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Topic: Best Way to Clean Upper Intake? (Read 3425 times) previous topic - next topic

Best Way to Clean Upper Intake?

I'm finally getting around to putting the 5.0 HO upper intake on the Cougar.  The replacement upper has a lot of carbon buildup.  What is the best way to remove this while it is still off of the motor and without clogging the smaller ports?

88 Cougar LS 5.0

Best Way to Clean Upper Intake?

Reply #1 –
What worked for me was blast it with lots of carb cleaner spray, a bottle brush and a tub of some sorts to do it in. Wheel barrow outside (good venting) is what I used. Simple Green or Orange cleaner might work and be a little more environmental. Once you're started, you may get experimental with whatever you have around. I think I even tried Kerosene. Good Luck!
87 Sport with HO cam, 19# injectors,TB+Upper Intake,87 Mustang EEC, Cloyes double roller timing chain, Kirban adj. fuel regulator and Autometer fuel pres. guage, HO shorty headers + LSC H-pipe and Dynomax Super Turbo lers, Ford Racing 9mm wires, K&N filter / no air resonator, 8.8 XR7 Diff., V rated tires, Project ongoing.

Best Way to Clean Upper Intake?

Reply #3 –
I used Castrol Super Clean to clean one out. I took foil and covered all the openings except one. Then I poured in the super clean also works with card cleaner. I used super clean about 50% then 50% water let it soak over night the next day it was brand new inside. No scrubbing or anything. The better you plug off the holes the better job it does cause it holds more of the cleaner in. I also did that with the spray can carb cleaner on my Intercooler it also looked brand new inside. The intercooler soaked on each side for about 30min. not over night like the super clean. I'm shure Seafoam would work great also.
84 Turbo coupe 2.3T Modded with 88 upper and lower intake, 88 injectors, E6 manifold, T3-4 AR.60 turbo, 31X12X3 FMIC, Homemade MBC , Greddy knock off BPV.
4 eyes see better than 2! 
Da Bird!

FreeBird

Best Way to Clean Upper Intake?

Reply #4 –
I can vouch for the Seafoam.  That stuff is miracle in a can!  I was having problems with my engine hesitating when cruising at a constant RPM, so I bought a few cans of that stuff, put one in the gas tank, poured another one down the throttle body while the engine was running, and put half a can into my oil.  While I was pouring it down the TB the white smoke that came out the exhaust was pretty sweet, I wish I had been able to take a picture of it.  And a few weeks after I put it in the oil, I changed it and all sorts of  came out with it.  The next time I changed the oil there wasnt so much as a speck of dirt in that oil.

I highly recommend that if you want your fuel system or oil lines cleaned that you try the Seafoam. :headbang:

Best Way to Clean Upper Intake?

Reply #5 –
id get some kind of soft brush on the end of a long rod like this  http://por15.com/PRODUCTS/ACCESSORIESSPECIALTY/DAUBERKITS/tabid/101/Default.aspx

spray it with carb cleaner and rub that around through the runners. maybe even flip it upside down and pour degreaser down the runners and swish it around then use the dauber to scrub at it.

Best Way to Clean Upper Intake?

Reply #6 –
Polish it.You can do it in a day for very little money,and a little effort.I did my Explorer upper.You can see yourself in it.You'd be surprised how easy it is.I got a 5 inch sanding disc for my drill,and a box (15) 150 grit discs.I sanded the entire intake,moving the drill constantly (wear ear plugs !!!!!!!!!),until the whole thing was nice and smooth.Then,I got a bucket of water,and sand paper for wet or dry use (autobody paper).I started wet sanding with 220,then 320,400,600,800,1000,1500,and then 2000.After I was satisfied with the smooth look,I went over it with Mother's Billet Polish,and I can now see myself in the intake.I got carried away and did the steering pump bracket,valve covers,belt tensioner,and 3G alternator.It's really worth the time if you like shiny parts.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Best Way to Clean Upper Intake?

Reply #7 –
Thanks for the tips.  Right now I have it soaking with Deep Creep (a Seafoam product).  I still a have a lot to remove.  I should mention again that this intake is not on the motor and it is the inside that  I need to clean.

88 Cougar LS 5.0

Best Way to Clean Upper Intake?

Reply #8 –
Oh,I didn't realize it was the inside.I took mine to the carwash,held it down with my foot (prepare to get wet),and used the high pressure washer on it after I filled it with the "engine cleaner" stuff.Did a great job.It was worth the bath,and the $1.50 in quarters.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Best Way to Clean Upper Intake?

Reply #9 –
That's a great idea!  Know where I'll be this evening:evilgrin:

88 Cougar LS 5.0