VASK Forum (VW Audi SportKlub of NZ)

AUDI => A4 - S4 - RS 4 - A5 - S5 - RS 5 => Topic started by: Albacol on August 27, 2012, 10:00:41 AM

Title: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: Albacol on August 27, 2012, 10:00:41 AM
A non-poster but lurker here did his B7 at the weekend. It had done 115kms and the pictures were quite impressively bad - absoluteyl caked with Carbon. He cleaned it all out and came back to me to tell me that it was like night and day. I've been pondering about it so now am motivated to get it done - anyone had it done and got a ballpark cost ? His took him 15hrs as a numpty, i've seen 8-10 quoted elsehwere. I'll call Powerhaus and see if they have done any but any experiences welcomed.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: RS ZWEI on August 27, 2012, 10:23:57 AM
Im guessing youre meanting a B7 RS4?
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: CBRT on August 27, 2012, 10:29:30 AM
get him to post up his pics.....
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: Albacol on August 27, 2012, 10:44:59 AM
Sorry yes B7 RS4.

I'll get the pics posted.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: joemurf on August 27, 2012, 09:52:02 PM
After many hours spent reading various forums on B7 RS4 and FSI-based engine carbon build-up; rs246.com, audizine.com, VASK, I decided to take the plunge and see if my RS4 was affected.

I haven't had any pinking or misfiring, no error codes or warning lights, fuel economy seemed okay.  Exhaust flaps opened/closed with the 'S' button [e.g. vacuum system worked].  There was even a wee kick in from 5500 rpm.  But the reason behind wanting to do this was the car just felt a bit flat overall, it always had been.

So, check out the pics of my wee discovery..

First two pics are the port baffles
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: joemurf on August 27, 2012, 09:56:24 PM
Valves
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: joemurf on August 27, 2012, 09:59:34 PM
Another valve, and looking back up the intake manifold. The intake flaps were pretty clean really.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: joemurf on August 27, 2012, 10:01:00 PM
Post clean
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: joemurf on August 27, 2012, 10:02:29 PM
Baffles back in
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: 00quattro00 on August 27, 2012, 10:04:16 PM
Damn they get carboned, what did you use to clean it and how long did it take?
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: CBRT on August 27, 2012, 10:05:29 PM
Wow looks crappy......
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: joemurf on August 27, 2012, 10:10:50 PM
After a handful of outings I'm happy to report the improvement is immense.  The car feels lighter and more fresh, the power far more readily available in low and high rpm, and the surge through 5500 rpm much, much stronger. Well worth the effort.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: joemurf on August 27, 2012, 10:24:30 PM
Took about 14-15 hours all up.  3 hours to get manifold off, about an hour per cylinder and a couple of hours back together.

Basically, scraped most of the build up off with a scraper/pick and vacuumed. Then Dremel with a stainless wire brush attachment for the remainder, and vacuumed again. Wynn's DIP3 aerosol to dissolve the dust residue and a rag.  Will run another can of DIP3 through in a few days to clear out any other residue.  I imagine any carby cleaner would work to dissolve the dust, some of the guys on UK forums I read said they had results with the DIP3 so figured it was worth a shot.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: M on August 28, 2012, 07:20:09 AM
I have driven a few B7's that are "flat" now and almost certainly related to this, but unless the customer complains of it being flat it's hard to tell them that their RS4 feels slow....  ;D
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: Albacol on August 28, 2012, 07:39:32 AM
Try getting a dealer to do anything about it under warranty. "hello my car feels quite flat" " that's nice dear"
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: beeker on August 28, 2012, 08:01:10 AM
Quote from: Albacol on August 28, 2012, 07:39:32 AM
Try getting a dealer to do anything about it under warranty. "hello my car feels quite flat" " that's nice dear"

I did, then backed it up with a dyno, and then had them carbon clean it under warranty :)
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: the phantom on August 28, 2012, 01:20:43 PM
if only air is going down the inlet tract, that junk must be from blow back from the cylinder
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: nordschleife on August 28, 2012, 07:56:10 PM
Thanks for posting this up - it is the worst I have seen.

It's a shame there isn't a before and after dyno run for this.  It will have had a massive effect on performance.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: joemurf on August 28, 2012, 10:48:04 PM
No worries. Yea it looks bad, but I think it's pretty typical of what a lot of people see.  I did a fair bit of reading on it before deciding to do it and there are as many opinions against it being an issue, as for it.   This guys story was interesting [with pics and before/after dynos].

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/322587-RS4-only-263whp-flat-from-6k-rpm-!-! (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/322587-RS4-only-263whp-flat-from-6k-rpm-!-!)

And these two:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/297492-My-RS4-under-the-knife (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/297492-My-RS4-under-the-knife)
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/334489-RS4-Intake-Manifold-Carbon-Build-Up-amp-Clean-Up (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/334489-RS4-Intake-Manifold-Carbon-Build-Up-amp-Clean-Up)

The often posed theory is it's caused by blow back, but in mine there was a lot of wet oil residue within the inlet manifold which to me seemed unlikely to be related to just blow-back.   Possibly the crankcase ventilation system is also contributing by passing in some oil rich air? Some of those posts are 15 pages long with all sorts of theories [the way you drive/the way you don't, the oil, the fuel, catch cans, additives, servicing].  One guy even had bad build-up, cleaned it, and couldn't tell the difference...

And then there is the FSI megathread.  A lot of the guys in the US seem to have tried to take issue with Audi USA to get something sorted.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/336352-Audi-FSI-Engine-Carbon-Build-up-Megathread (http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/336352-Audi-FSI-Engine-Carbon-Build-up-Megathread)

I recon in the end try and drive a few for comparison, and if yours feels 'flatter' than the rest, get it cleaned.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: RS ZWEI on August 29, 2012, 07:02:42 AM
Honestly, this would put me off B7 RS4 ownership.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: ranton-inc on August 29, 2012, 07:41:00 AM
Would probably be worth while having a 9th injector just after the Throttle Butter Fly to help clean that kaka off...

thats horrible..

will probably explain why my MPS got a bit slower (same crappy direct injection technology with polluted breathing system)

Most the Guys in the Mazda scenes were running These Catch Can Systems.. (with some what complex plumbing involved) but the amount of s**t they could drain out of it just after a week was unreal..
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: BB on August 29, 2012, 08:44:09 AM
Blow back :(
Its caused by crank case ventilation or "blow by".
As for it not being an issue......well clearly it is, as noted by your immense improvement in power.
There is a can of stuff available at Partmaster specially for this, get some and spray it in periodically to stop it getting so bad again.   
Title: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: UKRSKiwi on August 29, 2012, 08:45:01 AM
Quote from: RS ZWEI on August 29, 2012, 07:02:42 AM
Honestly, this would put me off B7 RS4 ownership.

It shouldn't. Take it as a maintenance item, once every 50k km just expect to clean it. Its a small price to pay to maintain 400 odd horses in such a good chassis. It is still a very high performance car and it comes with associated maintenance baggage, but the end result is worth it.

What will be interesting is if we see RS5 and B8 RS4 engines just as bad in 2 or 3 years. Anyone know if Audi have at least attempted to address the issue??
Title: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: UKRSKiwi on August 29, 2012, 08:45:56 AM
Quote from: BB on August 29, 2012, 08:44:09 AM
Blow back :(
Its caused by crank case ventilation or "blow by".
As for it not being an issue......well clearly it is, as noted by your immense improvement in power.
There is a can of stuff available at Partmaster specially for this, get some and spray it in periodically to stop it getting so bad again.

What's the product BB?
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: BGS30 on August 29, 2012, 09:25:32 AM
As I understand it, this only affects FSI engines.  Is this correct?
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: BB on August 29, 2012, 10:04:27 AM
Ill get the name when I go to Partmaster next.
Yes it affects FSI the most. All engines get some carbon build up but the FSI seem to do this.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: KiwiC4S on August 29, 2012, 10:26:40 AM
Quote from: BB on August 29, 2012, 10:04:27 AM
Ill get the name when I go to Partmaster next.
Yes it affects FSI the most. All engines get some carbon build up but the FSI seem to do this.
Including turbocharged FSI's?
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: 00quattro00 on August 29, 2012, 11:25:33 AM
It happens to 99% of direct injected engines, you would think that they would have came up with s fix by now
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: Albacol on August 29, 2012, 12:19:11 PM
Based on my post-cleanp drive of the murfsters mine is going under the knife in 2 weeks time as it is flat and always has been. I've done myriad of coil packs under warranty, plugs twice etc and this is the only reasonably explanation. The person who is doing it said they had done a FSi Golf last week that was utterly clogged so it's not just this engine that suffers. I'll get photos taken and a before and after written up.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: slowmo on August 29, 2012, 12:28:37 PM
Quote from: Albacol on August 29, 2012, 12:19:11 PM
Based on my post-cleanp drive of the murfsters mine is going under the knife in 2 weeks time as it is flat and always has been. I've done myriad of coil packs under warranty, plugs twice etc and this is the only reasonably explanation. The person who is doing it said they had done a FSi Golf last week that was utterly clogged so it's not just this engine that suffers. I'll get photos taken and a before and after written up.

hmmm.. my lowly golf feels flat too and sounding like a diesel. fsi engine and all..
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: BB on August 29, 2012, 01:42:58 PM
FSI engines do sound like diesels. The burn is so lean its like a diesel clack.
Id say one of the problems is the stupidly long service intervals that everybody seems to think is fine....fine for who? The manufacturers as its a selling point and the cars wear out faster when out of warrantee.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: Stickman on August 29, 2012, 04:35:58 PM
Quote from: UKRSKiwi on August 29, 2012, 08:45:01 AM
It shouldn't. Take it as a maintenance item, once every 50k km just expect to clean it. Its a small price to pay to maintain 400 odd horses in such a good chassis. It is still a very high performance car and it comes with associated maintenance baggage, but the end result is worth it.

What will be interesting is if we see RS5 and B8 RS4 engines just as bad in 2 or 3 years. Anyone know if Audi have at least attempted to address the issue??
According to Audi the problem never/doesn't exist :o. Or so it would appear from responses different people have had on various forums.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: BB on August 29, 2012, 04:44:24 PM
At what sort of mileage was your car?
I'm thinking ok for a RS4 owners may show enough interest in their beasts such as the person in this thread but how many other owners of FSI motors want to spend or pay for 14 hours to clean their motors out :P
The lady I know with a FSI golf sure won't.
It will end up being hard to sell an old gunked up one.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: beeker on August 29, 2012, 05:22:35 PM
All FSI's are the same. Techncially the very very latest designs have reduced effect here.
It shouldnt turn you off a RS4. If its $1k every 3 years, build that into your budget.

Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: Turbo on August 29, 2012, 05:42:34 PM
rather spend it on hookers and blow.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: RS ZWEI on August 29, 2012, 05:59:42 PM
Quote from: Turbo on August 29, 2012, 05:42:34 PM
rather spend it on hookers and blow.

Gold.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: beeker on August 29, 2012, 06:40:36 PM
Quote from: Turbo on August 29, 2012, 05:42:34 PM
rather spend it on hookers and blow.

haha, that wont go far!
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: lunchie on September 04, 2012, 03:37:24 PM
how often does audi suggest you change the oil on the b7 RS4 and how often would you need to clean this crap off? is it doable yourself? I have always wanted an RS4 but when I did some reading on this it totally put me off as I wasnt sure if it was going to be an every 5,000kms job or what>?
Title: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: UKRSKiwi on September 04, 2012, 04:07:48 PM
Every two years on long life oil,(fine if not often hammering it but once a year or 10k's if you do)

I carbon cleaned mine at 60k km and will do it again at 120k,  mine was only down around 10ps IIRC due to carbon. It's an issue that just needs to be accepted it is not a reason not to get one unless owning one is stretching you financially. It's a high performance car with high performance costs.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: RS ZWEI on September 04, 2012, 09:22:22 PM
Quote from: UKRSKiwi on September 04, 2012, 04:07:48 PM
Every two years on long life oil,(fine if not often hammering it but once a year or 10k's if you do)

I carbon cleaned mine at 60k km and will do it again at 120k,  mine was only down around 10ps IIRC due to carbon. It's an issue that just needs to be accepted it is not a reason not to get one unless owning one is stretching you financially. It's a high performance car with high performance costs.

The thing I hate about is that as soon as you have them cleaned they start carboning up again, which equals a decline in BHP. Its BS! And its not about being financially stretched, its a PITA. What if the issue was that B7 RS4 went through front tyres every 5,000kms? Would you just accepted it as part of owning one?
When B5 RS4 wheels were bending owners didnt accept that and got the wheels replaced by Audi.

Ill never fear lining my RS2 up against a B7 RS4, more than likely the B7 RS4 will be carboned up and the 17 year old RS2 will kick its butt.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: beeker on September 05, 2012, 06:17:41 AM
Quote from: RS ZWEI on September 04, 2012, 09:22:22 PM
The thing I hate about is that as soon as you have them cleaned they start carboning up again, which equals a decline in BHP. Its BS! And its not about being financially stretched, its a PITA. What if the issue was that B7 RS4 went through front tyres every 5,000kms? Would you just accepted it as part of owning one?
When B5 RS4 wheels were bending owners didnt accept that and got the wheels replaced by Audi.

Ill never fear lining my RS2 up against a B7 RS4, more than likely the B7 RS4 will be carboned up and the 17 year old RS2 will kick its butt.

Even when mine was down 50hp, the package was still a bloddy nice daily.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: BB on September 05, 2012, 08:19:43 AM
All cars carbon up or wear out in some way.
It is a shame these do this but if you can afford a RS4 you can afford to pay somebody to clean it every 2 years or so. Or you can't really afford one. Its only $1500. Or a months petrol bill >:D
And they don't lose that much HP even when carboned up.
I think a B7 RS4 even down on 400hp would whip your RS2 still Nik.
I mean what can be done about it?
Plus the fuel savings you will make from the FSI system will cover the cost of the clean in theory.
A modern car is only supposed to last 5 years anyway so no wonder Audi don't think its an issue.
Title: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: UKRSKiwi on September 05, 2012, 09:56:41 AM
In my case it's the following

A 450ps car out of 4.2 litres that revs out to 8200rpm, that has bloody smart suspension setup can get 21mpg on a long run, is comfortable has all the mod cons (for its age) will do 0 - 100 in around 4.8 seconds (maybe quicker with mine) will generally smoke most things on the road all while carrying a dog and 3 bikes on the roof.

And it's reliable.

FFS it's 450ps out of a v8 that is 4.2 litres that revs to 8.2k rpm and it can be used every day!!!!

I'll happily pay for the carbon clean to have that.



Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: schattenblau on September 05, 2012, 11:24:19 AM
Still... maybe that's why BMW and AMG never used direct injection on their hi-po 4.0 and 6.2 V8's ?

And why Lexus use direct and port injection on the IS-F 5.0 v8 ?

>:D
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: lunchie on September 05, 2012, 03:12:32 PM
Part of  me REALLY wants to go down the RS4 route but then the other half of me says why not buy favorite car number 2 (a current shape 2007 subaru sti) for half the price with actual rear leg room. I mean I know the subie has 0 pedigree and not much style compared to the audi but dam, they are alot of car for the money. Sigh.... oh well, still wont have the money for 6 months, will be a tough decision 
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: BB on September 05, 2012, 03:54:04 PM
Buy the Subaru.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: S1 on September 05, 2012, 04:06:50 PM
Ive never touched my B7, its as fast as my race car , my Daughter has an A3 FSI  done 170k runs like a missle   
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: schattenblau on September 05, 2012, 04:57:46 PM
Quote from: lunchie on September 05, 2012, 03:12:32 PM
Part of  me REALLY wants to go down the RS4 route but then the other half of me says why not buy favorite car number 2 (a current shape 2007 subaru sti) for half the price with actual rear leg room. I mean I know the subie has 0 pedigree and not much style compared to the audi but dam, they are alot of car for the money. Sigh.... oh well, still wont have the money for 6 months, will be a tough decision

You mean the last sedan STI ?

Current shape is the dumpy hatchback (2008 on) - junk.

Here's a couple of STI's that won't be embarrassed by a B7 RS4...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=496136829

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/subaru/sti/auction-441084432.htm

Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: BB on September 05, 2012, 05:25:38 PM
Eww I looked at those.
Buy the Audi. But only if you can afford it. :)
Seriously a $1500 engine clean every few years is not really that big a deal.
Here I am on Audi's side for once :)
But I like to hear about the reliability of the RS4. They sound like a really good car the B7s.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: rambo_005 on September 05, 2012, 11:12:11 PM
Quote from: schattenblau on September 05, 2012, 04:57:46 PM
You mean the last sedan STI ?

Current shape is the dumpy hatchback (2008 on) - junk.

I thought there was a sedan version of the current model?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/subaru/impreza/auction-492989196.htm
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: schattenblau on September 06, 2012, 12:31:30 AM
Yes as a 2011 model, far away from the 2007 mentioned.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: M on September 06, 2012, 01:24:39 AM
Quote from: UKRSKiwi on September 05, 2012, 09:56:41 AM
will do 0 - 100 in around 4.8 seconds (maybe quicker with mine) will generally smoke most things on the road all while carrying a dog and 3 bikes on the roof.

Not my old 2.7TT it won't.  :D ;D

Oh and the B5 doesn't carbon up




Disclaimer: I would still say the B7 is a better car.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: haggis on September 17, 2012, 09:49:51 AM
Apologies - my old account had a bit of an issue with it so have had to create a new one.

Have posted a followup elsewhere http://www.vask.org.nz/index.php/topic,15974.4635.html
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: S1 on February 22, 2014, 02:35:21 PM
Changed my mind

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152018046028227&set=a.403286403226.180413.138467013226&type=1&theater
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: Stickman on December 10, 2014, 06:25:01 PM
Just picked the RS4 up from Brodie European having had a carbon clean done...was actually not that built up at all, but definitely noticed much more eagerness to rev! Cost was actually pretty reasonable too.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: beeker on December 10, 2014, 06:27:51 PM
Quote from: Albacol on August 28, 2012, 07:39:32 AM
Try getting a dealer to do anything about it under warranty. "hello my car feels quite flat" " that's nice dear"

I've had mine done under silver circle.
Dyno  it and show the evidence.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: Stickman on December 10, 2014, 06:34:54 PM
Quote from: beeker on December 10, 2014, 06:27:51 PM
I've had mine done under silver circle.
Dyno  it and show the evidence.

Actually wish that I had done a before and after dyno just out of interest. Rang both Giltraps and Continental Cars to get quotes for the clean, neither got back to me. Happy with the service that I got from Brodie's and likely half the price too! Will keep going there for servicing.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: beeker on December 10, 2014, 06:48:30 PM
Quote from: Stickman on December 10, 2014, 06:34:54 PM
Actually wish that I had done a before and after dyno just out of interest. Rang both Giltraps and Continental Cars to get quotes for the clean, neither got back to me. Happy with the service that I got from Brodie's and likely half the price too! Will keep going there for servicing.

I did. From memory 30wkw. But that included a stuck airbox flap.
Title: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: UKRSKiwi on December 10, 2014, 07:21:04 PM
I got 32kw iirc when mine was done. No stuck airbox flap just a buildup. Night and day difference.
Title: Re: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: br344y on December 10, 2014, 09:05:45 PM
Quote from: Stickman on December 10, 2014, 06:25:01 PM
Just picked the RS4 up from Brodie European having had a carbon clean done...was actually not that built up at all, but definitely noticed much more eagerness to rev! Cost was actually pretty reasonable too.
So it was your rs4 I was checking out at brodies euro today.   Very nice...
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: beeker on December 10, 2014, 09:36:19 PM
Does anyone know if the B8 RS4 has the same carbon build-up problems?
I assume yes?
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: ranton-inc on December 10, 2014, 10:11:14 PM
Quote from: beeker on December 10, 2014, 09:36:19 PM
Does anyone know if the B8 RS4 has the same carbon build-up problems?
I assume yes?

Any thing with Direct injection will have carbon build up issues.

unless of course they have implemented an additional manifold injector...

Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: beeker on December 11, 2014, 06:08:12 AM
Quote from: ranton-inc on December 10, 2014, 10:11:14 PM
Any thing with Direct injection will have carbon build up issues.

unless of course they have implemented an additional manifold injector...

yes and no.
I believe lexus has done that on some of their cars.
I also understand that tuned valve timing for overlap can make a big difference too.
Same with the valve metal types and coatings, there was research on this to make them less attractive to carbon sticking.
All theoretical, and I wonder if they did anything to address the issue on the b8.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: Stickman on December 11, 2014, 12:29:23 PM
You do have to say that the likely hood is high that the B8 will suffer the same issues. My B7 has 74,000kms on it and the build up was not huge. Enough to choke it up a tad, but not enough that I would do it before another 74,000kms have passed. Maybe some cars suffer more than others?
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: beeker on December 11, 2014, 03:23:17 PM
Quote from: Stickman on December 11, 2014, 12:29:23 PM
You do have to say that the likely hood is high that the B8 will suffer the same issues. My B7 has 74,000kms on it and the build up was not huge. Enough to choke it up a tad, but not enough that I would do it before another 74,000kms have passed. Maybe some cars suffer more than others?

The UK say that I clean every 12 months or 10,000miles is recommended and noticeable!

Mine just had another clean, and even though its only been 18months since the prior, the difference is noticeable. 5500rpm yeha.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: Stickman on December 11, 2014, 06:22:17 PM
The thing is, they are such a great motor and otherwise are so damn reliable for a high revving V8 that I will very happily budget $1500 or so for an annual / biannual carbon clean. A minor flaw in what is an outstanding package for a car. I have toyed several times this year with upgrading to a B8 but can't get over just how happy I am with the B7. Even if I could direct swap my B7 for a B8 I don't think that I would.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: subieboy on December 11, 2014, 11:00:12 PM
Subaru's are well known for this, Subaru even have a product that is made for them and used on service intervals to help combat the carbon build up. The same product is available via Holden dealers (for the LS1/LS2 series V8 engines)

It is called "Upper Engine Cleaner" costs about $12 a can or there abouts. the smokes like a bitch for a little while then runs nicely.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: S1 on February 25, 2015, 11:29:15 AM
Mine seems to be burning some oil now , is this happened to anybody else ?
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: beeker on February 25, 2015, 12:25:44 PM
Quote from: S1 on February 25, 2015, 11:29:15 AM
Mine seems to be burning some oil now , is this happened to anybody else ?

All B5 and B7's RS4's burn oil. Even when brand new. Quite normal.
How much are you talking?
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: Stickman on February 25, 2015, 01:46:14 PM
Quote from: beeker on February 25, 2015, 12:25:44 PM
All B5 and B7's RS4's burn oil. Even when brand new. Quite normal.
How much are you talking?
I seem to burn 1 litre per circa 5000kms or so. Hard to tell, I drive the RS so little... :o
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: S1 on March 01, 2015, 07:46:42 AM
Quote from: Stickman on February 25, 2015, 01:46:14 PM
I seem to burn 1 litre per circa 5000kms or so. Hard to tell, I drive the RS so little... :o

Oh ok , The B5 burns no oil but I dont drive the B7 much anymore and I have only just noticted it
Title: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: le mans on March 02, 2015, 02:14:02 PM
My B5 doesn't burn much - maybe 1L per year (10,000ish km).
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: waxer on March 27, 2015, 03:33:19 PM
Does anyone know what sort of interval the carbon clean is required?  Mine was done about a year ago and at the recent services at giltraps, they inspected it and said it has quite bad carbon build up.  after a year?  admittedly much of my driving has been short distances but 12 months / 15,000kms?  cheers
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: beeker on March 27, 2015, 05:22:17 PM
Quote from: waxer on March 27, 2015, 03:33:19 PM
Does anyone know what sort of interval the carbon clean is required?  Mine was done about a year ago and at the recent services at giltraps, they inspected it and said it has quite bad carbon build up.  after a year?  admittedly much of my driving has been short distances but 12 months / 15,000kms?  cheers

There is no specific timeline, but the ''perfectionist'' would do it every 12 months / 15k, or it would be ''good'' to do it every 24months 30k.
Else ignore and never do it (not officially required unless you have an issue appear).

You'll start to notice it on the bum dyno anywhere past 12months/15k kms, but it does creep up unnoticed unless you drive a recently cleaned car to compare it too
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: jaimzthedrummer on September 12, 2015, 06:36:34 PM
Hi all,

I know little about this, but was talking to a dealer today about a B7 RS4. Said it had been carbon cleaned by a mobile serviceman... who used a nitrogen injection process? Cost was around $150...

Is this process well known? What are the drawbacks deficiencies compared to a $1500 job shown earlier in this thread?

James :-)
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: Stickman on September 14, 2015, 11:09:01 PM
Quote from: jaimzthedrummer on September 12, 2015, 06:36:34 PM
Hi all,

I know little about this, but was talking to a dealer today about a B7 RS4. Said it had been carbon cleaned by a mobile serviceman... who used a nitrogen injection process? Cost was around $150...

Is this process well known? What are the drawbacks deficiencies compared to a $1500 job shown earlier in this thread?

James :-)

Never heard of nitrogen injection...not sure on why that would specifically work...Google?
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: BLK-RS4 on September 15, 2015, 08:39:14 AM
It may get rid of some of the sticky oily stuff but I doubt it will remove the hard backed on carbon. The only way to remove that is to either soak in chemicals and scrape off or media blast(walnut shells etc)
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: jaimzthedrummer on September 15, 2015, 07:42:58 PM
Quote from: Stickman on September 14, 2015, 11:09:01 PM
Never heard of nitrogen injection...not sure on why that would specifically work...Google?
I had a hard time finding it in Google. Difficult to wade through all the stuff about nitrogen enriched fuel.
Cam Brodie figured it was a treatment like the Partmaster product someone else mentioned... likened it to oven cleaner! I'll see if I can get some more info on the service from the dealer...
James
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: waxer on May 12, 2016, 08:21:29 PM
I have just had this done by a local guy. Great guy BTW. Not intended to remove the caked on crap but clean through the sludge or something. Plugged 2 machines in a blasted it through. I've not had the chance to fully test it. Will report back. $300+
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: bballz on May 14, 2016, 11:07:31 AM
dunno about nitrogen, but i finally found someone in NZ that uses a wallnut shell blaster similar to what people talk about on the other US/EU audi forums - and all i can say is HOLY crap it was way better

i guess its subject to who/how well the CC was done before
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: Poonmobile on May 14, 2016, 03:14:37 PM
Quote from: bballz on May 14, 2016, 11:07:31 AM
dunno about nitrogen, but i finally found someone in NZ that uses a wallnut shell blaster similar to what people talk about on the other US/EU audi forums - and all i can say is HOLY s**t it was way better

i guess its subject to who/how well the CC was done before


Details please?
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: moochier on June 26, 2016, 10:01:24 PM
Keen to get my B7 RS4 Carbon cleaned... Feeling a bit flat and it's been almost 3 years! Last time it made a real significant difference.

Giltraps just quoted me $2300!!! Fark off surely that's a rip? Who else is doing a good honest job of this in Auckland?

Walnut blasting contact? Did you get to see the finished result, was it clean?

Cheers Guys.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: Bullseye on June 27, 2016, 07:45:10 AM
BM Workshop do Walnut Carbon Cleaning or try Syntech Surface Finishing, they should know who as they supply the Walnut media for blasting.

Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: moochier on June 27, 2016, 07:51:57 AM
Quote from: Bullseye on June 27, 2016, 07:45:10 AM
BM Workshop do Walnut Carbon Cleaning or try Syntech Surface Finishing, they should know who as they supply the Walnut media for blasting.

Thanks will do.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: Poonmobile on June 30, 2016, 08:49:20 PM
I'm giving the Carbon clean that Clint in Grey Lynn does a go. Had a good chat to him, and I thought at that price, its worth a go- if i'm not impressed or it makes very little difference in terms of performance i'll book it in to do it properly as i had budgeted for it in my maintenance this year. will report back.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: moochier on June 30, 2016, 09:26:29 PM
Cool, interested to hear of process and results. BTW I'm based in Ponsonby, who is Clint? Where is his workshop/business? Cheers
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: RS ZWEI on June 30, 2016, 10:15:30 PM
Quote from: Poonmobile on June 30, 2016, 08:49:20 PM
I'm giving the Carbon clean that Clint in Grey Lynn does a go. Had a good chat to him, and I thought at that price, its worth a go- if i'm not impressed or it makes very little difference in terms of performance i'll book it in to do it properly as i had budgeted for it in my maintenance this year. will report back.

Is that Clint Barber?
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: waxer on July 03, 2016, 07:14:54 PM
I think it is - they are on Home St.  Really good guy, knows his RS4's and has one.  Not a massive change in mine but I think it needs the full scrape out.  By all accounts the nitrogen is a preventative measure.  Get them fully cleaned, only use 98, and a nitrogen blast once in a while and should remove for the need to do the full clean.  H gave me some additive which I am hoping has fixed my potential leaking injectors.  All round good rooster is Clint
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: Poonmobile on July 05, 2016, 12:47:29 PM
Quote from: RS ZWEI on June 30, 2016, 10:15:30 PM
Is that Clint Barber?

Yes, just had it done today- Clint Barber and his brother Matt run the business. (Matt is actually an old regular customer of mine from Welly days, so we had a good old chat). Clint also explained the process, and it doesn't remove the oil sludge build up, he was pretty upfront about it. They now offer the full clean out service which i will do in about 5000kms (as i just did an oil change). They look after about 8 B7 RS4's and have done close to 30 carbon cleans on them. He himself is a huge fan of the car and has owned two.

At first drive, throttle response is MUCH better, revs out far easier at idle and power delivery and cold start is much smoother. I think as waxer mentioned this i s great preventative maintenance step, coupled with a good clean and changing oil regularly this will keep the car ticking along nicely. I can't wait for the run up to the mount this weekend!

Here are their updated details for anyone who is keen- Please mention VASK if and when you book in!

Clint Or Matt Barber
H2 Engine Carbon clean
www.carbonclean.co.nz
6 King St Grey Lynn
021999338 (clint) , 021522459 (matt)
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: RS ZWEI on July 05, 2016, 01:30:25 PM
Quote from: Poonmobile on July 05, 2016, 12:47:29 PM
Yes, just had it done today- Clint Barber and his brother Matt run the business. (Matt is actually an old regular customer of mine from Welly days, so we had a good old chat). Clint also explained the process, and it doesn't remove the oil sludge build up, he was pretty upfront about it. They now offer the full clean out service which i will do in about 5000kms (as i just did an oil change). They look after about 8 B7 RS4's and have done close to 30 carbon cleans on them. He himself is a huge fan of the car and has owned two.

At first drive, throttle response is MUCH better, revs out far easier at idle and power delivery and cold start is much smoother. I think as waxer mentioned this i s great preventative maintenance step, coupled with a good clean and changing oil regularly this will keep the car ticking along nicely. I can't wait for the run up to the mount this weekend!

Here are their updated details for anyone who is keen- Please mention VASK if and when you book in!

Clint Or Matt Barber
H2 Engine Carbon clean
www.carbonclean.co.nz
6 King St Grey Lynn
021999338 (clint) , 021522459 (matt)

Matt is Clint;s Dad ;)
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: Poonmobile on July 05, 2016, 01:36:21 PM
Ha! Classic. Matt looks good for his age then, from HB too, do you know the family?
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: RS ZWEI on July 05, 2016, 01:41:44 PM
Quote from: Poonmobile on July 05, 2016, 01:36:21 PM
Ha! Classic. Matt looks good for his age then, from HB too, do you know the family?

Yip, my Grandfather remarried Matts mother inlaw.
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: DASH! on March 01, 2018, 04:39:31 PM
Is anyone able to recommend a garage in Wellington for a Full carbon clean (walnut shell blasting or manual soak and scrub)?
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: knr on May 23, 2018, 10:13:31 AM
Hi all, I know this topic has probably been overdone but I'm looking for recommended places for a full carbon clean for my B7 RS4 in Auckland? A couple of quotes came back over $2K which seems pretty excessive. Thanks!
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: jaimzthedrummer on May 28, 2018, 10:13:20 AM
Hiya mate,

I'd recommend Brodie European (as many on this forum would I guess...). From memory it cost me around $1500 but they did a great job. Before and after photos show this.

Stay away from the intake spray-in solutions. Effing snake oil.

James
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: knr on July 03, 2018, 10:52:33 AM
Thanks for the recommendation James - will check out Brodies!

Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: jpmeikle on July 12, 2018, 08:33:20 PM
Quote from: DASH! on March 01, 2018, 04:39:31 PM
Is anyone able to recommend a garage in Wellington for a Full carbon clean (walnut shell blasting or manual soak and scrub)?
the rs4 is possibly the most prone to carbon build up,
We do this in wellington and are affiliated to matt and clint barber in akl  . see carbonclean.co.nz
best idea is to have the intake manifold removed and clean this following up with a 2 step process using a professional
strength motovac intake cleaner put in while engine is running followed by  a hydrogen treatment to clean the injector face,combustion chamber,plugs
oxy sensor etc. quite often after 100,000km you get issues with the intake manifold swirl flaps (wear).
there is a modification available which we remove the flaps and reset the adaptation,manually clean the intake and valve stems.
call on 027 7337270 for more information. thxs John
Title: Re: B7 Carbon Clean
Post by: slowmo on July 12, 2018, 08:55:31 PM
What sort of interval (time? km?) should be between carbon cleans?

Mine was done May 2017 by Matt and Clint according to the service records but they didn?t indicate the KMs at the time.