Intake manifold cleaning.
 

I have my intake manifold off and im looking for advice to clean out all the soot and grease caused by the EGR (which is now removed). I seem to remember somebody torching it?? or are solvent the way to go? How abaout diesel?

I soaked mine in some B99 and used a couple long wire bottle brushes I picked up at the flea market for a couple bucks. The crud came right out. It is a VERY messy job. That crap is hard to get off your hands. Be sure and use gloves!

Never torch a intake manifold.

Currently have mine off as well. I plan on taking it to a shop (NAPA) that has a dunk tank. I've done intake cleanings in my Ford a couple times and it's always a real PITA....and seriously messy. Never fun.

I used gasoline on mine (and worked outside). Biodiesel probably would have been just as good and certainly safer. Brake cleaner also works but is more expensive. Hot-tank dipping is probably best if you have the time to wait for it to get done.

Torching is a good way to warp your manifold. Any of the other cleaning methods will work. Once its clean & no EGR it will stay clean.

While not typically endorsed by the owner/operator of the car wash, I typically take mine to one of those places with a high pressure wand for cleaning your car and blast the crap out in a few minutes. I typically put enough money in the coin slot to wash down the wall and the floor when I am done.

I have found solvents and brushes to be minimally effective - it is mostly elbow grease that gets the job done by that method in my experience, and I share the experience that it gets all over your hands and the work area doing it the elbow grease way. I spent more on a gallon of that green solvent, Kerosene, Diesel fuel and a bunch of high powered solvents from various sources the first time I did this than doing the job 5 times would cost at the car wash. I even let is soak over night. Still acted like soft tar.

The car wash method leaves a mostly shiny aluminum surface. There are some places you can't get the proper velocity on and a thin smear of residue will remain. If you are bothered by that the surface can be approached by the elbow grease method - much easier and practical once the bulk of the goo is gone.

Jim

Second that.

I did mine one time at work using the steam cleaner. Had my rain gear on and rubber boots. good thing, as that black crap gets all over. had to hold the manifold down with my foot because of the pressure of the spray wand.

then I had to clean me off :rolleyes:. at least the manifold was clean.

I have pulled off a few manifolds from the 78, 79 W116 300SD, and as old os they are, they are really clean. just a oil film from the vave cover blow-by. these were pre EGR for you nubee`s.

Charlie

In my case, it took me 4 months to complete my engine project, so mine spent that amount of time soaking in B5 biodiesel in a five-gallon bucket. The crud melted.

These people are believers..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oet4qWeZuYA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reJmZQwR0MA&feature=fvw

From the bottom of the genetic pool?:confused:

Bio diesel does an amazing job, soak it and walk away for an hour -good luck!

TRUE! Volkswagen is the largest religion in the WORLD - They also believe they have a real engine behind them.

The pressure washers work great. I just did this on mine. Does anyone know what the proper torque spec is for reinstalling the manifold? And is a new gasket required or is it reusable?