Most effective valve cleaning method?

[RamFan]

I've been doing a lot of research lately on the best method to clean intake valves via vacuum. I've been finding 3 methods time and time again with varying claims of effectiveness. Through the brake booster, through the PCV, or directly into the throttle body.

The main concern is that the intake tract is designed for air intake, not liquid, so the best method becomes whichever can properly distribute the fluid of choice to each cylinder. The brake booster is a fan favorite due to its simplicity, but some argue that this method has a higher likelihood of pooling your cleaner rather than evenly disbursing it. Using the PCV can be a bit more challenging due to location, but could potentially be better at evenly distributing your cleaner. Lastly, going straight to the main entrance, the throttle body is both easy and effective, but limits which products could be used (unless a spray bottle is used).

So, what does BITOG think to be the best vacuum method for introducing an intake/combustion cleaner into the system?

 

[285south]

Throttle body and piston soak.

I would suggest misting water into the intake with a spray bottle after the car has been on for 20 minutes.

I would do an overnight piston soak through the spark plug holes with either GM top engine cleaner or Chrysler stuff.

Red Line SI-1 into the gas tank.

You could purchase a water /mist injection system for your car and reap both the benefits from it. Cleaning power of steam and the timing advance benefit as well. The turbo guys that use it have very clean engines.

 

[Joe_Power]

H2O injection.

 

[mongo161]

I've taken off the PCV hose and sprayed some carb cleaner directly into the intake with no ill effects. I've done this while the engine is warmed up and running. The direct intake is most likely the best entry point.

 

[Olas]

The most effective way to clean valves is to have a wet manifold.

In your case, SI1 in the fuel, AND misted in through the inlet, will get everything nice and clean.

 

[edwardh1]

why do you have to clean intake valves .
Never done it on any car I owned, some went to 180k miles before being sold

 

[RamFan]

Originally Posted By: edwardh1
why do you have to clean intake valves .
Never done it on any car I owned, some went to 180k miles before being sold


I love relevant responses to a topic. This thread isn't about whether or not a valve cleaning is beneficial, it's about which method of the three is the best option.

 

[Falken]

It is a bit more limited your options today with DI engines, pretty much throttle body or down spark plug holes.

I would personally research a trusted throttle body spray.

For older engines, you can even tap into the fuel rail with many products, or simply use Gumout or any in tank cleaner with PEA... Even TC-W3 in every tank would completely eliminate dirty valves. But you have a DI engine.

I would look at what sprays or methods Ford is using, and look at Hyundai etc... I heard stuff about walnut shells blasted at them in the early days!!

 

[Eddie]

The topic is more of interest to early DI engines, where intake valve deposits can affect performance.

 

[Vikas]

don't you think it depends upon the plumbing of the each engine? Depends upon where PCV or brake booster hose is located with respect the cylinders would determine which method would give more uniform distribution of the cleaner in to engine.

 

[RamFan]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
don't you think it depends upon the plumbing of the each engine? Depends upon where PCV or brake booster hose is located with respect the cylinders would determine which method would give more uniform distribution of the cleaner in to engine.


Absolutely! This gets especially tricky on say, a boxer engine.

 

[chrisri]

Throttle body would be best place for applying any cleaner for combustion chamber, even on dry manifolds. They aren't designed to carry liquid, but they will carry mizt without problems. Also special care is needed when using chemicals with plastic manifolds.
I prefer to use water, plastic squeeze pump bottles ( like from windows cleaner) works wonders. Usually I stuck accelerator so engine idles on 2 k, and spray water into manifold carefully. Steam clean deposits excellent, but make sure you know what you're doing.

 

[MarkM66]

Originally Posted By: RamFan
Originally Posted By: edwardh1
why do you have to clean intake valves .
Never done it on any car I owned, some went to 180k miles before being sold


I love relevant responses to a topic. This thread isn't about whether or not a valve cleaning is beneficial, it's about which method of the three is the best option.


If the operation isn't needed, then none of the three methods will be "beneficial."