RKX Carbon Cleaning Walnut Blaster Adapter Compatible with VW Audi TFSI Engines Intake Valve

I used this adapter to carbon clean the intake valves of my 2010 Passat's TSI engine and it worked really well. The adapter required some pressure to fully seat.RKX's listing pictures show a shop vac adapter connected directly to their blaster adapter but that limits how you can angle the blaster. Instead I used a flexible 1" hose at an angle and then connected that to a shop vac adapter.I used the white ceramic snub nose adapter that comes with the Harbor Freight blaster and switched to a DIY wand I could insert into the blaster adapter hole to get closer and tackle problem areas like the back of some valves. To clean problem areas you may need to blast precisely on them.It took me 3 afternoons to carbon clean all the intake valves. I reused the walnut fine grit several times. One cylinder's intake valves were much harder to clean than the other cylinders and I don't know why.If you want more detail I documented my carbon cleaning experience in passatworld B6 Garage thread "My notes for walnut blasting the intake valves".

This worked perfectly. It actually "snapped" in, it was such a perfect fit, and made an excellent seal (2014 VW CC 2.0). While the snap won't hold it there unattended while you are blasting, it confirms a nice seal, and you just hold it in place with one hand, while working your blast gun with the other. All in all, maybe a teaspoon of media got away from the vacuum, and fell down along the machined ridge just below the intakes. The whole process was made easier by this adaptor, which can be expected when you have the right gear.I've seen others use a jury rig setup, with towels and hand cut pieces of cardboard and plastic. And all that just doesn't makes sense if you can get your hands on one of these.As blasting the carbon is a regular maintenance, recommended every 30k miles, you may as well own this IMO.I posted a before and after of blasting just for the heck of it.Uncertain if this will work on my 1.8 Jetta head as well, as the port may be a different size.

Adapter worked extremely well and kept the mess to the very bare minimum. This is not a beginner level job, do some research and don't be in a rush.It's not terribly difficult to remove the intake, but there are a lot of wires to disconnect. They temp sensor wire hidden underneath with the two small wires are easy to rip out. (Don't ask me how I know) There's a support bracket under the throttle body that is a pain. Small hands help.You'll need torx bits, triple square, 17mm wrench, 10mm deep socket, big socket and ratchet (to turn engine over) at a minimum along with the shop vac and 1" adapter for the hose to attach to this piece. Don't forget to order the injector seal kit including the Teflon gaskets that seal the injectors to the block. I had to use a hose feed gun because there was no way to get a good angle with a hopper feed gun.Best results were had by filling the intake port with non-flammable brake cleaner then letting it soak for about 10 or 15 minutes. Vacuum that out, then go at it with the walnut shells.

Giving this one 4 stars. While it works great, and helps keep the media concentrated on your work area, whilst making collection much easier, it is made of plastic and I cannot help but wonder if it’s longevity. I work on cars for a living, and have already used this 4 times. It is starting to show wear. I can’t help but feel like this would have been much better if made of aluminum.Hopefully the guys at RKX consider it. They make great problem-solving solutions for European cars.

Fits nicely in the intake ports of my 2.0t

Stick to a professional machine. This one just makes a mess

This tool has made cleaning the valves on my Jetta a breeze. Vacuum hose fits on it perfectly and it has a little ridge on the bottom that helps keep it in place. It was 1/3 of the cost of another similar tool I looked at so a great price and worth the money.

it's not 3d printed, which is a pleasant surprise. looks like it will hold up for quite a while, which would make it a good value. haven't used it yet. attachment for vacuum is smaller than i expected - not a standard size for a shop vacuum. overall, i am happy with it for the price.