SLK55 AMG R172 Worth a Walnut Blast?

[as400]

Just recently bought this fun car, its a 2012 model with 94K and a full Mercedes main dealer history.

I have read about carbon build up and walnut blasting, is it worth a go do you think?...any alternative methods?

Would icarsoft MB3 give any indication of carbon build up?

 

[W1ghty]

1. Sounds lovely , pics please
2. Doubt it , Redex and an Italian tune up . At least you feel you have done something for £5
3. No it wouldn’t .

 

[alexanderfoti]

These engines are not as prone to carbon buildup as DI engines from other brands. Primarily due to an effective breather system and lack of EGR

 

[Petrol Pete]

I didn't want to say too much when I saw your first post as400, but I have not really heard of carbon build up being an issue on this engine .

Others on here might have more info.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

I've not heard of walnut blasting on any Mercedes. But down in Munich, it's de rigueur amongst fast E90 /E91 owners.

And +1 for @W1ghty 's mention of an Italian tune up, after you've established that the basics are all good on the car. Doesn't mean illegal speeds, just high revs.

A lot of owners of powerful cars seldom go faster than 2,000 rpm. The motors aren't designed to be used like that.

 

[SpikyMikey]

I've not heard of walnut blasting on any Mercedes.

But down in Munich, it's de rigeur for E90 /E91 owners.

And in VW land

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

And in VW land

Not familiar. Strictly cars for "one's Staff."

 

[SpikyMikey]

Not familiar. Strictly cars for "one's Staff."

Mrs Spiky must be "staff" in that case...good luck arguing that point with her

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Mrs Spiky must be "staff" in that case...good luck arguing that point with her

No argument required. Mrs MiW has an elderly MX5.

Which never goes above 2,000 revs.

(when she's in it)

 

[as400]

These engines are not as prone to carbon buildup as DI engines from other brands. Primarily due to an effective breather system and lack of EGR

Thanks! I did think though that the SLK55 had an EGR valve?

 

[John N]

Just recently bought this fun car, its a 2012 model with 94K and a full Mercedes main dealer history.

I have read about carbon build up and walnut blasting, is it worth a go do you think?...any alternative methods?

Would icarsoft MB3 give any indication of carbon build up?

I have never heard of "Walnut Blasting" in the Internal Combustion Engine, I would suspect that there are too many "Nooks & Crannies" for the Nut Shell to get stuck in! But have seen it done on Wessex Gnome Turbine Engines in the late 70's early 80's, very efficient in removing Carbon Deposits from the Turbine Blades and leaves a very pleasant smell around!

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

I have never heard of "Walnut Blasting" in the Internal Combustion Engine, I would suspect that there are too many "Nooks & Crannies" for the Nut Shell to get stuck in! But have seen it done on Wessex Gnome Turbine Engines in the late 70's early 80's, very efficient in removing Carbon Deposits from the Turbine Blades and leaves a very pleasant smell around!

Said to be recommended by BMW main dealers every 80-100,000 miles,

it's very common on higher performance petrols like the 335i and 330i

Once again, I've never heard of anyone doing it on one of Stuttgart's finest.

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[Petrol Pete]

I have never heard of "Walnut Blasting" in the Internal Combustion Engine, I would suspect that there are too many "Nooks & Crannies" for the Nut Shell to get stuck in! But have seen it done on Wessex Gnome Turbine Engines in the late 70's early 80's, very efficient in removing Carbon Deposits from the Turbine Blades and leaves a very pleasant smell around!

It's a very common procedure in direct injection engines when they have carboned up too far.

Plenty Youtube vids out there . Obviously the MOST important to make sure the piston is in the compression phase and BOTH valves are closed.

Dry Ice blasting for larger areas is very good too . Not for valves though !

 

[BIGDOG]

Nothing to do with an enlarged prostate then?

 

[alexanderfoti]

Thanks! I did think though that the SLK55 had an EGR valve?

M113 yes M152 no.