Achtuning offers Carbon Cleaning Services for Audi & Volkswagen engines utilizing direct-injection technology. Achtuning's Carbon Cleaning Services are designed to remove carbon deposits and buildup from the intake ports and intake valves, and restore lost power, fuel efficiency, and good run-ability. No more cold start misfires!

Gasoline direct-injection technology provides substantial improvements in power and efficiency on internal combustion engines, has become widely adopted in the latest Audi and Volkswagen models. This technology - advertised as FSI, TSI, or TFSI by Audi and Volkswagen - is more efficient than port fuel injection, and allows for increased horsepower and torque throughout the powerband, as well as lower emissions.

While the benefits of direct-injection are well documented and worth the added level of hardware and software complexity, there are cons to completely ridding of port injection. Direct-injected engines - particularly early 2.0T FSI , 4.2L FSI, and 5.2L FSI versions from Audi and Volkswagen - are prone to carbon buildup in the intake ports and on the intake valves, which over time becomes severely detrimental to engine performance and efficiency. These deposits worsen over time, inhibiting airflow, and can even break off and fall into the intake tract, where they can cause damage to the valves and internals.

Our carbon cleaning services are more thorough than most. Removable port divider flaps are scraped to remove heavy buildup and then placed into an ultrasonic cleaner. If the fuel injectors are removed (2.0 TSI and FSI for example) the tips are also placed in an ultrasonic cleaner to help remove any buildup in the pintle and then new seals are fitted. After multiple rounds of scraping, walnut blasting, and vacuuming, the ports and valves are clean. After reassembly, we smoke test to not only check our work but to also check for other unmetered air / vacuum leaks that may have not been known about, but also contributing to the poor run-ability and decrease in power and / or gas mileage. Finally we clear all codes, reset adaptations, and go for a test drive to make sure everything is functioning properly again.

Can I use fuel additives to prevent carbon buildup on my direct-injected engine?

• You can use fuel additives, but they won't help clean carbon buildup from the intake valves and intake tract. Because fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber on FSI, TSI, and TFSI engines, none of the fuel nor additives will reach the intake ports or valves.

Will installing a catch can kit completely eliminate carbon buildup on my direct-injected engine?

• Installing a catch can kit may help reduce oil in the intake tract and prevent loss of power due to PCV assembly failures, but they do not completely eliminate carbon buildup in your direct-injected engine. Carbon buildup is typically caused by soot from the combustion process reverberating and depositing on the valve stem and intake ports.

Can I remove carbon buildup on my direct-injected engine by introducing Seafoam or other chemicals into my intake manifold?

• No. The only way to fully remove carbon buildup from the intake valves and intake ports is to remove the intake manifold and physically clean the valves. This is a time-consuming and labor-intensive service that we recommend bringing your vehicle to our professional repair facility to have performed.

Are you in need of our Carbon Cleaning Service? You can reach one of Achtuning's Service Advisors by calling 425-895-0000, or emailing service@achtuning.com.