Has Anyone Thought About How to Clean Their Valves?

Mr. 5 · 07-10-2009, 11:52 AM

I have over 50k miles and I'm thinking of a somewhat easy way to clean the intake valves. There's all of these claims out there with Nitrogen in fuel and people just say to add fuel injector cleaner, but since we have the Direct Injected engines, it won't matter what you put in the tank since the fuel doesn't blow through the valves.

I was thinking of taking the throttle boddie and intake manifold off so I could spray a crap load of carb cleaner in there.
Does anyone have any other ideas to where I don't even have to take these off?
Is there some spray out there that I could use that I'm not thinking of?
Is there a way to tap into the manifold without taking everything off?
Would that work?

EDIT

See post #31.
I ended up using SeaFoam engine cleaner and used the vacuum line to transfer the cleaner into the intake manifold.
This worked very well!

GeorgeSmooth · 07-10-2009, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

I have over 50k miles and I'm thinking of a somewhat easy way to clean the intake valves. There's all of these claims out there with Nitrogen in fuel and people just say to add fuel injector cleaner, but since we have the Direct Injected engines, it won't matter what you put in the tank since the fuel doesn't blow through the valves.

I was thinking of taking the throttle boddie and intake manifold off so I could spray a crap load of carb cleaner in there.
Does anyone have any other ideas to where I don't even have to take these off?
Is there some spray out there that I could use that I'm not thinking of?
Is there a way to tap into the manifold without taking everything off?
Would that work?

There is a simple system. You can add a nitros wet system. Will make the squeaky clean and will also get you in the elevens hehe

carve · 07-10-2009, 12:06 PM

I also have this concern with DI engines. There was a thread on this several months ago, titled "engine misfire". I'll cut & paste my post from there...

Quote:

Hmmm...I was worried about this. So, how can they diagnose carbon buildup? Do they have to use a borescope down the intake? This concerns me because I think my 335 feels slighly less zoomy than some that I test drove.

I wonder if spraying some fuel injector cleaner or even windshield washer fluid down the intake now and then would help?

Hey...I just remembered...has anyone heard of GM top-end cleaner? A lot of people swear by it. I wasn't sure about using it on a turbo motor, but I googled and found this on a GMC Typhoon forum...

Quote:

GM's "Top End Cleaner" - knock reducer in a can.

Basic principle is that the PCV system spits oil back into the intake, carbon gets built up on the heads/valves, and result in detonation causing, raised hot spots.
This stuff is pretty simple, suck it in while the engine is running, let it sit in the combustion chamber for some time, then burn it all off.

There are 2 versions of the Cleaner, spray, and liquid in a can. I've used the spray can, and many others have used the liquid version.

Spray:

The can leads you to believe its for carb engines leaving you somewhat clueless on where to spray it. My solution was to remove the upper Ic, and spray the cleaner directly into the throttle body. You can just leave the outlet of your turbo open for this, just be careful not to drop anything in there. With the engine running, and your hand on the throttle lever, start spraying into the intake. The cleaner will cause harsh idle, and you may wish to give it a little throttle by rotating the throttle lever slightly as it tries to die (also helps suck in more cleaner). Continue feeding the truck the entire can. When your almost out, go ahead and try to stall it out, if you don't succeed then just shut off the truck. You want it to sit and allow chemical reactions to clean up your cylinders for a good amount of time, the can says 10-20 minutes, you can wait longer. You'll probably notice it smoked alot during the process, and is probably still smoking while you wait for the scrubbing bubbles to do their work. Wait till you start it up again. The resulting plume of smoke should make for a good impression on the ricers next door. Changing the oil is a definite next step. Im not sure about the cleaners effect on the spark plugs, but you may consider doing a fresh ignition at this point. After the smoke clears, you should feel strong and ready to burn off some boost.

kjrulz · 07-10-2009, 12:10 PM

Isn't this like the Seafoam stuff? I know I've used it before on my E46 and it's been used all over the e46fanatics board. Would it help in this situation?

scheherazade · 07-10-2009, 12:14 PM

FYI.

With certain aircraft engines, you just lean out the mixture a shit load, and it burns out the insides. Same as when you put an oven on self-clean mode.

(It's what my dad did with his zlin / an-2)

-scheherazade

JeffL · 07-10-2009, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgeSmooth

There is a simple system. You can add a nitros wet system. Will make the squeaky clean and will also get you in the elevens hehe

I like this idea. Is anyone running a nitrous kit yet? I have an old kit from my SRT-8 grand cherokee I wonder what other parts I need to retro-fit...

ar design · 07-10-2009, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffL

I like this idea. Is anyone running a nitrous kit yet? I have an old kit from my SRT-8 grand cherokee I wonder what other parts I need to retro-fit...

Sprayed my car a bit back in the day. Good time

mwahlert · 07-10-2009, 01:19 PM

2 words - meth injection.

Mr. 5 · 07-10-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwahlert

2 words - meth injection.

Will meth injection really clean the valves though?
I wouldn't think so.

HighVoltage · 07-10-2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

Will meth injection really clean the valves though?
I wouldn't think so.

Depending on the ratio of water it could..

inthemiddle · 07-10-2009, 03:17 PM

When i replaced my HPFP i had the manifold off anyway... so i sprayed a bit of seafoam in there... right on each valve... (they looked pretty dirty at 27K miles..) ...

in hindsight.. i probably shoulda sprayed more in there !! i thought i did kinda a lot.. but it started right up.. no hesitation..etc... a bit of white smoke from the exhaust .. but not a ton... not like when sucking it in through the brake booster vacuum line on my old 4runner.... (which obviously pulls in a lot more...)

i would think the brake booster line trick would work on these cars.... wouldn't it ????

that said... next time i have the intake stuff off...etc... it doesn't add that much time to pull the throttle body (let it hang loose in there...) and pull the intake manifold (don't drop the nuts when you put it back on) .... pretty easy really....

zsapphire7 · 07-10-2009, 04:23 PM

yea the meth should steam clean the valves...

ianthegreat · 07-10-2009, 04:49 PM

+1 to seafoam.. worked awesome sucking through a vac line on the 86 danger ranger.

Mr. 5 · 07-10-2009, 06:03 PM

Interesting because I never heard of it before.
You guys actually added this to your crank case?

And, What are you guys talking about with using the brake booster?
I watched a video on sea foam, but I honestly don't know what would be better to follow--the instructions for a gas engine or a diesel engine because of the DI.

raceyBMW · 07-10-2009, 06:15 PM

http://www.bmw4life.com/ping.htm

Check this out, the concept should be the same on the N54. I plan on doing this next week to my E34 530i. I think as long as you didn't pour it down the intake but slowly vacuumed it in like this DIY, there should be no issue. The only things I have read bad about seafoam is from when people just pour an entire can into the intake tract.

Park2670 · 07-11-2009, 12:37 AM

The dealership I work at uses a walnut blaster. And we end up using it a lot on higher mileage n54s. Does wonders with the valves. We also use the top end clean a ton on the v8s. Interesting thing is we only use the blaster on di cars like the n54 and the 760.

Another thought, if our cars have vacuum pumps, sucking in the cleaner probably won't work since it will just go into the pump right?

Sparky66 · 07-11-2009, 01:32 AM

I'm sure you guy's in the US would have similar products as these:

http://www.bgprod.com/products/fuelair.html

http://www.liquitechaustralia.com/petrol.html

TMR · 07-11-2009, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwahlert

2 words - meth injection.

+100

Mr. 5 · 07-11-2009, 06:58 PM

Thanks guys.
I have some thinking to do.

SoCalTech · 07-12-2009, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inthemiddle

i would think the brake booster line trick would work on these cars.... wouldn't it ????

No, the brake booster line goes directly to a vacuum pump, and not the engine. The only vacuum line coming from the manifold leads to the diverter valves. You could try doing a top end clean through there, but the line is very small.

raceyBMW · 07-13-2009, 12:45 AM

I bet that would work, through the diverter line...just make sure you hook it back up before heading out to burn off the seafoam.

Mr. 5 · 07-13-2009, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raceyBMW

I bet that would work, through the diverter line...just make sure you hook it back up before heading out to burn off the seafoam.

I took the air box and the throttle body off last night and checked everything out. I noticed a hose going into the throttle assmebly and was curious if you guys are referring this to the brake booster.
I'm talking about the item pointed by the red arrow in the first picture.
I've been looking for the hose that connects to this hole and I'm pretty sure it's #10 in the second picture.

I think it would be good to disconnect this line and have a friend rev the engine while you pour about half the can in.

07-10-2009, 11:52 AM	#1
Mr. 5 Modder Raider 844 Rep 8,633 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Surf City, HB iTrader: (31) Garage List 2007 e90 335i [8.00]	Has Anyone Thought About How to Clean Their Valves? I have over 50k miles and I'm thinking of a somewhat easy way to clean the intake valves. There's all of these claims out there with Nitrogen in fuel and people just say to add fuel injector cleaner, but since we have the Direct Injected engines, it won't matter what you put in the tank since the fuel doesn't blow through the valves. I was thinking of taking the throttle boddie and intake manifold off so I could spray a crap load of carb cleaner in there. Does anyone have any other ideas to where I don't even have to take these off? Is there some spray out there that I could use that I'm not thinking of? Is there a way to tap into the manifold without taking everything off? Would that work? EDIT See post #31. I ended up using SeaFoam engine cleaner and used the vacuum line to transfer the cleaner into the intake manifold. This worked very well! __________________ e36 M3 Coupe, e36 325i Sedan e90 335i--SOLD Best 60-130-------------9.15 Seconds------------------WWW.MR5RACING.COM
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07-10-2009, 12:10 PM	#4
kjrulz Mastermind 74 Rep 1,360 Posts Drives: girls krazy Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: your mother iTrader: (5)	Isn't this like the Seafoam stuff? I know I've used it before on my E46 and it's been used all over the e46fanatics board. Would it help in this situation?
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07-10-2009, 12:14 PM	#5
scheherazade Major 38 Rep 1,467 Posts Drives: 09 GTR (& 93' accord!) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: DC metro area iTrader: (8)	FYI. With certain aircraft engines, you just lean out the mixture a shit load, and it burns out the insides. Same as when you put an oven on self-clean mode. (It's what my dad did with his zlin / an-2) -scheherazade
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07-10-2009, 01:19 PM	#8
mwahlert Lieutenant Colonel 100 Rep 1,659 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: NC iTrader: (8)	2 words - meth injection.
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07-10-2009, 03:17 PM	#11
inthemiddle Lieutenant 40 Rep 471 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (2)	When i replaced my HPFP i had the manifold off anyway... so i sprayed a bit of seafoam in there... right on each valve... (they looked pretty dirty at 27K miles..) ... in hindsight.. i probably shoulda sprayed more in there !! i thought i did kinda a lot.. but it started right up.. no hesitation..etc... a bit of white smoke from the exhaust .. but not a ton... not like when sucking it in through the brake booster vacuum line on my old 4runner.... (which obviously pulls in a lot more...) i would think the brake booster line trick would work on these cars.... wouldn't it ???? that said... next time i have the intake stuff off...etc... it doesn't add that much time to pull the throttle body (let it hang loose in there...) and pull the intake manifold (don't drop the nuts when you put it back on) .... pretty easy really....
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07-10-2009, 04:23 PM	#12
zsapphire7 Colonel 115 Rep 2,368 Posts Drives: 08 e92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (21)	yea the meth should steam clean the valves...
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07-10-2009, 04:49 PM	#13
ianthegreat Colonel 66 Rep 2,314 Posts Drives: n54 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Pittsburgh/Houston iTrader: (1)	+1 to seafoam.. worked awesome sucking through a vac line on the 86 danger ranger. Last edited by ianthegreat; 11-11-2009 at 12:02 PM..
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07-10-2009, 06:03 PM	#14
Mr. 5 Modder Raider 844 Rep 8,633 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Surf City, HB iTrader: (31) Garage List 2007 e90 335i [8.00]	Interesting because I never heard of it before. You guys actually added this to your crank case? And, What are you guys talking about with using the brake booster? I watched a video on sea foam, but I honestly don't know what would be better to follow--the instructions for a gas engine or a diesel engine because of the DI. __________________ e36 M3 Coupe, e36 325i Sedan e90 335i--SOLD Best 60-130-------------9.15 Seconds------------------WWW.MR5RACING.COM
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07-10-2009, 06:15 PM	#15
raceyBMW king of the hills 114 Rep 2,923 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 w/ESS55, 2001 540i/6 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Arvada, CO iTrader: (1) Garage List 2001 BMW 540i/6 [8.17] 1994 530i [9.00] 2007 335i Coupe [8.37]	http://www.bmw4life.com/ping.htm Check this out, the concept should be the same on the N54. I plan on doing this next week to my E34 530i. I think as long as you didn't pour it down the intake but slowly vacuumed it in like this DIY, there should be no issue. The only things I have read bad about seafoam is from when people just pour an entire can into the intake tract. Last edited by raceyBMW; 07-10-2009 at 06:51 PM..
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07-11-2009, 12:37 AM	#16
Park2670 General 362 Rep 18,218 Posts Drives: Tesla Model 3 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: UTAH iTrader: (8)	The dealership I work at uses a walnut blaster. And we end up using it a lot on higher mileage n54s. Does wonders with the valves. We also use the top end clean a ton on the v8s. Interesting thing is we only use the blaster on di cars like the n54 and the 760. Another thought, if our cars have vacuum pumps, sucking in the cleaner probably won't work since it will just go into the pump right? __________________
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07-11-2009, 06:58 PM	#19
Mr. 5 Modder Raider 844 Rep 8,633 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Surf City, HB iTrader: (31) Garage List 2007 e90 335i [8.00]	Thanks guys. I have some thinking to do. __________________ e36 M3 Coupe, e36 325i Sedan e90 335i--SOLD Best 60-130-------------9.15 Seconds------------------WWW.MR5RACING.COM
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07-13-2009, 12:45 AM	#21
raceyBMW king of the hills 114 Rep 2,923 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 w/ESS55, 2001 540i/6 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Arvada, CO iTrader: (1) Garage List 2001 BMW 540i/6 [8.17] 1994 530i [9.00] 2007 335i Coupe [8.37]	I bet that would work, through the diverter line...just make sure you hook it back up before heading out to burn off the seafoam.
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