I had the walnut blasting done this morning. Second time its been done. The car only has 42,000 miles on it. The last cleaning was done around 30,000 miles.

Tech let me peek into the back of the engine, so I could see how nasty the valves looked. They appeared just as bad as when I had the car done at 30,000 miles. (I did not get any picts)

In addition, they replaced the high pressure fuel pump, as I was having issues with the car running rough for the first 5 mins after every cold start. I guess this is a known problem? and was replaced on warranty. (not bad for a 7 year old car)

Car drove SOOOOOOOO much better on the way home. So, just a word of advice for folks who have noticed their car running a little rough. Get the back of your valves checked. there may be significant build up even after only 12k miles.

before you ask,
- I always use 93 octane
- I put fuel cleaner in the tank every 3000 miles or so.
- I am running a stage 1 FMIC tune with my Alta Access Port and have NM Engineering tubes as well as a Forge FMIC.

 

Wow....a 12,000 mile interval sure doesn't seem too good. I don't see that you are running a catch can, wondering if that could have made any difference since it seems to be an emotionally charged issue! I hope you get better mileage out of this blast.

 

My bad. I have been running with a catch can for 2 years. for the first 30,000 miles, it was all country back roads. almost never any highway.
The next 10,000 has been a mix of back roads, and 70-80 mph on the highway. Not sure if that should affect the amount of carbon deposits.

 

Same boat as you. Just finished this on a 90k MINI only to find out the HPFP is also going out. Car is in the shop now and wouldn't you know it, it won't run rough for them. They are leaving it overnight so they can witness a true cold start. Then they will replace it.

 

Getting this done next Tuesday the 12th. Kinda curious as if it will help with a few issues the car has been having. I'm at 70k miles and its never been done.

 

Mine was 90k and never done so all hope is not lost. I still cleaned mine up nicely. What you may find if you have cold start stalling is that your high pressure fuel pump is on its way out. As long as you don't have as JCW MINI will pick that up free of charge. Otherwise all the other tuneup things apply: new spark plugs, air filter etc.

 

Just a reply, between the intake blasting and the HPFP replacement, the car runs like new. Worth the time and effort.

 

Mini just recently replaced the HPFP on our 2010 JCW under warranty. FWIW.