Cleaning carbon myself (with a helping hand)

[PJC]

Pain in the arse, got better and more interesting things to do, he can and has done it before though.

[kay]

After reading adsgreen's first explanation about the process of cleaning (which I've copied n saved), sounds like its a very tricky business taking the manifold off, cleaning and putting back on. It's put the frighteners in me. I don't think I will bother asking my local mechanic lol.

[PJC]

Very wise.

[DazN]

My mechanic (who used to build and race cars for Goodliff Racing Vehicles) said that most garages won't take the work on because there's nothing actually wrong with the car, they like to see faults and fix them, not spend hours cleaning cars and their internal parts.

I have made notes and am still searching for a guide just to be on the safe side.

When I'm ready to start I'll make sure I post plenty of stuff here.

[PJC]

Good luck, will be interested in how you get on.

[DazN]

Good luck, will be interested in how you get on.

Thanks, had it on a Dyno the other week and it was putting out 347BHP, going to get it back on again straight after and hopefully see an increase

[silverRS4]

A guide? I have the Bentley instructions for manifold removal in PDF format with a tool list and notes and tips on each page after doing it several times myself. I've shared it with many people in the States, and since its still a Bentley document, I've asked all involved not to post it online. I also have instructions on how I cleaned the valves. We typically use a chemical called Seafoam here in the States, but I understand that its not available in the UK. No problem there, just use 100% acetone and a good pair of rubber gloves as acetone is not good at all for your skin.

Why don't shops like to clean carboned-up AUDI valves? Because its back-breaking, tedious work. I got to the point of being able to take my manifold off in 45 minutes. No big deal really. But bent over a car for 4-8 hours scrubbing valves with tools and picks? No thanks. I sold my 4-ring carbon machine months ago.

I'm not on the forums alot lately, but if you'd like me to email you the guides, just PM me.

CHEERS!

[PJC]

The same applies to all VAG FSI engines, not just the RS4.

[MoRS6+]

Good luck, will be interested in how you get on.

Thanks, had it on a Dyno the other week and it was putting out 347BHP, going to get it back on again straight after and hopefully see an increase

Possibly have a look at this thread: http://forum.rs246.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... lit=340bhp

Describes how a vacuum leak caused the power to drop down to very nearly what you have. Maybe check that first just in case.

Unlikely carbon would solely account for that big a power loss surely?

[DazN]

Car was at Unit 20 for 'power issues', they checked the vacuum and only found an issue with the flap not opening, full service, new plugs and it got up to 347 (started at 330!), only explanation can be carbon build up. We will see soon!!

[adsgreen]

Did they monitor the vacuum driving the car? The car has lots of vacuum even when idling. Often more than enough to cover a small leak. However as you open the throttle and the available vacuum replenishment rate drops you can see the problems. Only reliable way is with a passenger and a good old fashioned boost gauge.

[Steve_C]

347 (started at 330!), only explanation can be carbon build up

That's a hell of a lot of carbon!! Would be surprised if that is the only problem if you're only making 347.