Walnut blasting

[enzed4]

when I was researching walnut blasting there wasn't that much info on it. imagine how many poor sods are gonna get excited about this topic coming up in a search only to realise it doesn't really provide much info on the actual subject.

From having read a few threads here and elsewhere, the general consensus seems to be if the engine's not direct-injected, probably not worth it.
Some E85/E86 owners swear by it, but then you probably would if you'd paid for it. Easier than believing there's no benefit.
Bit like me looking at a different Cold Air Intake system on a turbo, when there are plenty of threads saying 'waste of time on an engine with an intercooler'. :?

 

[Jollyjoiner]

The main reason for people having it done is not really for power gains but to sort out the lumpy idle.
If this is left for too long it van then develop into getting bore wash which then starts the thin your oil which is never a good thing.

 

[Nictrix]

As far as I know it was quite a big thing with Minis where the dealers will do this under warranty.

 

[Ewazix]

As far as I know it was quite a big thing with Minis where the dealers will do this under warranty.

Yep I had it done on my old Cooper S under warranty due to rough idling, things feel better after a good nut blast!

I'm copyrighting that for a bumper sticker / Tee shirt

 

[Dav the wheel nut]

things feel better after a good nut blast!

Greg, you know I'll be having a word with someone about this :wink:

 

[ph001]

Some E85/E86 owners swear by it, but then you probably would if you'd paid for it. Easier than believing there's no benefit.

...evidence? Why it would even be remotely relevant on the E85/E86 I'm not sure.

 

[enzed4]

Some E85/E86 owners swear by it, but then you probably would if you'd paid for it. Easier than believing there's no benefit.

...evidence? Why it would even be remotely relevant on the E85/E86 I'm not sure.

There's no hard evidence I'm aware of, only anecdotal - that was my point. Whenever someone brings up the subject with regards to non-direct injection engines (e.g. M54 E85's), the replies usually follow that it's not worth it.
Happy to be shown otherwise, as always

 

[ph001]

I was referring to the statement that "some E85/E86 owners swear by it". I've never seem any posts on here from them stating it's even remotely worthwhile.

 

[Ewazix]

things feel better after a good nut blast!

Greg, you know I'll be having a word with someone about this :wink:

Mind out of the gutter please Dave :wink:

 

[Smartbear]

I was referring to the statement that "some E85/E86 owners swear by it". I've never seem any posts on here from them stating it's even remotely worthwhile.

I’ve seen posts on “terraclean” treatment by e85 owners but that’s not really the same thing & wont clean the valve stems or the backs of the valves i don’t think? :?
Rob

 

[gadgetJunky72]

These are some before and after pics I got given when my car was done...

 

[Jollyjoiner]

Cheers Gadget thats the very shitty state they get in that causes the lumpy idle

 

[enzed4]

I was referring to the statement that "some E85/E86 owners swear by it". I've never seem any posts on here from them stating it's even remotely worthwhile.

I thought I'd seen that but an actual search just found E85/E86 owners asking if it was worthwhile (and subsequently informed it wasn't). I was 'sure' I had seen some saying they had had it done and 'swore by it' but we'll take it that it never happened. Sorry for creating misinformation, and thanks for calling it out :wink:

 

[DMC63]

+1 for walnuts blasted. Will it cost much and can I have a girl 'mechanic' please.

For “unusual” services you’re always going to pay a premium
Rob

Thanks Rob, I'd assumed it was going to cost a few quid!

 

[Nick9one1]

I did mine myself. I didn't exactly 'walnut blast', but took the inlet off and cleaned each port with carb cleaner and a stiff brush. Probably took 4 or 5 hours with a few breaks.

Didn't notice any difference

 

[Nick9one1]

Found some pics.

 

[flybobbie]

I suppose having a turbo, it doesn't make that much difference to having the ability to fill the cylinder with air.

Years ago Lycoming aircraft engines had problems with the back of exhaust valves coking up and sticking.
I had one stick, smashed into the piston and i put the aircraft down in a field, that was an interesting flight.

 

[Jollyjoiner]

My understanding is that it's to benefit the direct injection cars that are having issues with a lumpy cold start idle. Because on the fast idle the injectors ad more fuel the richen the mixture up, with the inlets being all coked up then they don't allow enough good airflow to mix with the extra fuel thus giving a lumpy idle.

 

[Nick9one1]

Some E85/E86 owners swear by it, but then you probably would if you'd paid for it. Easier than believing there's no benefit.

I agree, I'm very aware of the placebo effect and sometimes wonder if I'm in the nocebo group

I decided to do the port clean as I had a lumpy idle - made absolutely zero difference.

 

[enzed4]

Some E85/E86 owners swear by it, but then you probably would if you'd paid for it. Easier than believing there's no benefit.

I agree, I'm very aware of the placebo effect and sometimes wonder if I'm in the nocebo group

I decided to do the port clean as I had a lumpy idle - made absolutely zero difference.

Sorry, I actually can't find any evidence that any E85/E86 owners 'swear by it'. I should probably have deleted the post TBH, but then the replies would seem a bit strange. Posted in haste, repenting in leisure now