Intake Valve Cleaning

ianthegreat · 04-17-2012, 05:38 PM

I'm putting together a more comprehensive DIY for Walnut Shell Blasting than what is out there. After removing the intake/throttle body I snapped a couple pictures of the carbon buildup. It's interesting to note, that some with higher mile cars have less buildup. Mine needed cleaning.

Year: 2008 e92
Miles: 49.5k (lots of stop and go Houston highway traffic at 110+ degrees)
Notes: Always had a good amount of blow by

Cyl 1

Cyl 2

Cyl 3

Cyl 4

Cyl 5

Cyl 6

335fourdoor · 04-17-2012, 05:58 PM

nasty stuff

Murf · 04-17-2012, 07:14 PM

Cylinder 1 must have been really obscene, the picture was removed for violating the Imageshack TOS.

ianthegreat · 04-17-2012, 07:35 PM

What the crap?? Ok fixed

tcw · 04-17-2012, 08:27 PM

Cyl 1-3 aren't too bad.

jwalker87 · 04-17-2012, 09:27 PM

Looking forward to this DIY! I'm at 49k and do all my own work on my cars, so it will be very helpful.

O HELLA BMW · 04-17-2012, 09:28 PM

dude ill pay you go do mine!!! im local!! lol

Duke · 04-17-2012, 11:46 PM

Yeah 4-6 are pretty crap-tastic. Looking forward to getting mine done very soon

Alpina_B3_Lux · 04-18-2012, 02:55 AM

I've done the walnut shell blasting with the BMW tool last Sunday. I'll post up some pictures and a review of that too, most probably this week-end.

Alpina_B3_Lux

rooringhusky · 04-18-2012, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpina_B3_Lux

I've done the walnut shell blasting with the BMW tool last Sunday. I'll post up some pictures and a review of that too, most probably this week-end.

Alpina_B3_Lux

Really look forward to detailed DIY guides! Appreciate any help I can get and I'm sure the community does too...thanks in advance to the OP and anyone who can put together a full detailed guide

ianthegreat · 04-18-2012, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpina_B3_Lux

I've done the walnut shell blasting with the BMW tool last Sunday. I'll post up some pictures and a review of that too, most probably this week-end.

Alpina_B3_Lux

Alpina, did you buy this? http://www.minitechinfo.com/tsb/atta...ing_Manual.pdf

I think the hardest part is going to be able to create/build something to fit the blaster and shopvac in the same inlet.

BoostedE90 · 04-18-2012, 08:37 AM

^^That blaster is pretty cool!

I have been considering doing this myself and the idea I had to prevent the shells from going everywhere I was considering cutting a peice of thick, clear plexiglass and putting two holes in it. One bigger than the size of the blaster (so it can be moved around) and for the vacuum part I was going to get a micro cleaning kit similar to this one (will probably need a bigger opening but you get the idea) http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?...llow&cId=PDIO1
and use the small pointed head in the second hole for suction. Plus the plexiglass will allow you to see what you're doing.

Edit: Here is the BMW part number 81 29 2 208 037 for the adapter

Alpina_B3_Lux · 04-18-2012, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ianthegreat

Alpina, did you buy this? http://www.minitechinfo.com/tsb/atta...ing_Manual.pdf

I think the hardest part is going to be able to create/build something to fit the blaster and shopvac in the same inlet.

Yes, that is exactly the one I have.

As for the adapter for the inlet, it should in fact be included in the package (it's even pictured on the manual provided with it), but in my case unfortunately was not. We therefor had to improvise and used a hose attached to the vacuum cleaner with a small hole for the blasting wand. Wasn't perfect, but it worked. I have now ordered the adaptor separately, which should make things much easier.

Alpina_B3_Lux

Laid Black 335i · 04-18-2012, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoostedE90

^^That blaster is pretty cool!

I have been considering doing this myself and the idea I had to prevent the shells from going everywhere I was considering cutting a peice of thick, clear plexiglass and putting two holes in it. One bigger than the size of the blaster (so it can be moved around) and for the vacuum part I was going to get a micro cleaning kit similar to this one (will probably need a bigger opening but you get the idea) http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?...llow&cId=PDIO1
and use the small pointed head in the second hole for suction. Plus the plexiglass will allow you to see what you're doing.

Yep, that's what I ended up getting. I got a piece of Lexan Plexy Glass (the unbreakable kind) from Home Depot. It helps being able to see through the clear plexy glass so that you can see into the valves while the blaster is on.

BoostedE90 · 04-18-2012, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laid Black 335i

Yep, that's what I ended up getting. I got a piece of Lexan Plexy Glass (the unbreakable kind) from Home Depot. It helps being able to see through the clear plexy glass so that you can see into the valves while the blaster is on.

Awesome! Thanks for the reply. Glad to know the plexiglass idea works. If you don't mind me asking what blaster did you use?

Laid Black 335i · 04-18-2012, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoostedE90

Awesome! Thanks for the reply. Glad to know the plexiglass idea works. If you don't mind me asking what blaster did you use?

Haven't done it yet (I've just gathered all my materials / supplies so I don't have to run to the store to pick up things while the car is down). I just need a free day to do it.

But I just got the cheap portable blaster from Harbor Freight (same as what other members have used:

http://www.harborfreight.com/portabl...kit-37025.html

ianthegreat · 04-18-2012, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoostedE90

^^That blaster is pretty cool!

I have been considering doing this myself and the idea I had to prevent the shells from going everywhere I was considering cutting a peice of thick, clear plexiglass and putting two holes in it. One bigger than the size of the blaster (so it can be moved around) and for the vacuum part I was going to get a micro cleaning kit similar to this one (will probably need a bigger opening but you get the idea) http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?...llow&cId=PDIO1
and use the small pointed head in the second hole for suction. Plus the plexiglass will allow you to see what you're doing.

Edit: Here is the BMW part number 81 29 2 208 037 for the adapter

Plexiglass is a great idea!

ianthegreat · 04-18-2012, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laid Black 335i

Haven't done it yet (I've just gathered all my materials / supplies so I don't have to run to the store to pick up things while the car is down). I just need a free day to do it.

But I just got the cheap portable blaster from Harbor Freight (same as what other members have used:

http://www.harborfreight.com/portabl...kit-37025.html

That's the same adaptor I got. I think I'll have to figure out an attachment to make the blasting nozzle a bit longer also.

All in all I've spent maybe $150 of an air compressor, blaster, and shells (shells are on back order from harbor freight though

) Anyone know if a Lowes or Home Depot sell these?

raceyBMW · 04-18-2012, 12:12 PM

Apparently bird supply stores carry bunches of the stuff.

Chefcg1 · 04-18-2012, 12:15 PM

I'm at 60k now and have been considering doing this as I already have a compressor and shop vac. Don't you need to remove the head?

deezofchuck · 04-18-2012, 12:25 PM

what a teaser! I was so ready to read the DIY - but I will patiently wait!

raceyBMW · 04-18-2012, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chefcg1

I'm at 60k now and have been considering doing this as I already have a compressor and shop vac. Don't you need to remove the head?

No, just the intake manifold. You are just trying to get to the backside of the valves and intake port, not the cylinders themselves.

04-17-2012, 05:38 PM	#1
ianthegreat Colonel 60 Rep 2,314 Posts Drives: n54 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Pittsburgh/Houston iTrader: (1)	I'm putting together a more comprehensive DIY for Walnut Shell Blasting than what is out there. After removing the intake/throttle body I snapped a couple pictures of the carbon buildup. It's interesting to note, that some with higher mile cars have less buildup. Mine needed cleaning. Year: 2008 e92 Miles: 49.5k (lots of stop and go Houston highway traffic at 110+ degrees) Notes: Always had a good amount of blow by Cyl 1 Cyl 2 Cyl 3 Cyl 4 Cyl 5 Cyl 6 Last edited by ianthegreat; 04-17-2012 at 07:35 PM..
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04-17-2012, 05:58 PM	#2
335fourdoor Captain 13 Rep 668 Posts Drives: 335 e90 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: west iTrader: (3)	nasty stuff
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04-17-2012, 07:14 PM	#3
Murf Captain 885 Rep 897 Posts Drives: 2021 G80 M3C - Dravit Grey Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Florida iTrader: (2)	Cylinder 1 must have been really obscene, the picture was removed for violating the Imageshack TOS.
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04-17-2012, 07:35 PM	#4
ianthegreat Colonel 60 Rep 2,314 Posts Drives: n54 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Pittsburgh/Houston iTrader: (1)	What the crap?? Ok fixed
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04-17-2012, 08:27 PM	#5
tcw Captain 52 Rep 748 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (2)	Cyl 1-3 aren't too bad. __________________ 2008 335I E92, AW, VFF700, 18" Forgestar F14, M3 front/side, M-tech rear, AMS IC, H&R Touring Cup Kit suspension, HID AE, ER Charge Pipe & Synapse BOV, CIC Retrofit, Quafie, DSS, Defiv Lockdown, SPEC 2+/Steel SMFW, Walbro 450
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04-17-2012, 09:27 PM	#6
jwalker87 Major 319 Rep 1,023 Posts Drives: '08 335i, '11 335xi, '01 Z3M Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (2)	Looking forward to this DIY! I'm at 49k and do all my own work on my cars, so it will be very helpful.
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04-17-2012, 09:28 PM	#7
O HELLA BMW I <3 My E93 180 Rep 3,259 Posts Drives: 12” 335is vert Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: PA iTrader: (21)	dude ill pay you go do mine!!! im local!! lol __________________ Bagged and Wrapped E93 335i
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04-17-2012, 11:46 PM	#8
Duke Lieutenant 16 Rep 510 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The Hills next to CHINO iTrader: (1)	Yeah 4-6 are pretty crap-tastic. Looking forward to getting mine done very soon
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04-18-2012, 02:55 AM	#9
Alpina_B3_Lux Colonel 263 Rep 2,559 Posts Drives: Audi R8 LMX, BMW M550i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 335i [8.90]	I've done the walnut shell blasting with the BMW tool last Sunday. I'll post up some pictures and a review of that too, most probably this week-end. Alpina_B3_Lux __________________ Audi R8 LMX, BMW M550i xDrive (G30 LCI); gone: Alpina B3 3,3 (E46), BMW 335i, Audi R8 V10 manual, Audi R8 V10, BMW M235i, BMW 550i F10
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04-18-2012, 08:37 AM	#12
BoostedE90 Lieutenant Colonel 55 Rep 1,690 Posts Drives: e90 335i 6MT Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Tampa/Gainesville, FL iTrader: (5)	^^That blaster is pretty cool! I have been considering doing this myself and the idea I had to prevent the shells from going everywhere I was considering cutting a peice of thick, clear plexiglass and putting two holes in it. One bigger than the size of the blaster (so it can be moved around) and for the vacuum part I was going to get a micro cleaning kit similar to this one (will probably need a bigger opening but you get the idea) http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?...llow&cId=PDIO1 and use the small pointed head in the second hole for suction. Plus the plexiglass will allow you to see what you're doing. Edit: Here is the BMW part number 81 29 2 208 037 for the adapter Last edited by BoostedE90; 04-18-2012 at 09:26 AM..
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04-18-2012, 12:12 PM	#19
raceyBMW king of the hills 92 Rep 2,915 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]	Apparently bird supply stores carry bunches of the stuff.
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04-18-2012, 12:15 PM	#20
Chefcg1 Major 69 Rep 1,137 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335i Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Mount Airy, NC iTrader: (6)	I'm at 60k now and have been considering doing this as I already have a compressor and shop vac. Don't you need to remove the head? __________________ 2008 335i coupe AW 6AT, RB Turbos, PROcede 2.5 V5, Alpina Flash, Injen Intake, VK MW DP . Helix IC, Vishnu PnP Meth(M10 nozzel), M3 sides, OEM Aero Lip, VMR V710 Midnight Blue, LUX H8, HID Fogs, M3 front bits, D2 Coilovers, Whiteline Rear Bushing inserts, Custom M3 Steering Wheel, Cyba scoops, M2 Performance Exhaust
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04-18-2012, 12:25 PM	#21
deezofchuck Lieutenant 19 Rep 511 Posts Drives: OVER SLOW LEFT LANE DRIVERS! Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NOVA iTrader: (3)	what a teaser! I was so ready to read the DIY - but I will patiently wait!
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