Who's got carbon buildup?

dgbuilder · 07-14-2010, 03:58 PM

I might start using seafoam just so my car can blow smoke rings.

Coolest thing I've seen in a while.

raceyBMW · 07-14-2010, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jed

Taking mine in tomorrow for a cleaning. Mine has 73K miles on it. It stumbles under load at WOT, past 2.5K rpms its fine again.

After this, I am going to pull off the intercooler and clean that, replace the PCV valve, get an OCC and start maintaining a regimen of Seafoam.

How long did the procedure take?

There is no PCV valve that you can replace on the N54, unless you replace the entire valve cover. If you read the document I posted a link to above, its pretty much explains that it uses a cyclonic separator system and not an actual valve.

vasillalov · 07-14-2010, 05:29 PM

Guys guys,

How can you just jump on the SeaFoam bandwagon without even knowing this stuff works? How can you be sure that the smoke you see is the carbon buildup being burnt instead of the seamfoam just making smoke?...

I've read all of the information on the SeaFoam site, including the FAQ and there is nothing mentioned about this...

JJB · 07-15-2010, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jed

Taking mine in tomorrow for a cleaning. Mine has 73K miles on it. It stumbles under load at WOT, past 2.5K rpms its fine again.

After this, I am going to pull off the intercooler and clean that, replace the PCV valve, get an OCC and start maintaining a regimen of Seafoam.

How long did the procedure take?

My car was in the shop for 4 weeks - but that was lots of trial and error and waiting on BMW engineering to review data and advise. The SA said cleaning the carbon was a full 1-1.5 days of labor.

Jed · 07-15-2010, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJB

My car was in the shop for 4 weeks - but that was lots of trial and error and waiting on BMW engineering to review data and advise. The SA said cleaning the carbon was a full 1-1.5 days of labor.

Ah ok, so the 4 weeks was for the research on the solution. Initially I read your reply and was like "WHAAAAAATT???"

Luckily my dealer just lent me a brand spanking new 2011 E93 335i. So while my car is getting the cleaning, I'll get to try out the new N55 motor with the top down!

Hmmmmm... on second thought... maybe I should hope it takes 4 weeks.

scottp999 · 07-15-2010, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vasillalov

Guys guys,

How can you just jump on the SeaFoam bandwagon without even knowing this stuff works? How can you be sure that the smoke you see is the carbon buildup being burnt instead of the seamfoam just making smoke?...

I've read all of the information on the SeaFoam site, including the FAQ and there is nothing mentioned about this...

How about you try it and take pics of every step you do? First thing would be to remove the cover and take a before shot of the carbon build up, then take after shots and we will know if it works.

This seems to be what you are asking for, proof that it works. How about you do it and post it up as a contribution to the community?

Jed · 07-15-2010, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raceyBMW

There is no PCV valve that you can replace on the N54, unless you replace the entire valve cover. If you read the document I posted a link to above, its pretty much explains that it uses a cyclonic separator system and not an actual valve.

Ok, cool. Thanks raceyBMW. I had gone onto Tischer's site and saw they had a PCV valve for $85. I am guessing that's for the 328.

vasillalov · 07-15-2010, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottp999

How about you try it and take pics of every step you do? First thing would be to remove the cover and take a before shot of the carbon build up, then take after shots and we will know if it works.

This seems to be what you are asking for, proof that it works. How about you do it and post it up as a contribution to the community?

I'd love to do it. I did 15 DIY manuals during my VW/AUDI days which are still in use today, so I am no stranger to doing things first and sharing my experience with the community.

However, there is no way in hell I am going to risk a $15K engine for something like this. Its not the consumer that has to prove that a product works. Its the manufacturer that has to do that.

Vasil

JBurer · 08-11-2010, 10:32 PM

26k miles on my car with a diagnosis of carbon buildup. I redline the car a couple times each time I drive it!

If this many people are having issues, I suspect we'll have some sort of fix or extension of the warranty to cover it.... like the fuel pump.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7815964

David1 · 08-12-2010, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBurer

26k miles on my car with a diagnosis of carbon buildup. I redline the car a couple times each time I drive it!

If this many people are having issues, I suspect we'll have some sort of fix or extension of the warranty to cover it.... like the fuel pump.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7815964

Carbon will be a problem on all DI motors at some point.

JoosyJoos · 08-12-2010, 01:35 PM

My car only has 15k miles on it but I seafoamed it last weekend. Took a grand total of 3 minutes to do... aside from letting it sit for 20 minutes to soak in. No problems to report whatsoever. It blew a bunch of smoke out the back and idled like crap for a little while and then it semeed to run a teenie tiny bit better---placebo probably. I'll keep doing it every 2-3K miles just as a precaution from here on out. Its only like 7 bucks a bottle anyway.

Bimmer Nerd · 08-12-2010, 01:49 PM

Can we please get a DIY ? Thanks

lyndon_h · 08-12-2010, 02:20 PM

I'd love to see before seafoaming and after seafoaming pics so I could judge how well it works with carbon buildup.

bryce · 08-12-2010, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lyndon_h

I'd love to see before seafoaming and after seafoaming pics so I could judge how well it works with carbon buildup.

^this

btw- where are you guys pouring the seafoam? and do you change the oil right after? what about plugs?

Trojan4evr · 08-12-2010, 03:47 PM

subscribed. need hard evidence of seafoam working but don't have the balls to do it myself.

lyndon_h · 08-12-2010, 04:23 PM

Seriously, is it too much for the company to offer a before and after before pic? That should be on the their homepage if the product does actually help clean our carbon deposits (especially with all of the new DI engines out now). It would be my #1 way to new sales. I'd scare the crap out of all the Porsche owners who want to baby their cars with a disgusting pic of an engine with carbon build up then show a picture of an engine treated with a once a month "for a minimum of 4 months

" of seafoam. "protect your investment 80k investment for a total of 40.00 (4 applications)". Are you kidding me? They would knock it out of the park. If it is effective...

Dackelone · 08-12-2010, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lyndon_h

I'd love to see before seafoaming and after seafoaming pics so I could judge how well it works with carbon buildup.

I don't think you will see any "before and after" photos. The reason being, no one will go out and buy a small camera/borescope (900 euros over here from Hazet) to photograph the carbon via the spark plug holes. You need a small O.D. borescope of 10mm or so, bc teh sparkplugs are 16mm on the outside. That is the only way I see to photograph the carbon buildup. Or... pull the manifold. But that is alot of work too.

I would LOVE to see a DIY though.

tufgsd · 08-12-2010, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vasillalov

[u2b]<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/K0QVYQMb7G0&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/K0QVYQMb7G0&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>[/u2b]

Is that One can of Seafoam that does that? I have not used SeaFoam on my car yet, but used it on a F150 and did not smoke anything like that.

Mark313 · 08-12-2010, 06:00 PM

GM actually issued a TSB for this on northstar engines. They recommend using GM top engine cleaner of course but sea foam is probably an equivalent to it.

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...il-carbon.html

So to answer your question vasillalov, I think if a car manufacturer like GM recommends it that it can only help it.

tufgsd · 08-12-2010, 06:23 PM

so, just pouring it in the gas tank will not clean it like it should? I guess a DYI is needed. The seafoam site gives directions, but I be more confident with someone on the forum that has done this and can give the steps.

sneaks · 08-12-2010, 07:19 PM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=seafoam+diy

Read the whole thread. The normal method of sucking it in the brake booster is a no no on the N54.
There doesn't seem to be any definitive results of before and after as there are no pictures of the before and after.

tufgsd · 08-13-2010, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sneaks

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=seafoam+diy

Read the whole thread. The normal method of sucking it in the brake booster is a no no on the N54.
There doesn't seem to be any definitive results of before and after as there are no pictures of the before and after.

Vacuum Line and Brake Booster are they the same? Man, I am so gun shy now working on my car, ever since the issue with the ECM box. I guess I will call my local mechanic

07-14-2010, 03:58 PM	#45
dgbuilder Private 1 Rep 66 Posts Drives: 2009 335i xDrive E92 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Smoke rings I might start using seafoam just so my car can blow smoke rings. Coolest thing I've seen in a while.
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07-14-2010, 05:29 PM	#47
vasillalov Mad Linux Guru On The Loose 1204 Rep 5,455 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sedan, 2023 M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (5) Garage List 2023 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 335i E90 [8.00]	Guys guys, How can you just jump on the SeaFoam bandwagon without even knowing this stuff works? How can you be sure that the smoke you see is the carbon buildup being burnt instead of the seamfoam just making smoke?... I've read all of the information on the SeaFoam site, including the FAQ and there is nothing mentioned about this... __________________
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08-11-2010, 10:32 PM	#53
JBurer Private First Class 16 Rep 144 Posts Drives: 2008 135i, 1991 911 Turbo Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	26k miles on my car with a diagnosis of carbon buildup. I redline the car a couple times each time I drive it! If this many people are having issues, I suspect we'll have some sort of fix or extension of the warranty to cover it.... like the fuel pump. http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7815964
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08-12-2010, 01:35 PM	#55
JoosyJoos Major 118 Rep 1,347 Posts Drives: 2011 335d Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [0.00]	My car only has 15k miles on it but I seafoamed it last weekend. Took a grand total of 3 minutes to do... aside from letting it sit for 20 minutes to soak in. No problems to report whatsoever. It blew a bunch of smoke out the back and idled like crap for a little while and then it semeed to run a teenie tiny bit better---placebo probably. I'll keep doing it every 2-3K miles just as a precaution from here on out. Its only like 7 bucks a bottle anyway. __________________ 1997 M3 Coupe - BMWCCA I-Prepared #22 2006 M Roadster - 23,000 miles and slowly counting
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08-12-2010, 01:49 PM	#56
Bimmer Nerd Major General 528 Rep 7,783 Posts Drives: 6MT F80 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Santa Monica, CA iTrader: (12)	Can we please get a DIY ? Thanks
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08-12-2010, 02:20 PM	#57
lyndon_h Lieutenant Colonel 41 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Madagascar iTrader: (2)	I'd love to see before seafoaming and after seafoaming pics so I could judge how well it works with carbon buildup.
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08-12-2010, 03:47 PM	#59
Trojan4evr Lieutenant Colonel 521 Rep 1,927 Posts Drives: 2021 G80 M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Socal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW/ E82 135i [1.00] 2007 BMW/ E90 335i [5.50]	subscribed. need hard evidence of seafoam working but don't have the balls to do it myself.
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08-12-2010, 04:23 PM	#60
lyndon_h Lieutenant Colonel 41 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Madagascar iTrader: (2)	Seriously, is it too much for the company to offer a before and after before pic? That should be on the their homepage if the product does actually help clean our carbon deposits (especially with all of the new DI engines out now). It would be my #1 way to new sales. I'd scare the crap out of all the Porsche owners who want to baby their cars with a disgusting pic of an engine with carbon build up then show a picture of an engine treated with a once a month "for a minimum of 4 months " of seafoam. "protect your investment 80k investment for a total of 40.00 (4 applications)". Are you kidding me? They would knock it out of the park. If it is effective...
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08-12-2010, 06:00 PM	#63
Mark313 Private 0 Rep 90 Posts Drives: none Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Rotten Apple iTrader: (0)	GM actually issued a TSB for this on northstar engines. They recommend using GM top engine cleaner of course but sea foam is probably an equivalent to it. http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...il-carbon.html So to answer your question vasillalov, I think if a car manufacturer like GM recommends it that it can only help it. Last edited by Mark313; 08-12-2010 at 06:08 PM..
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08-12-2010, 06:23 PM	#64
tufgsd Private 7 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Sedan Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Arkansas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i Sedan [0.00]	so, just pouring it in the gas tank will not clean it like it should? I guess a DYI is needed. The seafoam site gives directions, but I be more confident with someone on the forum that has done this and can give the steps. __________________ 2007 BMW 335i Sedan - Titanium Silver - BMS DUal Cone Intake - JB4 PnP Map 7 - ETS Intercooler = BSH Competition Oil Catch Can - STETT CP w/ DV - Macht Schnell 3" Stainless Catless Track Downpipes - BMS Downpipe Fix v3 - V1 Hardwired - SWS Subs w/Alpine Amp //Coming Soon: Borla Aggressive Cat Back Exhaust - - FULL VC-2 Meth Injec Kit - AR Design Stage 1 Oil Cooler
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08-12-2010, 07:19 PM	#65
sneaks Lieutenant 17 Rep 431 Posts Drives: '08 335xi Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: 24 Sussex iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335xi [0.00]	http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=seafoam+diy Read the whole thread. The normal method of sucking it in the brake booster is a no no on the N54. There doesn't seem to be any definitive results of before and after as there are no pictures of the before and after.
	Appreciate 0 Quote