Nut job done! Pictures inside. Gross!

SharkBait · 06-14-2013, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sigma 3

^ I did before and after dyno pulls. You will notice gain some power back, especially before 3500 rpm. At 3000 rpm I saw a difference of 40 whp.

40whp?!?!

Gonna go nut blast ASAP!

robc1976 · 06-14-2013, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335xi Kevo

It's not a bad DIY. I did the rifle kit and brake kleen method.

Yep, me to...2 hour job

carlsontheflyer · 06-14-2013, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SharkBait

40whp?!?!

Gonna go nut blast ASAP!

This can be misconstrued in oh so many ways...

Wedge1967 · 06-14-2013, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

You should look into it. Even with methanol that only eliminates a small fraction. (very small).

It's on the list...

JETmn · 06-14-2013, 01:39 PM

I have seen tons of people doing this and before and after pics, but do we know the cause of the buildup? Is it oil mist that is hitting the hot valves and burning? Oil film on the valves themselves from the valve guides?

dlbrooks18 · 06-14-2013, 01:45 PM

Wow. What shops in the Los Angeles area do this for reasonable price?

SharkBait · 06-14-2013, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlsontheflyer

This can be misconstrued in oh so many ways...

Well, it's seems one should be done probably every 35K or so. The other as often as possible!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by JETmn

I have seen tons of people doing this and before and after pics, but do we know the cause of the buildup? Is it oil mist that is hitting the hot valves and burning? Oil film on the valves themselves from the valve guides?

Oil will find its way into the intake manifold either from the crank vapors via the PCV or through the turbo seals and form layer after layer on the intake valves and walls. It's inevitable. All DI engines suffer from it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlbrooks18

Wow. What shops in the Los Angeles area do this for reasonable price?

Yes. +1.

Bluesun · 06-14-2013, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlsontheflyer

6 hours of labor + a new gasket = $584

So in other words, probably worthwhile to do yourself. Even if it takes a whole Saturday afternoon/early evening, that's worth almost $600 to me for sure.

Now time to figure out the most cost/stress effective way to get this done DIY style...

AWD Addict · 06-14-2013, 03:32 PM

I had one done at 20k and 45k, and both looked comparable to those pics.

I'm now at 61k, and I'll be scheduling it again. I balked last time, because of the price (over a grand). The first two were covered under warranty. I think I just need to bite the bullet on it at this stage. I'm notcing similar symptoms to the OP.

carlsontheflyer · 06-14-2013, 03:52 PM

When I first learned of this issue with the N54 engine, and with DI engines in general, I did a lot of research and reading. I found a post on Audi forums from a guy with an RS6 who was in the same shoes as we are, but apparently this problem is considerably worse with Audis.

He was experiencing the same symptoms on his car, and ended up having his intakes (Supercharged V6) cleaned to the tune of $1700. So after he had it done, after every 1000 miles or so he took his car to a dyno shop to do pulls. And what he saw really pissed him off. The performance of his car degraded with every thousand miles due to this problem. Every time he would do dyno runs, the results showed less and less horsepower and torque. The results were so dramatic, that even after 500 miles performance would be noticeably worse.

How 'bout them apples?

ppatel223 · 06-14-2013, 06:16 PM

From manufacturer point, it is difficult to attain smooth walls in intake valves? Smooth walls can have less build up.

litxus · 06-14-2013, 06:41 PM

Not sure if you mentioned but do you have an OCC, as that would prevent some of the build up. Also, not sure where I found it but the issue was know for RS4s and not sure if anyone found the cure but it seemed that some kind of RLI oil helped out from surfing the forums.

ken1137 · 06-15-2013, 01:11 AM

Yep, got mine done at around 38k miles. Thanks for sharing

carlsontheflyer · 06-15-2013, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by litxus

Not sure if you mentioned but do you have an OCC, as that would prevent some of the build up. Also, not sure where I found it but the issue was know for RS4s and not sure if anyone found the cure but it seemed that some kind of RLI oil helped out from surfing the forums.

No, I do not have an OCC. I've read mixed reviews about it, including some possible problems. Besides, it would only prevent a small fraction of the deposits, but the walnut job would still have to be done.

It's obvious from the pictures I posted that I should've had it done much earlier, at least 10k miles ago. With an OCC, it probably wouldn't be as bad as it was, but it would still be bad.

litxus · 06-15-2013, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlsontheflyer

No, I do not have an OCC. I've read mixed reviews about it, including some possible problems. Besides, it would only prevent a small fraction of the deposits, but the walnut job would still have to be done.

It's obvious from the pictures I posted that I should've had it done much earlier, at least 10k miles ago. With an OCC, it probably wouldn't be as bad as it was, but it would still be bad.

Well, I believe you have an N55 and I do have an N54 at which my OCC collected a fair amount of oil in a few months. My car is completely stock and not driven too aggressively. I just had a walnut blast done and the tech said it looked pretty dirty, but he also mentioned that OCC will not prevent deposits completely but they will distribute more evenly. The way I look at it is that OCC will prolong the walnut job, but it will not prevent it. As for downsides I did not find any, unless maybe you are pushing loads of psi and hp. Maybe someone can chime in on OCC downsides as it could be a problem if it is too restrictive (haven't seen that about Burger OCC)?

carlsontheflyer · 06-15-2013, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by litxus

Well, I believe you have an N55 and I do have an N54 at which my OCC collected a fair amount of oil in a few months. My car is completely stock and not driven too aggressively. I just had a walnut blast done and the tech said it looked pretty dirty, but he also mentioned that OCC will not prevent deposits completely but they will distribute more evenly. The way I look at it is that OCC will prolong the walnut job, but it will not prevent it. As for downsides I did not find any, unless maybe you are pushing loads of psi and hp. Maybe someone can chime in on OCC downsides as it could be a problem if it is too restrictive (haven't seen that about Burger OCC)?

My car has the N54 engine. The N55's went into these cars starting in 2011, except for the 335is model, which still has the N54. I do drive to "enjoy" my car. I am at 347 whp and 397 wtq, according to my latest data log and Virtual Dyno graph.

blisstik · 06-15-2013, 02:27 PM

I've done mine every 25K miles. The 3rd, 5th and 6th are always the worst one's. I really want to figure out a way to sandblast them. Anyone got a DIY with the tools and everything?

Chillin335 · 06-15-2013, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1nityrider

Anybody who lives in the Twin cities (MN) and surrounding areas, I know someone that can do this for $350. I just did mine and wow wow! Engine feels like it's brand new.

I know a guy in the DFW (tx) area does for $250 including the gaskets!

appernetly it takes him an hour and a half! i dropped mine off for 3 hours so i have no clue how long it took mine lol but deff reccomend him!

jmftexas · 06-15-2013, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chillin335

I know a guy in the DFW (tx) area does for $250 including the gaskets!

appernetly it takes him an hour and a half! i dropped mine off for 3 hours so i have no clue how long it took mine lol but deff reccomend him!

Can I get the info? I had mine done for 550.00 with CCA discount, wouldn't mind saving 300.00 next time.

crypticc · 06-15-2013, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blisstik

I've done mine every 25K miles. The 3rd, 5th and 6th are always the worst one's. I really want to figure out a way to sandblast them. Anyone got a DIY with the tools and everything?

Don't sandblast for fook sake!

ptwob311 · 06-15-2013, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chillin335

I know a guy in the DFW (tx) area does for $250 including the gaskets!

appernetly it takes him an hour and a half! i dropped mine off for 3 hours so i have no clue how long it took mine lol but deff reccomend him!

Where is this guy? What part of town? I'm in Shreveport but would be willing to drive.

On that note, I grew up in Houston area and visit home often (family still there), does anyone know a Houston area shop the does this for a reasonable rate?

Chillin335 · 06-17-2013, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptwob311

Where is this guy? What part of town? I'm in Shreveport but would be willing to drive.

On that note, I grew up in Houston area and visit home often (family still there), does anyone know a Houston area shop the does this for a reasonable rate?

PMd!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmftexas

Can I get the info? I had mine done for 550.00 with CCA discount, wouldn't mind saving 300.00 next time.

Pmd!

06-14-2013, 01:39 PM	#27
JETmn Lieutenant Colonel 245 Rep 1,595 Posts Drives: 2011 335i xDrive Msport Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Orlando iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 335Xi [0.00]	I have seen tons of people doing this and before and after pics, but do we know the cause of the buildup? Is it oil mist that is hitting the hot valves and burning? Oil film on the valves themselves from the valve guides?
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06-14-2013, 01:45 PM	#28
dlbrooks18 Brigadier General 161 Rep 3,736 Posts Drives: e90 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2)	Wow. What shops in the Los Angeles area do this for reasonable price? __________________ 2008 E90 335
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06-14-2013, 03:32 PM	#31
AWD Addict Chief Executive 300 Rep 2,886 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi 6spd Coupe Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335xi [0.00]	I had one done at 20k and 45k, and both looked comparable to those pics. I'm now at 61k, and I'll be scheduling it again. I balked last time, because of the price (over a grand). The first two were covered under warranty. I think I just need to bite the bullet on it at this stage. I'm notcing similar symptoms to the OP.
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06-14-2013, 03:52 PM	#32
carlsontheflyer Private First Class 66 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2019 M2C, AW, 6MT of course! Join Date: May 2013 Location: Atlanta, GA, USA iTrader: (1)	When I first learned of this issue with the N54 engine, and with DI engines in general, I did a lot of research and reading. I found a post on Audi forums from a guy with an RS6 who was in the same shoes as we are, but apparently this problem is considerably worse with Audis. He was experiencing the same symptoms on his car, and ended up having his intakes (Supercharged V6) cleaned to the tune of $1700. So after he had it done, after every 1000 miles or so he took his car to a dyno shop to do pulls. And what he saw really pissed him off. The performance of his car degraded with every thousand miles due to this problem. Every time he would do dyno runs, the results showed less and less horsepower and torque. The results were so dramatic, that even after 500 miles performance would be noticeably worse. How 'bout them apples? __________________ Carlson The Flyer 2022 X3M Competition, Brooklyn Gray, fully loaded
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06-14-2013, 06:16 PM	#33
ppatel223 Banned 31 Rep 372 Posts Drives: F10 I3.0 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: AR iTrader: (0)	From manufacturer point, it is difficult to attain smooth walls in intake valves? Smooth walls can have less build up.
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06-14-2013, 06:41 PM	#34
litxus Lieutenant 58 Rep 494 Posts Drives: 09 E90 335i sedan Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Villa Park iTrader: (1)	Not sure if you mentioned but do you have an OCC, as that would prevent some of the build up. Also, not sure where I found it but the issue was know for RS4s and not sure if anyone found the cure but it seemed that some kind of RLI oil helped out from surfing the forums.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-15-2013, 01:11 AM	#35
ken1137 Brigadier General 89 Rep 3,732 Posts Drives: BMW S1000XR Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Gilbert, AZ iTrader: (7) Garage List 2009 e90 335i [6.40]	Yep, got mine done at around 38k miles. Thanks for sharing __________________ BMWCCA member
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06-15-2013, 02:27 PM	#39
blisstik Lieutenant Colonel 151 Rep 1,677 Posts Drives: E92 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: California iTrader: (14)	I've done mine every 25K miles. The 3rd, 5th and 6th are always the worst one's. I really want to figure out a way to sandblast them. Anyone got a DIY with the tools and everything?
	Appreciate 0 Quote