E90Post
 


The Tire Rack
 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Powertrain and Drivetrain Discussions > N54 Turbo Engine / Drivetrain / Exhaust Modifications - 335i > *Done* Intake Valve Cleaning



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-21-2012, 08:01 AM   #1
GAM
Lieutenant
GAM's Avatar
39
Rep
471
Posts

Drives: 2014 M6 Gran Coupe
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Palm Beach

iTrader: (1)

*Done* Intake Valve Cleaning

I have been willing to clean my intake valves for quite a while now. My car has 78,000 miles now and runs good but the idle was not very smooth and I had some slight hesitations on the highway at around 2k rpm, when using 40-50% of the gas pedal, but nothing major. I dont think the car had even go the valves cleaned in the past.
This is the DIY I used which is very comprehensive, thanks Rotorocious very much for it http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=520922

I used the B12 Carb Cleaner from Autozone (1 bottle for 2 cylinders) and some brushes from Walmart. It took me several hours as the valves have to soak for like 30min each + the scrubbing. You can clear the valves two by two usually.
It is a pretty easy thing to do if you have a garage at home, as you will need light and space.
The only problem I had was to remove the radiator fan to be able to rotate the crankshaft. That fan is attached at the bottom by a screw, that you can access only from under the car by removing the lower cover and then you can access the screw. But this wasn't mentioned in any DIY I found.
It is basically a job of unplugging stuff to access the valves and putting everything back together after.
I used a regular vacuum cleaner and made a filter out of an old t-shirt and connected a hose to the vacuum line to soak the dirty carb cleaner from the valves.

The only surprise I got was that I found a chicken wing bone sitting on top of the transmission, behind the engine. I don't know how it got there and how it stayed there...
Anyway, I also took the opportunity to paint my calipers in red.

In conclusion, it is not a hard job to do, if you are not afraid of disconnecting pipes, that's basically all it is to access the valves. Remember to mark all your sensors and pipes so you won't reconnect them in a wrong way. The total cost of the cleaning with all the tools and cleaners was under $40. Well worth it I think.

BBQ and beer for lunch with friends while the valves soak in the carb cleaner is highly recommended.
Attached Images
             
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 08:10 AM   #2
Eric335
Colonel
Eric335's Avatar
United_States
130
Rep
2,490
Posts

Drives: 2007 E92 SG 335i 6MT
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SW Florida

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2007 BMW 335i  [7.66]
Thanks for the review. Sounds like it was an easy job. Why did you decide to use the chemicals rather than walnut blast? the cost?

I believe the reason that nobody mentioned the radiator fan dismounting was because some DIYs use a make-shift starter that rotates the crank and allows the valves to open. Although i would recommend using your method.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 08:22 AM   #3
demontwinz
Lieutenant
18
Rep
456
Posts

Drives: 335i e92
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

very nice.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 08:38 AM   #4
Transport3r
Major
Transport3r's Avatar
86
Rep
1,262
Posts

Drives: 2011 N55 E90
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Melbourne, FL

iTrader: (4)

Nice, feels alot better doesn't it?

As for turning the valves, I just put my car in 5th gear and pushed it forwards an inch.

Lol at the chicken wing bone... I found a bug magnet attached to my frame once haha.
__________________
Josh-

Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 08:50 AM   #5
Wedge1967
Banned
United_States
125
Rep
2,172
Posts

Drives: '07 e92 AT Sport Montego Blue
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Portland, OR

iTrader: (3)

Nice job on the calipers, but you forgot to do the hub on the rotors. I was drifting last spring and got a little aggressive and ended up in the grass. It was still very wet here and I ended up putting a bunch of mud into the wheels. When I cleaned it out my breaks started squeaking. Because I still have CPO on my car I took it to the dealership and they said they wouldn't do anything about the squeaking breaks because I painted my calipers. LOL Looks a lot better than stock....
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 09:05 AM   #6
Notsafe335i
Private
Notsafe335i's Avatar
2
Rep
53
Posts

Drives: 2007 BMW 335i
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (1)

One question. Was the chicken bone BBQ or Buffalo?

On a serious note, did it clean up any of the hiccups? Did you have oil consumption issues previous to this?
__________________
Rocky

2007 335i Sedan
1991 Toyota Supra, 1JZ swap, T66 single, supporting mods.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 09:16 AM   #7
Jeff@TopGearSolutions
Jeff@TopGearSolutions's Avatar
United_States
3441
Rep
79,212
Posts

Drives: C6 Z06, 09 335i, 10 335xi
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: www.TopGearSolutions.com

iTrader: (37)

Lol @ chicken bone.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 09:31 AM   #8
GAM
Lieutenant
GAM's Avatar
39
Rep
471
Posts

Drives: 2014 M6 Gran Coupe
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Palm Beach

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys.

I went the chemicals way mainly for the cost, I didn't want to buy or rent a compressor, buy the walnut shells and the blaster. The price would go up really quick and I didn't think it was worth it just for a one time job.

From what I read on different DIY, people could just slide the radiator fan up, but mine was attached at the bottom. Once you know it its easy.

Car feels good, solved the little hiccups and idle is much much smoother.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 10:15 AM   #9
e679
Private First Class
e679's Avatar
Hong Kong
9
Rep
117
Posts

Drives: E93
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Nicely done!!
__________________
E93 335i Alpine White, 19" Works, PSS, M3 arms, M3 bushings,M3 E93 FSB/E92 RSB, powerflex rear diff bush.
AST 5100 with M3 rear camber arms. GC street plates.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 01:32 PM   #10
banky
First Lieutenant
34
Rep
359
Posts

Drives: 2007 335i e92
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Houston

iTrader: (1)

so im not really mechanically inclined, but im trying to visualize this. im sure the scrubbing is done from the top, but where does all the gunk sit? does it drip down or does it kinda just sit inside the valve port until you vacuum it with a wet dry vac? is there a chance of spraying too much cleaner and 'flooding' the motor, messing things up?

thanks for any help!
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 02:26 PM   #11
GoRomeo
Brigadier General
GoRomeo's Avatar
United_States
892
Rep
3,780
Posts

Drives: 330i, 135i
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: San Diego CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2008 BMW 135i  [9.50]
2006 330i  [6.75]
man I wish you were close to me... I would pay you to do mine. Of course I would help you too.. I would like to do this to my car but I am afraid I dont have the right tools to do this. Cheers!
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 02:35 PM   #12
GAM
Lieutenant
GAM's Avatar
39
Rep
471
Posts

Drives: 2014 M6 Gran Coupe
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Palm Beach

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by banky View Post
so im not really mechanically inclined, but im trying to visualize this. im sure the scrubbing is done from the top, but where does all the gunk sit? does it drip down or does it kinda just sit inside the valve port until you vacuum it with a wet dry vac? is there a chance of spraying too much cleaner and 'flooding' the motor, messing things up?

thanks for any help!

I'm sure the scrubbing is done from the top - Yes
But where does all the gunk sit? When you fill up the valves that are closed (usually 2 or 3 at a time (see DIY for more info) with Carb Cleaner, let it sit in there for 30min, then scrub for a few minutes, the carbon deposit will be mixed with the carb cleaner that will become all back and dirty. Then suck out the dirty carb cleaner with the vacuum.

Does it drip down or does it kinda just sit inside the valve port until you vacuum it with a wet dry vac? When the valves are closed, it is like sealed so nothing access the cylinder.

Is there a chance of spraying too much cleaner and 'flooding' the motor, messing things up? No because your valves are closed so it will hold the carb cleaner and then just suck it out. If you poor some carb cleaner in the cylinder because the valve is open it will be burnt when you fire up the engine. I am not sure of what the limit is tho (like how much can you poor without having a problem)

Hope that helps!
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 02:49 PM   #13
GAM
Lieutenant
GAM's Avatar
39
Rep
471
Posts

Drives: 2014 M6 Gran Coupe
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Palm Beach

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GoRomeo View Post
man I wish you were close to me... I would pay you to do mine. Of course I would help you too.. I would like to do this to my car but I am afraid I dont have the right tools to do this. Cheers!
Hey man, I was like you at the beginning and then just decided to do it myself. If you have a garage it's perfect. It doesn't cost much, get a torque Wrench from Autozone (they rent them for free) to rotate the camshaft, that's they only tool you need beside a $15 tool set from Home-depot (basic tools). Carb cleaner and brushes. That's all I needed.
Oh I forgot, get charcoal, meat to grill and beers too
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 02:55 PM   #14
GoRomeo
Brigadier General
GoRomeo's Avatar
United_States
892
Rep
3,780
Posts

Drives: 330i, 135i
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: San Diego CA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2008 BMW 135i  [9.50]
2006 330i  [6.75]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gfabry View Post
Hey man, I was like you at the beginning and then just decided to do it myself. If you have a garage it's perfect. It doesn't cost much, get a torque Wrench from Autozone (they rent them for free) to rotate the camshaft, that's they only tool you need beside a $15 tool set from Home-depot (basic tools). Carb cleaner and brushes. That's all I needed.
Oh I forgot, get charcoal, meat to grill and beers too
LOL I know right... Yeah I do have a garage... carne asada and beer its on me...if you come down and do this for me.... LOL.

People here will love ya if you do a DIY thread on this Valve cleaning job!! I mean you already kind of did it but needs more step by step process....
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 03:09 PM   #15
GAM
Lieutenant
GAM's Avatar
39
Rep
471
Posts

Drives: 2014 M6 Gran Coupe
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Palm Beach

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GoRomeo View Post
LOL I know right... Yeah I do have a garage... carne asada and beer its on me...if you come down and do this for me.... LOL.

People here will love ya if you do a DIY thread on this Valve cleaning job!! I mean you already kind of did it but needs more step by step process....
Several guys have made DIYs already that are very comprehensive, here are the links I used:
http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showth...ighlight=valve
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=520922
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 03:13 PM   #16
Transport3r
Major
Transport3r's Avatar
86
Rep
1,262
Posts

Drives: 2011 N55 E90
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Melbourne, FL

iTrader: (4)

Holy crap i just noticed you painted over the caliper retainer clips too. You're going to have a hell of a time getting those off when you need new pads.. :/
__________________
Josh-

Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 03:17 PM   #17
335xi Kevo
Lieutenant
335xi Kevo's Avatar
26
Rep
497
Posts

Drives: 2008 335xi
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: CT

iTrader: (3)

the youtube video posted here a little while back has a great fan removal write up, super easy to do.

__________________
08' 335xi 6MT
Space Metallic Grey
Premium, Nav, Cold weather, Sport
Procede 2.5, DCI, Forge DV, PWM, Scoops, KW V1, ETS 5" FMIC, VRSF Downpipes, M3 Skirts
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 03:18 PM   #18
GAM
Lieutenant
GAM's Avatar
39
Rep
471
Posts

Drives: 2014 M6 Gran Coupe
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Palm Beach

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Transport3r View Post
Holy crap i just noticed you painted over the caliper retainer clips too. You're going to have a hell of a time getting those off when you need new pads.. :/
No those things are easy to remove and that paint is not excellent, if something touches it it goes away so I think I wont have a problem with the clips
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 03:20 PM   #19
Transport3r
Major
Transport3r's Avatar
86
Rep
1,262
Posts

Drives: 2011 N55 E90
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Melbourne, FL

iTrader: (4)

ah okay, got scared there. the caliper paint I used is an epoxy base paint, so it hardens to a plasticky shell. Hope you don't have any trouble!
__________________
Josh-

Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 03:22 PM   #20
GAM
Lieutenant
GAM's Avatar
39
Rep
471
Posts

Drives: 2014 M6 Gran Coupe
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Palm Beach

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 335xi Kevo View Post
the youtube video posted here a little while back has a great fan removal write up, super easy to do.

Yes I have watched that one when I couldn't get the fan out, it didn't help me much as mine was bolted down there. But that video is great as an Intake Valve Cleaning DIY.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 03:33 PM   #21
335xi Kevo
Lieutenant
335xi Kevo's Avatar
26
Rep
497
Posts

Drives: 2008 335xi
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: CT

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gfabry View Post
Yes I have watched that one when I couldn't get the fan out, it didn't help me much as mine was bolted down there. But that video is great as an Intake Valve Cleaning DIY.
The fan should have two bolts one near the lower intercooler and one near the passenger side right next to those 2 canisters. You have to remove the giant fan harness using two screw drivers (flat heads) to release the clips to the plug. Once those are in place pull. After thats removed just unclip the harness from the top of the fan and push the harness you cant remove towards the bumper. Pull directly up and it will slide straight out.
__________________
08' 335xi 6MT
Space Metallic Grey
Premium, Nav, Cold weather, Sport
Procede 2.5, DCI, Forge DV, PWM, Scoops, KW V1, ETS 5" FMIC, VRSF Downpipes, M3 Skirts
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2012, 09:43 PM   #22
The Ghost
Reborn
The Ghost's Avatar
United_States
84
Rep
1,217
Posts

Drives: 335i
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: USA

iTrader: (1)

Very cool. Btw, you can rotate the crankshaft from the bottom of the car using a wrench without taking moving the fan. Dunno if that is any quicker though.
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:19 AM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST