Hey guys,

i went to the mechanic today and as part of the work they did for me they also did a comprehensive inspection of the car. One thing they recommended was a “motorvac decarbonization” to remove carbon build up and that it’s recommended every 30k miles. I have been using sea foam from autozone occasionally already. My question is if any of you have had it done or recommend it?

 

A lot of people here have used sea foam on the Evo without issue BG also makes a similar product

 

oh yea I have no issue with thinking sea foam works, I have used it like I mentioned. Just wonder if the process with the motorvac is any differeny or if any of you have had it done

 

Where's your carbon build-up located?

 

BG has a product/process that they offer through select repair shops which is like a more robust version of SeaFoam. How did the mechanic determine that you need a carbon buildup cleaning? Are they just trying to sell you rust protection that you don't need? Should really do a leak down test to see if you have problems.

When I called Road Race Engineering (SoCal Evo specialists and tuning shop that has been around since Evos first started selling in US) and talked to them about tuning, they noted that the crappy gas we have here in CA results in carbon buildup on Evos around 75K miles on the valves. This can lead to issues with the valve guides/stem seals and the valve seats.

I'm going to pull my intake manifold in the next couple of weeks and borescope the valves to see where my 102K mile car stands. You might want to do the same on your car. I'm initially going to see if I can get the borescope in through the injector mounting holes. I've tried to do leak down tests on my engine but have been getting inconsistent results so far.

Just some food for thought for you.

Another alternative is to do walnut shell/hull blasting like the BMW guys do. This has historically been a BMW/VW/AUDI specialty process due to their direct injection but as more and more cars are coming out with GDI the process is becoming more prevalent. Recommend to check your system with a compression and leakdown test if you're really concerned.

 

they didn’t really specify, I read it off a report they gave me off the general inspection. Here is what the report mentioned

“This vehicle is equipped with Turbo Non GDI. MotorVac Decarbonisation service is recommended every 30K miles, please check your service records. Performing this service may help improve gas mileage, overall engine performance, and will remove carbon build up that affects the car in a negative way.”

 

yea idk they could be selling snake oil lol. Which is why I wanted to ask anyone if they’ve done something like this. I asked them to clarify what this was since I already occasionally use sea foam. They told me it was like sea foam on steroids.

 

Having worked in the corporate side of auto service, this sounds like the typical "fuel system cleaning" sales pitch. I would ignore said services, it sounds like a sales-driven maintenance job.

 

This is a new car direct injection problem - good advice if you own a newer Volkswagen.

 

True. GDI engines require this maintenance. Common on Hyundai/Kia as well.

https://www.crcindustries.com/produc...kit-05320.html

 

it shouldnt have any issue, seen many

 

I think the first step is to determine how those crabs managed to get in there in the first place

 

Lmao, good catch