how to clean intake ports

dslsoob

Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2005
Location
seattle wa
TDI
passat wagon 96 blue
I just finished cleaning the intake manifold on my 96 passat tdi iz .It was full of that sticky black crud. I was able to carefully carve out some of that stuff out of the intake ports.I only went in about 3/4 inch. Looking down the ports I can see that there is still alot of gunk inside . What is the best way to clean them without removing the head? A mechanic told me of a intake cleaner that you hook up the the intake system just after the MAF, and with the engine running it will disolve the carbon and burn it out . Has anyone used a product like this. Thanks for the help earlier with the T-belt replacement!! 96 passat tdi iz 201k last 30k b99 & synthetic oil . Thanks for your help
 

rjr311

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2006
Location
Western Shawnee, Kansas
TDI
2004 Passat Wagon , 1996 Passat sedan
How to clean intake ports

I would strongly caution you _not_ to do what the mechanic is suggesting unless you get some specific guarantees that this product is designed for diesel engines and has been used on other diesel engines. If it is not and you inject a combustible fluid you will risk the engine "running away" - remember our engines run without a spark using compression and can continue to run when you turn off the key if there is something that will burn in the cylinders. That cleaning could turn out to be the most expensive little squirts ever. I know, I have a 400 pound paperweight that had the same thing done.

It might be worthwhile to ask for a written guarantee that this won't happen.
 
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paramedick

TDIClub Enthusiast, Vendor
Joined
Jul 29, 2001
Location
Versailles, Kentucky
TDI
2015 Audi Q5 TDI
At least two engines here on the forums have been ruined by the BG cleaning system you described. The fluid accumulated in the cylinders, and caused bent rods in both engines. Phenomena known as hydrolock.

BG has removed this cleaning system from the market. A few hard-headed mechanics are still using it.
 

dslsoob

Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2005
Location
seattle wa
TDI
passat wagon 96 blue
Thanks for the warning. If my memory is correct the product that the mechanic mentioned is called "Mighty intake cleaner" . What other ways are there to clean out the intake ports ?? How important is it to have them clean ?? How much of a build up is OK with out affecting performance??
 

2004STARWARSTDI

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Oct 19, 2004
Location
LAKELAND, FL
TDI
2004 Platinum Gray GLS Jetta / 2006 Silver Jetta with DSG
cleaning intake

Only safe way is to remove intake from engine to clean it. Remember it only takes one small piece dropped onto engine to ruin a valve!:eek:
 

mackwood

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 13, 2003
Location
california
TDI
2003 jetta grey

Intake ports on Camhead​

You should inspect the ports on the camhead with a mirror. Ideally, you can know how clogged they
are based on the appearance of the ports on the intake manifold. If they are really clogged, then you
would have to get them strapped out so you can enjoy your power. This is best left for experts but you
can do it yourself. Air compressor is strongly recommended. Remove the valve cover (Seven 5mm hex
bolts) on the camhead. Remove the timing belt cover. Using a tool, turn the engine at the camhead
pulley clockwise direction, insure that the lobe for the intake port you are going to work on is up. Place
the valve cover on the camhead as you will lean over. Scrap the intake port on the camhead. Blow it
out with compressed air. Then work on the next one. Remove the valve cover, turn the engine so the
lobe is up on the port you are going to work on next. Repeat until all 4 ports are clear.
Reinstall the bolts for the valve cover, torque to 7 ft/lbs (10 Nm). Reinstall the timing belt cover.
(I will add pictures when I can. In the meantime,


I found this in a how to on intake cleaning. I think this is what you are asking since you said you already cleaned the intake., I probably will need to do this too and was thinking a shop vac while scrapping would work as well as a compresser. hope this helps.
 
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