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Incredible Amount of Gunk Buildup in Air Intake Tubes

Discussion in 'California(Portofino)/Roma(Amalfi)' started by Bill Phillips, Sep 20, 2022.

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  1. Bill Phillips

    Bill Phillips Formula Junior

    Nov 4, 2019
    480
    New Orleans
    Full Name:
    Bill
    #1 Bill Phillips, Sep 20, 2022
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2022
    I’m having some problems with excess carbon deposits in my ‘13 Cali 30 after 23,000 mi. so I’m running a tankful of fuel system cleaner through and I disassembled the intake tubes in order to remove and clean the Mass Airflow Sensors. I replaced the air filter elements recently and I’m going to have the spark plugs replaced later this week at the annual service.

    When I removed the air cleaner housing covers and the intake accordion tubes I was shocked to find the gunk buildup shown in the pictures below. It was the consistency of bearing grease and I could scoop it out by the finger full. I assume it’s a mixture of oil and dirt and I can’t help but wonder if any of it has found it’s way further along toward the intake manifold and valves.

    I cleaned everything thoroughly using the appropriate solvents on each part, and we’ll see how much difference all of those things makes. Has anyone else seen anything like this?

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  2. Mhoram

    Mhoram Karting

    Apr 15, 2009
    67
    #2 Mhoram, Sep 20, 2022
    It is very likely the back of the valves are covered in sticky carbon build up. Since it is a direct injection engine the fuel doesn't wash the oil from the crank case ventilation from the back of the valves.

    I removed the intake manifold and blasted the valves with walnut shells to clean them. My car has over 60k miles and not sure if it had been done before. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

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  3. Bill Phillips

    Bill Phillips Formula Junior

    Nov 4, 2019
    480
    New Orleans
    Full Name:
    Bill
    #3 Bill Phillips, Sep 20, 2022
    Interesting, did you do that work yourself?
     
  4. Mhoram

    Mhoram Karting

    Apr 15, 2009
    67
    #4 Mhoram, Sep 21, 2022
    Yes, I did it when I had the engine out to replace the variator sprockets.

    According to the workshop manual you can remove the intake manifold with the engine in. There will just be a couple of hard to remove nuts towards the back.

    I used the same tool as Normal Guy Supercar. https://www.normalguysupercar.com/ferrari-458-intake-valve-cleaning-using-crushed-walnut-blasting/

    But also 3d printed an adapter to seal the intake port while blasting which allowed a better vacuum and less dust. Image Unavailable, Please Login

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  5. Bill Phillips

    Bill Phillips Formula Junior

    Nov 4, 2019
    480
    New Orleans
    Full Name:
    Bill
    #5 Bill Phillips, Sep 21, 2022
    Last edited: Sep 21, 2022
    I see that you had to turn the engine over to bring the intake valves to the fully closed position in each successive cylinder before blasting particles in there. That would seem to be quite difficult for the average home mechanic with the engine still in the car.
     
  6. Mhoram

    Mhoram Karting

    Apr 15, 2009
    67
    #6 Mhoram, Sep 21, 2022
    Yes, you need to turn the motor. If I can remember correctly you can do the valves in 3 batches.

    To turn the motor you need a 36mm socket on the crank pulley from under the car. You might be able to get to if from the topside but you will need a long handle or extend the handle, similar to reaching accessory belt tensioner.

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