bullfrogs_M3
08-16-2014, 10:01 AM
So I saw this while browsing /r/BMW and was curious if this was something that we needed to worry about on our engines as we (or at least most of us) are in the over 100K mile range. When I try to google this up, it always seems to come up with E90's that get this service, but hardly any mention of E46'
IMG B4/AFTER
http://i.imgur.com/6wQP4uB.jpg
English Manual for Walnut Blasting from BMW
https://www.minitechinfo.com/tsb/attachments/M040311_Carbon_Blaster_Operating_Manual.pdf
Shop selling this service: ($450)
http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac---walnut-shell-blasting-service--cleaning---direct-injection-n54-n55-p2966.aspx
Frequently asked questions :
What Is Walnut Shell Blasting?... or called Walnut Shell Cleaning, its a service where fine particles of walnut shells (literally the milled and processed outer husk of the Walnut that you eat) is fired at high pressures into the intake port of your engines cylinder head, and- recovered simultaneously under vacuum.
Why is it needed? What do you do?... With the advent of direct fuel injection, fuel (that also contains some detergents) is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber. This is highly efficient for the engines power and fuel economy, however cleaning of the intake valves and ports is no longer talking place. With conventional fuel injection, fuel is sprayed into the intake track, and some fuel works with its detergent properties onto the valve and intake track.
Buildup begins when the combustion byproducts of burnt fuel travel backwards into the intake track, and the carbon byproducts of the burnt fuel collect and form "carbon deposits".
In Direct Injection engines, carbon is no longer naturally dissolved from valves and ports in the normal running process, and manual cleaning becomes a requirement. Walnut Shell Blasting is a safe way to clean the valves and ports. Blasted at high speeds the Walnut media effectively removes carbon deposits and is a quick and easy way to restore performance and economy to your BMW direct injected engine.
Unlike sand and other abrasive media, walnut shell granules don't wear metal - they only remove deposits that aren't part of the intakes original design. In essence, walnut shell blasting only removes what is necessary, quickly and safely- which is why it has become the most viable solution for cleaning intakes and the method that BMW uses.
Symptoms its time for a Walnut Shell Cleaning: These include... rough idle, delayed throttle response and an increase in oil consumption. The consensus of many BMW experts is that valves of these engines should be cleaned using Walnut Shell Blasting every 40,000 to 50,000 miles before these symptoms become a problem for the driver or negatively effect the running of the engine.
After a proper walnut shell blasting: your throttle response will improve and your idle will become smoother. Engine power output and efficiency will also benefit from the cleaning. Walnut Shell Cleaning offers a combination of an affordable service, highly effective cleaning, and safety when performed by qualified experts with the proper equipment. VAC has made the investment in the expensive BMW factory tools so the job is fast and correct every single time.
IMG B4/AFTER
http://i.imgur.com/6wQP4uB.jpg
English Manual for Walnut Blasting from BMW
https://www.minitechinfo.com/tsb/attachments/M040311_Carbon_Blaster_Operating_Manual.pdf
Shop selling this service: ($450)
http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac---walnut-shell-blasting-service--cleaning---direct-injection-n54-n55-p2966.aspx
Frequently asked questions :
What Is Walnut Shell Blasting?... or called Walnut Shell Cleaning, its a service where fine particles of walnut shells (literally the milled and processed outer husk of the Walnut that you eat) is fired at high pressures into the intake port of your engines cylinder head, and- recovered simultaneously under vacuum.
Why is it needed? What do you do?... With the advent of direct fuel injection, fuel (that also contains some detergents) is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber. This is highly efficient for the engines power and fuel economy, however cleaning of the intake valves and ports is no longer talking place. With conventional fuel injection, fuel is sprayed into the intake track, and some fuel works with its detergent properties onto the valve and intake track.
Buildup begins when the combustion byproducts of burnt fuel travel backwards into the intake track, and the carbon byproducts of the burnt fuel collect and form "carbon deposits".
In Direct Injection engines, carbon is no longer naturally dissolved from valves and ports in the normal running process, and manual cleaning becomes a requirement. Walnut Shell Blasting is a safe way to clean the valves and ports. Blasted at high speeds the Walnut media effectively removes carbon deposits and is a quick and easy way to restore performance and economy to your BMW direct injected engine.
Unlike sand and other abrasive media, walnut shell granules don't wear metal - they only remove deposits that aren't part of the intakes original design. In essence, walnut shell blasting only removes what is necessary, quickly and safely- which is why it has become the most viable solution for cleaning intakes and the method that BMW uses.
Symptoms its time for a Walnut Shell Cleaning: These include... rough idle, delayed throttle response and an increase in oil consumption. The consensus of many BMW experts is that valves of these engines should be cleaned using Walnut Shell Blasting every 40,000 to 50,000 miles before these symptoms become a problem for the driver or negatively effect the running of the engine.
After a proper walnut shell blasting: your throttle response will improve and your idle will become smoother. Engine power output and efficiency will also benefit from the cleaning. Walnut Shell Cleaning offers a combination of an affordable service, highly effective cleaning, and safety when performed by qualified experts with the proper equipment. VAC has made the investment in the expensive BMW factory tools so the job is fast and correct every single time.