decarbonizing

[ibasniper]

Hi all, Has anyone tried decarbonisation on the inside of their engine. Seems a controversial subject as to whether it works. The logic seems ok but what happens to the loose stuff left behind because I'm guessing there will become.

I watched the wheeler dealer program where Ed done a Jaguar XK and the results seemed good.

Thoughts or facts would be good. My engines done 114k now with fsh.

 

[Tinker15]

Why do you think your engine needs it? My advice would be to use a good quality petrol with the correct detergents and additives to keep your engine in a good condition.

 

[Sgr74]

I agree with tinker15. Shell Vpower and a shot of redex every few months will make a difference.

 

[mjennings23]

There's always the age old 'if it aint broke' idea too... I've read of people having their engines cleaned and then developing issues with leaks, as the carbon build up around worn seals was effectively sealing the engine off.

Honestly, I wouldn't bother. It's a different story for the first generation of direct injection engines (N53, and possibly the earlier N54 revisions?) as you do get carbon build up on the intake valves, but the E85/6 use port injection (so the fuel washes over the intake valves before entering the combustion chamber)

 

[R60BBA]

Not worth it on port injection engines.

Run V-Power if you want to clean your intake and exhaust valves.

 

[BMWZ4MC]

There's always the age old 'if it aint broke' idea too... I've read of people having their engines cleaned and then developing issues with leaks, as the carbon build up around worn seals was effectively sealing the engine off.

Honestly, I wouldn't bother. It's a different story for the first generation of direct injection engines (N53, and possibly the earlier N54 revisions?) as you do get carbon build up on the intake valves, but the E85/6 use port injection (so the fuel washes over the intake valves before entering the combustion chamber)

As mjennings has said above, it’s unnecessary for the Zed.

Amongst B7 RS4 owners the problem is source of much paranoia but without conclusive evidence as to when walnut blasting is likely to be required (in terms of either miles or age).

 

[ibasniper]

Why do you think your engine needs it? My advice would be to use a good quality petrol with the correct detergents and additives to keep your engine in a good condition.

I'm not under the impression it needs it, i just figured after 114k there may be "some" gunk in there. But i must say i agree with most comments here. I've been running premium fuel since i've owed it but you never really know about previous owners. Plus there is an element of curiosity about it. But thanks all for your thoughts and comments .

 

[Jembo]

+1 for VPower, fresh oil & an Italien tune up

 

[PinkPineapple44]

There's always the age old 'if it aint broke' idea too... I've read of people having their engines cleaned and then developing issues with leaks, as the carbon build up around worn seals was effectively sealing the engine off.

Honestly, I wouldn't bother. It's a different story for the first generation of direct injection engines (N53, and possibly the earlier N54 revisions?) as you do get carbon build up on the intake valves, but the E85/6 use port injection (so the fuel washes over the intake valves before entering the combustion chamber)

As mjennings has said above, it’s unnecessary for the Zed.

Amongst B7 RS4 owners the problem is source of much paranoia but without conclusive evidence as to when walnut blasting is likely to be required (in terms of either miles or age).

I don't believe in it and have never had a carbon clean done on my RS4, still pulling strong at over 90k! Always poured in BP ultimate or higher, kept her well serviced and regular 8.2k blasts seems to do the trick. Exactly the same treatment for my Z too, except I think the revs only go up to 7k in that

 

[Vijay]

Hi,
Never used Redex. What's the consensus here?....

 

[Jembo]

Hi,
Never used Redex. What's the consensus here?....

Redex has been around before I started driving (83)

As above, given the advances & fuel additives in premium fuel, I really don’t see the need

 

[R60BBA]

Hi,
Never used Redex. What's the consensus here?....

Redecorated has been around before I started driving (83)

As above, given the advances & fuel additives in premium fuel, I really don’t see the need

Just wondering but why do you have a pre facelift Z4 in your pic when you drive a Sepang Bronze M Coupe?

 

[Jembo]

Hi,
Never used Redex. What's the consensus here?....

Redex has been around before I started driving (83)

As above, given the advances & fuel additives in premium fuel, I really don’t see the need

Just wondering but why do you have a pre facelift Z4 in your pic when you drive a Sepang Bronze M Coupe?

My first Z love... 2010-4

 

[Mike6]

Cannot remember the name of the decoke system but a friend had his Lotus Esprit turbo done a few years ago and it was so effective at removing all the carbon build up that he suffered piston slap, sump pressurisation etc and ended up paying over £4k to have an engine rebuild. People assume that it will be beneficial on higher mileage cars but in many cases build up of carbon seals a worn engine and removing this simply gives you a terminal prognosis. Stay clear and just run on superior petrol.

 

[Mr Tidy]

I don't think M54 engines like the OP will have, or N52s like I have, are known for having problems with coking up. As someone said that's an issue with the N53s, but then Z4s never got those engines - thankfully.

If it's always been run on premium fuel and is running fine I'd leave well alone!

I had quite a few 2 stroke motorbikes years ago which inevitably suffered from coking up, but I'd only ever de-coke them when they didn't run right - it was pretty obvious when they needed it. :lol:

An Italian tune-up is much more fun!

 

[Smartbear]

I don't think M54 engines like the OP will have, or N52s like I have, are known for having problems with coking up. As someone said that's an issue with the N53s, but then Z4s never got those engines - thankfully.

If it's always been run on premium fuel and is running fine I'd leave well alone!

I had quite a few 2 stroke motorbikes years ago which inevitably suffered from coking up, but I'd only ever de-coke them when they didn't run right - it was pretty obvious when they needed it. :lol:

An Italian tune-up is much more fun!

You’re right in your statement Ian, except if the ccv system is fubard in which case the engine will suffer from excessive carbonisation. Usually the cylinders nearest the firewall fare worst as that seems to be where the oily mist is directed the most
Rob