2nd Gen R56 Cooper S Decoking manually

Discussion in '2nd Generation: 2007+ R55 through R61' started by genik, Mar 21, 2015.

  1. genik

    genik Member

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    #1 genik, Mar 21, 2015
    Last edited: Mar 21, 2015
    Is there a guide on how to removing carbon manually from the valves and everything that has carbon buildup in the R56 engine? When i say manually i mean without using a carbon blaster machine or sea foam or whatever, but to open up the engine and clean it all up!
     
  2. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    No, because why work harder when you can work smarter.

    Just take it to the dealer and have it cleaned by a professional already.
     
  3. genik

    genik Member

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    Isn't it getting cleaned up better when its done manually?
     
  4. Kenny kustom

    Kenny kustom New Member

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    Sure. Pull the head, remove all the valves. Then what... Use an emery cloth to clean everything? Nope.
     
  5. Austinsynthetics

    Austinsynthetics Active Member
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    As stated, much to difficult and not worth it. Having removed the head myself, after burning a valve, use either the homemade built blaster or take to the dealer. Much simpler.
     
  6. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    No because it is a pain in the A$$ to get the head out of the car put it on a bench and soak the head in a solvent bath. Then clean it and prep it so you can put it back in the car. (See above)

    Oh and then you have to buy a new head gasket when you put the head back on and torque everything back to spec.

    If doing it manually was easier don't you think our vendors would also offer that solution because they could do it cheaper then the dealerships walnut blasting?

    They don't offer this because they know better and have the same tools the dealer uses and they do the walnut blasting also.
     
  7. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    After you get it clean get a oil catch can. It will help.
     
  8. genik

    genik Member

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    Dave.0 i never said that manually is easier, i asked if manually is better!
    If the dealership or vendors do the walnut blasting option, it does not absolutely mean that its better. What it can mean, is that its cheaper and less of work for them, but not better. In the capital system that we live in, all is measured by gaining profit etc.... everything!
     
  9. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    The walnut blasting will not damage the engine and does a good job. I can't think of a better way.
     
  10. genik

    genik Member

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    In this [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-hQsL-FZWw"]video[/ame] there is footage from the chamber and although the valves are cleaned, the chamber is kind still holding on carbon! Is that supposed to be right?
     
  11. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    No that looks like crap?

    Just go let the dealership do it and pay the bill already. :mad2:

    FYI - decoking ? The best way to to that is Rehab but it did not work for Charlie Sheen. :lol:
     
  12. 05r50

    05r50 Well-Known Member

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    Actually I do believe I saw a write up years ago from a guy that didn't want to pay the going rate for walnut blasting and instead did it by hand thru the intake port. (Same as the video you posted)

    Except he used large amounts of solvent and Hand tools (dentist tool like) to pick and scrape.

    How much is your time worth? That question has a different answer depending on your own value system.

    In my opinion he didn't get his valves any cleaner than mine, and I sat in a chair and drank beer while the tech did all the work?

    In the grand scheme of things this is like the expense of a set of tires. About $350 and it's good for another 30-50k miles depending on driver style.
     
  13. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    What is the end goal, remove every trace. Then yes, take the engine apart fully, do all the chemical stripping you can then come in with a a very fine emory cloth to polish and get rid of any trace of carbon.

    Or, use the proper tool designed for the job and use the scope afterwards to make sure it's been cleaned well.

    Walnut shell blasting is just like sand blasting or any other media blasting. The media is used to "rub" the problem away. Walnut shells are used as they are gentle on the metal bits yet remove the carbon. Sand or something that abrasive and hard would harm the metal bits.
     
  14. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Here is why walnut media is the standard to use.

    Remove paint, carbon deposits from ferrous metal; clean internal parts

    Walnut Shells Blast Media: best for removing paint or baked-on carbon deposits from ferrous metals (like iron, steel) or to clean internal parts Use this walnut-shell abrasive to clean ferrous metals or internal parts; any of the soft abrasive material left inside the working part will break down with minimal damage.
    12-20-grit size
    Use at maximum 80 psi
    50-lb. bag

    Blast Media Walnut Shells 50 lb
     
  15. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
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    Walnut shell blasting is the best way to clean carbon off of the intake valves. The ground walnut shells are softer than the aluminum head, but harder than the carbon deposits. After blasting with ground walnut shells, the intake ports and valves will look like new. You can't do any better than that.
     
  16. Systemlord

    Systemlord New Member

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    What you're seeing is staining in the aluminum, it looks black because it's stained. Option 1, clean it manually, option 2 have it blasted clean with walnut media. Choose one of the available options and enjoy the results.
     
  17. Systemlord

    Systemlord New Member

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    It seems he's creating a third thread over here. I don't think he values our opinions.
     
  18. CHKMINI

    CHKMINI Club Coordinator
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    Amazing.... Until someone tells him to clean it using cotton swabs, toothpicks and jewelers rouge he will continue to go from site to site. So far, from what I've seen, he's been given the same advise on MA, MINI2 and the Sewing Site. GET IT WALNUT BLASTED!!!
     
  19. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    I have a special technique that is 100% effective. I'll tell you what it is, for ONE MILLION DOLLARS.
     
  20. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    So over this guy.

    As Ron White says "You can't fix stupid"
     

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