How To Carbon Build-Up Cleaning - The right way...
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Update: This is a must to every mini! All the hidden ponnys came alive. Worth each single bit of money and time spent.
Now a question: Do we have to put 2 oil catch cans or 1 will prevent or at least hold on a while?
Now a question: Do we have to put 2 oil catch cans or 1 will prevent or at least hold on a while?
Alliance Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 7,534
Likes: 2,503
From: WNY
From what I’ve seen, only one is really needed on the N14 engine - fit the catch can into the rear left side PCV hose that leads to the intake manifold.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,260
Likes: 87
From: Pacific NW
Eight years ago, I blocked off the rear PCV hose and put an oil catch can on the PCV hose to the turbocharger. Now there is no way for the oil mist from the crank case to reach the backs of the intake valves and cook there. I have had no problems with this set up.
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 350
Likes: 21
From: Cape cod
carbon
i need to do oil can next.
i have used Seafoam since engine rebuild engine runs great.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,260
Likes: 87
From: Pacific NW
Carbon build up was a problem on N14 engines. I haven't seen it mentioned on N18 and newer engines.
Neutral
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Carbon build up... Plz help...
Update: 4-3-13.
gawannamini has put together a good write up on cleaning the valves with the Walnut Shell Method. I created these steps before the Walnut Shell method was created. If you don't mind spending about $100, you can build your own Walnut Shell Blaster (minus the compressor). Checkout his instructions in this thread: https://www.northamericanmotoring.com...ml#post3707859
This is a How-To on Removing the Carbon Build-up, the right way.
I couldn't take it anymore with the decreased performance. My car has 60K miles on it (I bought it with 50K a year ago) and I don't think the carbon build-up has ever been removed properly. The throttle was sticking, the performance was down and it just felt like the car was struggling.
I know there's a lot of people that swear by the Seafoam method, but I've run 2 bottles through my car in 4K miles and it's done nothing. I also got taken for $250 for a dealer method (while the car was in for other service) that was only a temporary fix (a few days and a warm fuzzy feeling).
So, I decided to tackle cleaning the intake ports/valves manually myself. I wasn't going to pay the dealership $$$$ without having some way of verifying it was done right and I just don't trust them. It's my car, if I want it to last, it's my responsibility.
After reading a few posts on cleaning the valves, I didn't see where anyone had done a full writeup on the procedure. I figured I would jump in and do the writeup, so others can do the maintenance, regain the lost performance and learn a thing or two about our cars.
The result? Amazing! I feel like my car runs brand new. The build-up on my car after 60K was extreme. I couldn't get a clear picture due to the location and lack of light, but trust me when I say it was extreme. After looking at it, I wasn't surprised it was running terrible. Now, the performance is back, the throttle works perfectly and it runs much smoother. I put in the BSH Oil Catch Can after I cleaned it which will definitely help reduce the buildup in the future.
Believe me when I tell you, you can do it. It's not major surgery and only takes a Saturday. I tried to lay out the steps as detailed as possible, for the inexperienced.
If you have any questions, shoot me a PM. Enjoy!
gawannamini has put together a good write up on cleaning the valves with the Walnut Shell Method. I created these steps before the Walnut Shell method was created. If you don't mind spending about $100, you can build your own Walnut Shell Blaster (minus the compressor). Checkout his instructions in this thread: https://www.northamericanmotoring.com...ml#post3707859
This is a How-To on Removing the Carbon Build-up, the right way.
I couldn't take it anymore with the decreased performance. My car has 60K miles on it (I bought it with 50K a year ago) and I don't think the carbon build-up has ever been removed properly. The throttle was sticking, the performance was down and it just felt like the car was struggling.
I know there's a lot of people that swear by the Seafoam method, but I've run 2 bottles through my car in 4K miles and it's done nothing. I also got taken for $250 for a dealer method (while the car was in for other service) that was only a temporary fix (a few days and a warm fuzzy feeling).
So, I decided to tackle cleaning the intake ports/valves manually myself. I wasn't going to pay the dealership $$$$ without having some way of verifying it was done right and I just don't trust them. It's my car, if I want it to last, it's my responsibility.
After reading a few posts on cleaning the valves, I didn't see where anyone had done a full writeup on the procedure. I figured I would jump in and do the writeup, so others can do the maintenance, regain the lost performance and learn a thing or two about our cars.
The result? Amazing! I feel like my car runs brand new. The build-up on my car after 60K was extreme. I couldn't get a clear picture due to the location and lack of light, but trust me when I say it was extreme. After looking at it, I wasn't surprised it was running terrible. Now, the performance is back, the throttle works perfectly and it runs much smoother. I put in the BSH Oil Catch Can after I cleaned it which will definitely help reduce the buildup in the future.
Believe me when I tell you, you can do it. It's not major surgery and only takes a Saturday. I tried to lay out the steps as detailed as possible, for the inexperienced.
If you have any questions, shoot me a PM. Enjoy!
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