regular maintenance are contra to what Tadge has said as well.
IMHO this is a perfect example of a 'mountain out of a mole hill'.
Install a good catch can system, don't overfill your oil, and put the pedal to the metal.
Last edited by Newton06; Jan 4, 2016 at 01:54 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,514
Likes: 1,301
From: Windermere FL
It does seem to work - when I open the valve to empty some black nasty looking oil comes out.
Jegs had it the cheapest by far at the time I bought it so shop around.
Last edited by Flame Red; Jan 4, 2016 at 02:28 PM.