stroker351w

How hard is it to clean carbon build up? Any good links?

raj99

It's not 'easy' to do yourself. Essentially it's the following:

Remove intake manifold
Clean Valves via blasting
Clean flaps/vanes
Replace manifold

Also, you should be aware that I put together some insight on how to prevent CB here:

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/sho...4&postcount=44

wtmmm

As a point of reference, the local Audi dealer in Atlanta charged me $1,400 to perform carbon cleaning on my A6 3.2 at 138k mi. They also "cleaned/adapted throttle body and set readiness codes," which would not have taken much time at all.

stroker351w

I talked to a specialist for Audi's by me. I told him that the car was a little laggy and rough on cold starts and would like to get the intake manifold pulled and the carbon cleaned. He said he was hesitant if there was no codes and wanted to see if there was some alternative options because he wanted to make sure I saw some return for my money. He suggested that because it's a direct fuel injection he could put cleaner in through the fuel rail and that should help clean our the carbon. Anyone done this or had someone do this? Does it work. He want's to charge $250 for the service.

uberwgn

He's got that exactly backwards. Has the mechanic worked on a late model Audi?

The cars are direct injection and the injector spritzes into the cylinder, it does not spray upstream as older FI cars do and wash the rear of the valve, Stroker.

The problem is the build up that forms on the back of the valves. Invasive, mechanical clean is the primary method of taking care of this problem.

stroker351w

I just got the full service records from Audi from their system and it looks like around 50k miles they pulled the intake manifold. Because of this, is it reasonable to presume they would have cleaned the ports and valves?

raj99

don't assume anything ever. I personally know of an instance at a dealer who replaced a thermostat in a C5 and did none of the other required work: timing belt, serpentine, etc...all of that other 'work' would have been 0 hours in additional labor vs. the cost of labor to get the car in service position and get the car prepped for doing all the work again.

raj99

you won't usually see a CEL (check engine light), unless of course your car has EXTREME carbon build-up. Consider it analogous to clogged arteries, yes you will still live and function, but it will always make your heart work harder and you will be weaker.

Why was the intake manifold pulled @ 50K? If it was specific to carbon clean, that would be noted.

Also, if you read up on my previous link, you can always try meth and it will help...or just take it to a couple of track days and do an 'Italian tune-up' to it

stroker351w

It says in the description, "V*I*C* Treatment". I'm not sure what that stands for.

raj99

Why don't you call the dealer and just ask them as to exactly what that treatment is and if they ever did a carbon clean.