S8 V10 Carbon Cleaning

[Turbo Tony]

I didn't want to veer the transmission (saga) thread off to a tangent, so I thought I'd start a new thread about carbon cleaning.

My car runs a little rough in the mornings and I'm convinced that engine has more to give, so I suspect it suffers from carbon build-up. The terraclean definitely helped, so it's only logical that the backs of the valves, where terraclean doesn't reach, should be equally gunked up. First things first, does that sound like the symptoms I'd be experiencing if there is carbon build-up?

Over the past couple of days, I've been asking around a few places for what they charge and their preferred method of cleaning. I've contacted:

MRC (web form) - replied with quote
Unit20 (web form)- replied with quote
Vagtech (web form)
VW Audi Specialist Centre (facebook)

My second question is whether anyone has any experience with any of these places doing a carbon clean?

Question three is which method you think would work best? Both garages that have replied so far have preferred the mechanical approach. MRC will do the walnut-blasting method, but say that mechanical scrubbing works better, especially for the backs of the valves. I can understand the thinking, but the pictures I've seen online make the walnut-blasting look a lot more effective than the manual cleaning. I was hoping someone would tell me they blast with walnut shells and then manually clean the backs of the valves.

Finally, I'm quite tempted to try it myself... especially after Del offered to do mine for me (at least that's the way I read his post!). Of course, the cost saving is significant but I also may be able to have the inlet cover powder-coated. Mine has a small scratch that bothers me more than I'd like (no surprises there!).

Has anyone else done their own? How long did it take? Did it require any special tools? Any pitfalls?

If there's anything else I've not yet thought of, please feel free to share.

[M-A8]

Hello mate

So, I am actually doing a write up about the decoke I've done on my S8's V10 project recently so the thread and pictures will be up soon.

I've done it purely as I was deleting the inlet manifold flaps and it was silly not to do it, so if you can afford couple of days at least if you are not very experienced then I would say DO IT. Removing manifold is a bit of a pain and at least an hour and half for it to come out and same for putting it back in.

Give me couple of hours or so and I see if I can get at least basics covered and post the thread.

If you think it's a bit too much and you may lose it half way thru and get stressed then out of the 4 places you have mentioned I would strongly recommend Audi VW Specialist Centre, I will even guarantee for them.
Both guys, Peter and Chris are ex Audi Master Technicians and between them and other two mechanics they employ they know all Audi's in and out, and A8's are at the top of their list. Decoke isn't a technical process, but they will do a top job no question about it. They look after my A8 and now also S8 for the past 5-6 good years and I always go there with jobs I can't handle due to lack of ramp or knowledge. Plus they will only charge you labour cost, so if it takes them 10hours, they will charge you £600.
Before I gained some confidence I took RS4 there and job was at the highest level, they will always provide you with pics before and after as well.

As I said, give me up to 2hours and I will have all the info for you and others if you decide to do it yourself which is much more rewarding

[Delboy]

especially after Del offered to do mine for me (at least that's the way I read his post!)

Ehh when did I do that, Have I started having them lost in time moments again.

Where's me Gin?

[Turbo Tony]

Funnily enough Marcin, it was because of your recommendation on another thread that VWAS are on the list (and I did tell them that too)! They're actually the closest to me, so I'd love for them to be my regular garage, but, truth be told, I've sent them two enquiries now and they're yet to reply to either one. I know car places and communication (especially electronic) don't always mix, but it bugs me. I'd like to know that if my car is in somewhere for some work and something pertinent comes to my mind while I'm in a meeting, I can send a quick email or text under the table and they'll get it.

Del, yes, you must have forgotten. When works for you?!

I'd love to see both your write-ups!

[M-A8]

Originally Posted by Turbo Tony

Funnily enough Marcin, it was because of your recommendation on another thread that VWAS are on the list (and I did tell them that too)! They're actually the closest to me, so I'd love for them to be my regular garage, but, truth be told, I've sent them two enquiries now and they're yet to reply to either one. I know car places and communication (especially electronic) don't always mix, but it bugs me. I'd like to know that if my car is in somewhere for some work and something pertinent comes to my mind while I'm in a meeting, I can send a quick email or text under the table and they'll get it.

Del, yes, you must have forgotten. When works for you?!

I'd love to see both your write-ups!

When you go there few times and see how busy and involved everyone is you will understand why there is no time for enquiries. Well, there is always time for enquiries and you will always get a reply if you call. If the car is in the garage they will only call you or text when its ready to be picked up.
Since they have opened 6 years ago they have became extremely popular and rightfully the best Audi Indy within the M25 and outside.
Working on the write up as we speak and then pictures, it all may be a little of a mess as it's a rush job.
Speak soon

[Norretal]

Originally Posted by M-A8

So, I am actually doing a write up about the decoke I've done on my S8's V10 project recently so the thread and pictures will be up soon.

Marcin, have I missed something??

Looking forward to your write up and photos, it'll be educational as always

[M-A8]

Originally Posted by Norretal

Marcin, have I missed something??

Looking forward to your write up and photos, it'll be educational as always

To be honest I did give you few clues when asking about your manifold guy month ago during our text messages exchange

Sorting and uploading pictures so it all should be up soon, within one hour max

[Norretal]

Originally Posted by M-A8

To be honest I did give you few clues when asking about your manifold guy month ago during our text messages exchange

Sorting and uploading pictures so it all should be up soon, within one hour max

Haha, I had an inkling at the time but thought you were just being helpful to others as is your way. I'm guessing the silencer delete enquiry was for your own purpose too.........good man, looking forward to your write up mate

[M-A8]

Originally Posted by Norretal

Haha, I had an inkling at the time but thought you were just being helpful to others as is your way. I'm guessing the silencer delete enquiry was for your own purpose too.........good man, looking forward to your write up mate

yep
Going either tomorrow or Friday to remove two resonators.
I will do soon a S8 project thread covering all the bits done in the past couple of months so watch this space, plenty of engine p@rn and other ''stuff''

[M-A8]

Thread and pics are up.
A bit of a mess with the pics, but it was a rush job uploading it

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/showthrea...437#post117437