Walnut blasting
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Walnut blasting
I have tried to find a place that can walnut blast the intake valves for me, but nobody says they can do it. I do not have the time or space to do it myself, or the know how really. Does anyone know of any place in Orange County, CA or near there that can do it?
I am almost at 100k miles and have a PRS PCV waiting to be installed, but i really want to get these valves cleaned.
Also, is Seafoam a good alternative or really just a waste of money?
Any and all help is appreciated.
I am almost at 100k miles and have a PRS PCV waiting to be installed, but i really want to get these valves cleaned.
Also, is Seafoam a good alternative or really just a waste of money?
Any and all help is appreciated.
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Only place I found said $2500 and that is not in my budget. I have asked some BMW places and they all give me the same "we are busy with BMW's" answers. Is there any other alternative to go with that will do anything to help? Should I just install the PCV and leave them as is for now?
Too bad you guys are in CO. But realistically what would it cost to buy everything needed to actually do it myself? and how much knowledge do I need to follow a good "How-To"?
Too bad you guys are in CO. But realistically what would it cost to buy everything needed to actually do it myself? and how much knowledge do I need to follow a good "How-To"?
#12
its really not that difficult.
do you have an air compressor?
if you do, you need a media blaster. harbor freight has a decent one. you can get walnut media online for cheap.
the process is simple. Tape off everything that you dont want walnuts to get in. take off your intake manifold and rotate your crank to close each cylinders valves.
you then soak the valves in cleaner, we used brake clean, GDI Valve cleaner from CRC and soaked the valves. once you let it soak for 10-15 minutes you can pick it clean using a cheap set of dentist tools.
once you get the majority of the big deposits off, you soak up the rest of the fluid with rags and then use your walnut media to blast the **** out of each valve.
repeat until clean.
do you have an air compressor?
if you do, you need a media blaster. harbor freight has a decent one. you can get walnut media online for cheap.
the process is simple. Tape off everything that you dont want walnuts to get in. take off your intake manifold and rotate your crank to close each cylinders valves.
you then soak the valves in cleaner, we used brake clean, GDI Valve cleaner from CRC and soaked the valves. once you let it soak for 10-15 minutes you can pick it clean using a cheap set of dentist tools.
once you get the majority of the big deposits off, you soak up the rest of the fluid with rags and then use your walnut media to blast the **** out of each valve.
repeat until clean.
#15
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
I didn't use the media, but saying that you will get a better clean from it. I have a 2nd vehicle and don't drive mine in the winter hardly at all, so I just did 2 cyl at a time by letting the valves soak for several hours, and used gun bore brushes, picks, etc to clean mine. Bumped the motor over to close the other 2 cyl valves and then did them. Took a weekend, and quite a bit of time, but I'm particular also. It's not hard, just time consuming. Cost all of about $50 which included another occasion valve and intake gasket. But you need to make sure the valves are closed.
#16
yeah we found the media was unable to clean the really hard/caked on deposits. letting it soak and then picking it off worked better. the media was better at getting everything clean tho.
#18
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
This is a decent explanation as well: https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/how-...emoval-304188/
Be sure to use a vacuum while you walnut blast as well, it saves a LOT of mess.
I bought a blaster and walnut media from harbor freight. I'd be surprised if I spent more than $50 on both. Chemtool B-12 also works well to soak with.
I thought I had some before and after pictures from when I did it on my VW but I can't find them.
Be sure to use a vacuum while you walnut blast as well, it saves a LOT of mess.
I bought a blaster and walnut media from harbor freight. I'd be surprised if I spent more than $50 on both. Chemtool B-12 also works well to soak with.
I thought I had some before and after pictures from when I did it on my VW but I can't find them.
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
I will look into doing it if it is as easy as you guys say. Only problem with doing it at home is my kids try to "help" and at 3 and 4 they don't really help. But I can send them somewhere with their mom. I will look up the stuff on harbor freight.
If anything goes tremendously wrong, be on the lookout for a "I tried to clean my valves and now my car doesn't run" thread.
Thanks for boosting my confidence up on this. I got a spare car if it takes more than 3 hours.. which I'm sure it will.
If anything goes tremendously wrong, be on the lookout for a "I tried to clean my valves and now my car doesn't run" thread.
Thanks for boosting my confidence up on this. I got a spare car if it takes more than 3 hours.. which I'm sure it will.
#20
Senior Member
iTrader: (13)
I will look into doing it if it is as easy as you guys say. Only problem with doing it at home is my kids try to "help" and at 3 and 4 they don't really help. But I can send them somewhere with their mom. I will look up the stuff on harbor freight.
If anything goes tremendously wrong, be on the lookout for a "I tried to clean my valves and now my car doesn't run" thread.
Thanks for boosting my confidence up on this. I got a spare car if it takes more than 3 hours.. which I'm sure it will.
If anything goes tremendously wrong, be on the lookout for a "I tried to clean my valves and now my car doesn't run" thread.
Thanks for boosting my confidence up on this. I got a spare car if it takes more than 3 hours.. which I'm sure it will.
#21
Senior Member
iTrader: (6)
I will look into doing it if it is as easy as you guys say. Only problem with doing it at home is my kids try to "help" and at 3 and 4 they don't really help. But I can send them somewhere with their mom. I will look up the stuff on harbor freight.
If anything goes tremendously wrong, be on the lookout for a "I tried to clean my valves and now my car doesn't run" thread.
Thanks for boosting my confidence up on this. I got a spare car if it takes more than 3 hours.. which I'm sure it will.
If anything goes tremendously wrong, be on the lookout for a "I tried to clean my valves and now my car doesn't run" thread.
Thanks for boosting my confidence up on this. I got a spare car if it takes more than 3 hours.. which I'm sure it will.
#22
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
take pictures as you're taking things apart. it will help a lot trying to figure out which hoses go where. since it's likely your first time, i would label things and take pictures of the labels to make sure it's clear. The evap purge solenoid is kind of confusing for someone unfamiliar. you can just label with numbers or letters and take pictures, but if you want to learn you can look up what parts they are and label them as such. when you remove bolts and nuts, but them in labeled bags. organization is key to a successful repair project. this is actually a pretty good project to take the next step past oil changes.
I know what you mean with the kids. when my 2yo comes into the garage, i have to stop whatever i'm doing and get him back inside or he'll destroy things or himself. my 5yo is old enough that he can come out, but he ends up bored after a few minutes and goes back in. i often lock the door so that i can just finish without taking more time than necessary.
I know what you mean with the kids. when my 2yo comes into the garage, i have to stop whatever i'm doing and get him back inside or he'll destroy things or himself. my 5yo is old enough that he can come out, but he ends up bored after a few minutes and goes back in. i often lock the door so that i can just finish without taking more time than necessary.
#25
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
But seriously, I appreciate all the insight and tips so far. Keep them coming. I have Cinco de Mayo penciled in as my project day. Gives me some time to order everything I need and get more info. Plus I think it is the first time I have a spare moment.