Ford EcoBoost Carbon Buildup Issue Solved Via Walnut Blasting

[dondonbabyraptor]

where did you get the cleaning done and what was the cost? I just bought a really nice 2019 XLT with 34k. Sounds like I need to add to my first routine maintenance visit.

I got it done at a local shop. I yelp/google searched walnut blasting in "local area". Found a shop that had great reviews and customers were really happy with their service and their honesty. Costed a whopping $650. I did hear BMW/Volvo dealerships sometimes offer this and it was around $150-300 IIRC. I think you will have to do some research for the best pricing. I did not have many shops offering the service and mechanics that are trustworthy so I settled a little bit. Glad I did, will be returning to them for any future truck work. Transmission fluid change was $70 too.

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[AzScorpion]

I got it done at a local shop. I yelp/google searched walnut blasting in "local area". Found a shop that had great reviews and customers were really happy with their service and their honesty. Costed a whopping $650. I did hear BMW/Volvo dealerships sometimes offer this and it was around $150-300 IIRC. I think you will have to do some research for the best pricing. I did not have many shops offering the service and mechanics that are trustworthy so I settled a little bit. Glad I did, will be returning to them for any future truck work. Transmission fluid change was $70 too.

Still not to bad a price considering you're in Southern CA where mostly everything is higher priced. It does give others a base to go by now when they go to get theirs done.

 

[underwhelmed]

I got it done at a local shop. I yelp/google searched walnut blasting in "local area". Found a shop that had great reviews and customers were really happy with their service and their honesty. Costed a whopping $650. I did hear BMW/Volvo dealerships sometimes offer this and it was around $150-300 IIRC. I think you will have to do some research for the best pricing. I did not have many shops offering the service and mechanics that are trustworthy so I settled a little bit. Glad I did, will be returning to them for any future truck work. Transmission fluid change was $70 too.

Thanks.

 

[dondonbabyraptor]

Still not to bad a price considering you're in Southern CA where mostly everything is higher priced. It does give others a base to go by now when they go to get theirs done.

Yeah, that COL goes into every little business product for sure. Definitely helps others a ton! Now, what I am really interested in is someone with catch can and roughly near 30-35k miles to take off their intake manifold and peek inside. No need to get the whole service, just a peek. However, I feel as if a lot of catch can owners may be VERY IMPRESSED with their valves or VERY DEPRESSED that the catch can is not worth the effort/cost.

 

[AzScorpion]

Yeah, that COL goes into every little business product for sure. Definitely helps others a ton! Now, what I am really interested in is someone with catch can and roughly near 30-35k miles to take off their intake manifold and peek inside. No need to get the whole service, just a peek. However, I feel as if a lot of catch can owners may be VERY IMPRESSED with their valves or VERY DEPRESSED that the catch can is not worth the effort/cost.

That's a great idea! You should post your results over in the catch can thread and maybe someone could do this. It would really help to see if there's any difference with and without one and maybe put this whole thing to rest. Ot start another argument. lol

 

[dondonbabyraptor]

That's a great idea! You should post your results over in the catch can thread and maybe someone could do this. It would really help to see if there's any difference with and without one and maybe put this whole thing to rest. Or start another argument. lol

Thanks for the link! Posted and we shall wait and see if anyone is willing. This should be interesting

 

[dondonbabyraptor]

Here's a good video showing how dirty the valves in the Ecoboost get after just 44,000 miles. This is the same 2.3 we have in our Rangers. This is a reasonably priced ($500) DIY system for those who want to attempt this but also a good reminder that this should be done by a pro at some point.

Before:

After:

You can also do this without the machine by hand with a pick and brush.

Looking back at this with my photos. That looks a bit worst than mine at 36k so it seems like the Ranger falls in line with other ecoboosts. ofc a lot of same engines in the line up but good to know.

 

[dondonbabyraptor]

A heads up, a lot of is wet/sludge like. This is more than likely oil/vapors. Carbon build up would look drier like this. I think a catch can is worth it for the sludge like material. Ofc, this is more than likely a mixture of both but still. Eliminating sludge seems to be worth it.

 

[Gastationslurpee]

Where in SD did you have this done for my future reference ?

 

[Rp930]

I would like to know oil used and interval, fuel used and octane and type of use (towing, etc.).

Edit: And Tune (brand) or factory.

 

[Peter949]

Did your mpg increase after the blast?

 

[dondonbabyraptor]

Where in SD did you have this done for my future reference ?

MrAutoSD

 

[dondonbabyraptor]

I would like to know oil used and interval, fuel used and octane and type of use (towing, etc.).

Edit: And Tune (brand) or factory.

OEM synthetic oil done at dealership every 5k miles, 91 octane, with maybe 3-6 months total of using a e20-e30 mix out of 2 and a half years ish now, few times a year I go ride hard in the desert(dusty area, usually following a lead), I WOT 30-50% of the time when I can on normal driving, no towing. Mostly 15 minutes or more highway driving, maybe 20-30% of the time short trips to the store 5 mins away.

FP Tune.

Thanks for the questions, hope this helps Rick!

 

[dondonbabyraptor]

Did your mpg increase after the blast?

I wouldn't be able to tell you about MPG, I get 13-17 mpg on stock tires/wheels due to how much fun I have. Did not have a baseline measurement, well I guess I could check what my MPG is now. Is there a way that says total avg MPG on the dashboard? I never really checked. If I get the baseline now, I can update you in a month after some driving. But I am so erratic in driving style that it's not a valid test.

 

[Peter949]

I wouldn't be able to tell you about MPG, I get 13-17 mpg on stock tires/wheels due to how much fun I have. Did not have a baseline measurement, well I guess I could check what my MPG is now. Is there a way that says total avg MPG on the dashboard? I never really checked. If I get the baseline now, I can update you in a month after some driving. But I am so erratic in driving style that it's not a valid test.

Ah, a man of similar driving style. I have my boring city 15 minute job commute and then times I like to have fun with it the on ramp on to the freeway or just some zips. I was just curious. Thanks, glad you enjoy your truck.

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