Filthy intake valves at 20k miles.

[Mr. Tech]

Just picked up a borescope recently and figured I'd take a look at the valves. Unfortunately, the camera can't focus that close and it's super dark, but it's clear enough in person to see a TON of gunk on the intake valves at 20k miles. Looks like it's time for an intake cleaner... or two.

I've attached a few pictures, but they are pretty hard to see. For reference, the bottom right of the pictures are the threads for the spark plug, The light is bouncing off of that which makes is washed out.

If you look closely, you can see the shiny oil buildup at the center. The only way to really tell from a picture is to compare it to what the exhaust valve looks like with the same camera, so I've included that as well for reference.

Current mods:
Mishimoto Oil Catch Can added at about 15k miles (clearly, I should have done this earlier).
JB4 tune ran 50% on Map 2 and 50% on Map 1 (added at around 10k miles).
DIY intake added at same time as JB4 tune.
Mishimoto intercooler added a couple weeks ago.

 

[hummus]

Just picked up a borescope recently and figured I'd take a look at the valves. Unfortunately, the camera can't focus that close and it's super dark, but it's clear enough in person to see a TON of gunk on the intake valves at 20k miles. Looks like it's time for an intake cleaner... or two.

I've attached a few pictures, but they are pretty hard to see. For reference, the bottom right of the pictures are the threads for the spark plug, The light is bouncing off of that which makes is washed out.

If you look closely, you can see the shiny oil buildup at the center. The only way to really tell from a picture is to compare it to what the exhaust valve looks like with the same camera, so I've included that as well for reference.

Current mods:
Mishimoto Oil Catch Can added at about 15k miles (clearly, I should have done this earlier).
JB4 tune ran 50% on Map 2 and 50% on Map 1 (added at around 10k miles).
DIY intake added at same time as JB4 tune.
Mishimoto intercooler added a couple weeks ago.

Thank you for sharing this. I'm assuming your catch can is on the dirty side, between the PCV and manifold? Would you happen to have noticed if the exit hose (between the can and the manifold) was dry or oily?

 

[Ohiocruiser]

I've recently cleaned mine at 40k miles. And i will continue to say, the only way to clean them is to remove intake manifold and clean them manually. From past experience, i dont belive that catch cans or any cleaners you spray through intake do anything.

 

[STINGER]

I've recently cleaned mine at 40k miles. And i will continue to say, the only way to clean them is to remove intake manifold and clean them manually. From past experience, i dont belive that catch cans or any cleaners you spray through intake do anything.

Catch cans will just prolong the inevitable

 

[Ohiocruiser]

Catch cans will just prolong the inevitable

Doesn't look like it is prolonging it for much longer. It does make sense in theory but I haven't seen the proof of it doing much in real life.

 

[ChaneRZ]

Well I’ll just keep trading my car for a new one every 20k then lol.

 

[oddball]

Go down the intake. Popping off the upper intake doesn't take all that long.

 

[Devin]

I'm just going to let mine build up gunk for 100K miles. Until then it's Kia's problem.

 

[AusStinger]

Just picked up a borescope recently and figured I'd take a look at the valves. Unfortunately, the camera can't focus that close and it's super dark, but it's clear enough in person to see a TON of gunk on the intake valves at 20k miles. Looks like it's time for an intake cleaner... or two.

I've attached a few pictures, but they are pretty hard to see. For reference, the bottom right of the pictures are the threads for the spark plug, The light is bouncing off of that which makes is washed out.

If you look closely, you can see the shiny oil buildup at the center. The only way to really tell from a picture is to compare it to what the exhaust valve looks like with the same camera, so I've included that as well for reference.

Current mods:
Mishimoto Oil Catch Can added at about 15k miles (clearly, I should have done this earlier).
JB4 tune ran 50% on Map 2 and 50% on Map 1 (added at around 10k miles).
DIY intake added at same time as JB4 tune.
Mishimoto intercooler added a couple weeks ago.

IMO it doesn't look THAT bad for 20K miles considering you haven't had a catch can for most of that time.
You could do a seafoam treatment ( need to be careful though ) and then it should stay much cleaner with the mishi catch can now fitted.

When I get some time I'll boro my inlet valves and post some pics. I've had a Mishi Catch Can fitted since day one. Should be interesting to see.

 

[AusStinger]

I'm just going to let mine build up gunk for 100K miles. Until then it's Kia's problem.

Are you on a lease program ? Hand it back at 100K ?

 

[Devin]

Are you on a lease program ? Hand it back at 100K ?

No, I figure that if the engine has problems due to fouling during the powertrain warranty period it is their deal.

 

[AusStinger]

I hope you've got a REALLY good relationship with your service department.

Having worked in the game, its usually, the powertrain actually has to exhibit a fault, throw a code or fail for them to act in a warranty capacity.
Pretty much the only signs you as the driver get that the inlet valves are carboned up is increased fuel consumption and reduced power.
But take it to Kia with 100K miles on the clock and they'll 99% say normal wear and tear + not broken = no claim.