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Car is in with my local mechanic getting carbon cleaned while I am away on holiday, he sent through some pictures that I thought I would share. I logged runs before I dropped it in, they showed low airflow and ignition retardation. Will log again once I get back.

That looks bad! What's the mileage?

Just shows how bad it gets!

I still don't believe there's no fuel additive cleaner that stops this? there must be something.......somewhere......

KGRS4 wrote:Just shows how bad it gets!

I still don't believe there's no fuel additive cleaner that stops this? there must be something.......somewhere......

There isn't because it's just a "feature" (or flaw) of DI engines and especially ours due to it's valve overlap.

You can put whatever you like in your fuel but it's not going to touch your inlet valves - at least you really hope it doesn't.

I wander why nobody's come up with a set of aftermarket cams with a reduced overlap. I'd imagine you'd loose a bit of power but I know If I had a B7 I'd be glad to not be de-coking it all the time?

Apparently the car goes a lot better now, I am picking it up on Saturday and will log a few runs for comparison purposes. This will be part of the service schedule from now on. The mechanic likened the restriction the carbon was causing to blocking off half the intake...

I had my one done last month, you will certainly notice the difference. The car pulls harder at higher rpm.

coffey555 wrote:I had my one done last month, you will certainly notice the difference. The car pulls harder at higher rpm.

Who did your carbon clean? Cost?

Hey buddy, whats the mileage? Thinking it might be time for me aswell. Mine has done almost 56k miles, (90000km) what you guys think?

harding wrote:Hey buddy, whats the mileage? Thinking it might be time for me aswell. Mine has done almost 56k miles, (90000km) what you guys think?

There's no harm in getting it looked at just to be on the safe side, they might find it doesn't need done etc

80k miles...

KGRS4 wrote:There's no harm in getting it looked at just to be on the safe side, they might find it doesn't need done etc

Is there a good way checking for build up without opening the whole engine? I did the 3rd gear test and i was within the "healthy car time range". (What was it now, 8.6?)

Dal wrote:80k miles...

Thanks for the info!

harding wrote:

KGRS4 wrote:There's no harm in getting it looked at just to be on the safe side, they might find it doesn't need done etc

Is there a good way checking for build up without opening the whole engine? I did the 3rd gear test and i was within the "healthy car time range". (What was it now, 8.6?)!

I got 8.2 and mines has been done, you could take it to a tuners and put it on the Dyno see what hp you're pushing out. If its low or worse than expected then it may be due a clean out.
For me, id love to do it (on my own motor btw lol) and id be more than confident to rip apart half the engine and have a look as I did do the head gasket on my M3 when I got it but as above its already been done but im still "tempted" to take it apart and have a look haha

You only need to remove the inlet manifold. It’s not that hard, just a few bolts at the back that are a bit fiddly and require a small ratchet tool. Also check the vac lines and one way valve under the manifold for any damage/leaks. Having a vac leak will rob you of a lot more power then carbon build up.
There are few good DIY write ups around.
If it’s your first time allow a day and a half to remove, manually clean and refit. If you use a homemade walnut blaster it should be quicker.

I think spending one weekend every year doing a carbon clean is bugger all, even then depending on how many miles you do that may be overkill.

I just done mine myself 96k miles an never been touched before. Pulls loads better now