[MadDog89]

Decided to do a walnut blast, got all the equipment and went to work. Started on the first port and it doesn't appear to be doing much. I figured I must be doing something wrong. I followed all the DIY threads and studied several YouTube videos.

At what PSI should one be blasting at? I am running between 50-75psi.

I did get one of those portable harbor freight media blasters, others who used it appear to have great result.

Any tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated.

[Silent9n54]

grab a wire brush, degreaser, brake clean and get to work

works great

[stewbets]

I used the Harbor Freight one myself and it did fine. I think your PSI is right, but did you purchase a long wand to really get into the port? The media really loses its steam quickly if you're shooting from too far away. Also, are you sure it's not clogged? I had to unclog mine a couple times during the process. I think the humidity makes it worse.

[sbsk518]

Originally Posted by stewbets

I used the Harbor Freight one myself and it did fine. I think your PSI is right, but did you purchase a long wand to really get into the port? The media really loses its steam quickly if you're shooting from too far away. Also, are you sure it's not clogged? I had to unclog mine a couple times during the process. I think the humidity makes it worse.

I used HF tools also, but at around 90 PSI. Worked great. Definitely need a long wand though that can get down into both sides of the intake.

[nissubaru]

When you guys say Harbor Freight unit which one are you referring to? The grey portable bucket siphon type blaster or the red pressurized one? I'll admit I used a pancake compressor so I definitely was hindered here, but I found the siphon unit to be a piece of garbage. I have a theory but can't confirm it with only my evidence but I suspect the pressurized units use more walnut shells and just do a better job overall at cleaning the valves.

I also didn't think I went through much material, I remember reading posts of people ripping through their 15# box but I probably only used a couple pounds total

[Chris@VargasTurboTech]

Need more compressor. Raise that pressure up and blast 'em out. (or you have a clog, the HF media blaster works, but not great)

[stewbets]

Originally Posted by nissubaru

When you guys say Harbor Freight unit which one are you referring to? The grey portable bucket siphon type blaster or the red pressurized one? I'll admit I used a pancake compressor so I definitely was hindered here, but I found the siphon unit to be a piece of garbage. I have a theory but can't confirm it with only my evidence but I suspect the pressurized units use more walnut shells and just do a better job overall at cleaning the valves.

I also didn't think I went through much material, I remember reading posts of people ripping through their 15# box but I probably only used a couple pounds total

I used the siphon one. I wouldn't say it's the best option (well, I'd pick it again since it's so cheap and I'll use it so infrequently), but it got the job done. I only went through a few pounds of shells myself, but it got my ports clean. Personally I'm glad it didn't burn through too many shells.

[nissubaru]

Originally Posted by stewbets

I used the siphon one. I wouldn't say it's the best option (well, I'd pick it again since it's so cheap and I'll use it so infrequently), but it got the job done. I only went through a few pounds of shells myself, but it got my ports clean. Personally I'm glad it didn't burn through too many shells.

It worked for me as well along with picks and some cleaning spray and scrubbing etc. It took way too long though, I usually don't value my time too much when it comes to working on the car but if I was doing this for money it would have been a big fail.

[MadDog89]

Followed some of your guys advise, got some wire brushes and bigger air compressor up the pressure to 100psi and it worked!!

I did not use any brake cleaner or anything as I was afraid of blowing up my vacuum cleaner as some of the DIYs warned. I am tired and sore, but my car is up and running again.

It doesn't look as clean as Silent11N54 ports however, there is still some crud left on top of the valve head. Either way I am happy, couldn't tell the difference when driving but I am sure car can breathe much better.