Walnut Blasting &
Carbon Cleaning
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At Marbree Motors, we specialise in the safe removal of carbon deposits from modern engines using advanced walnut blasting techniques. This service can be carried out on almost any vehicle, as we are able to produce custom adaptors to suit a wide range of engine types and inlet port sizes, something many garages are unable to offer due to the complexity of modern engines.
What is Carbon Build-Up?
Carbon build-up is a common issue in modern petrol and diesel engines, particularly those with direct injection systems. Unlike older engines, where fuel helped keep components clean, modern designs allow carbon to accumulate in the inlet ports over time, leading to restricted airflow, reduced performance, poor running, and loss of power. As a result, carbon cleaning is now widely recognised as a necessary service item during the life of the engine.
What Causes Carbon Deposits?
Carbon deposits form when oil vapours from the engine breather system enter the inlet and burn onto hot surfaces, creating hardened build-up over time. In diesel engines, this is made worse by exhaust gases from the EGR system mixing with these vapours, forming a thick, sticky carbon residue that can quickly restrict airflow and affect engine performance. This is a natural by-product of modern engine design and is difficult to prevent entirely.
How Walnut Blasting Works
Walnut blasting uses specialised equipment to fire finely crushed walnut shells into the inlet ports at high pressure while simultaneously extracting the debris. With the inlet valves sealed and confirmed closed, this process safely breaks down and removes carbon deposits without causing damage to engine components. We use a carefully selected mix of walnut shell sizes to ensure effective cleaning while also leaving a smooth, clean finish inside the ports.
Why Choose Walnut Blasting?
From our experience, walnut blasting is the safest and most effective method of carbon removal, as it physically removes deposits from the engine rather than attempting to flush them through the system. Alternative “wet” cleaning methods can dislodge carbon, potentially causing serious engine damage if debris becomes trapped behind valves or passes through critical components, which is why we strongly recommend a proper removal process.
Inlet Valve Cleaning
Inlet valve cleaning is a key part of the walnut blasting process, helping to restore engine performance by removing carbon deposits that restrict airflow. Over time, these deposits can significantly reduce power and efficiency, particularly in direct injection engines where fuel does not pass through the inlet to keep it clean, and removing this build-up helps your engine run smoother, more efficiently, and closer to its original performance.
