How To Clean Valves Without Removing Head? (11 Easy Steps)

Imagine the valves of your vehicle are not clean. They can easily get dirty & messy. At most, what can happen? Well, if you do have unclean valves there won’t be a proper flow of fluid in your vehicle and there might even be a power loss in the engine.  

So, cleaning valves are necessary. But removing the head can put us into extra work. That is why many of us want to know about how to clean valves without removing head. But is it possible?

Yes, it is a bit tricky but possible. And we have done the hard work for you. In this article we will show you a simple beginner friendly step by step process on cleaning valves without removing the head. We will also give you some safety tips for proper execution. So, let’s go!

How To Clean Valves Without Removing Head? Step By Step

As we said, it is a bit tricky. But with effective research & proper guidelines you’ll be able to clean the intake valves pretty easily without removing the head. So what do you need to do? Just follow these Steps:

1. Taking The Precautions

Always Remember, SAFETY FIRST! Your engine will be running while you are doing the process. So, put gloves & glasses and then get down to the main wok. It will protect you from getting your hands burned or getting fluids into the eyes.

Many of us take this matter lightly but we should always take precautions for our very own safety.

2. Setting Operating Temperature

The main process starts from here. You will need to start your engine & get it up to the operating temperature.

What is the correct operating temperature? Well, most of the engines have an operating temperature of 90 to 105 degrees Celsius (195 to 220 Fahrenheit). So have a look on the dashboard & check the temperature gauge.

Make sure it is between C and H to properly get the engine into the operating temperature. After that, you are ready for the next step.

3. Removing Air Filter Cover

In the third step, you have to be a bit careful & precise. You need to get access to the MAF sensor. That is why the plastic cover in the air filter needs to be removed. The cover is near the engine.

So find the filter cover & you’ll see that there is a duct which gets access into the engine. Now, the hose clamp from both of the sides needs to be loosen up. Also, if you find any wing nuts, remove it.

4. The Condition of the Air Filter

In this step, you need to check the situation your air filter is in. What is the condition of it? If it is not clean, then clean it immediately. Our suggestion would be replacing it with a new one & you have nothing to worry about.

5. Locating MAF Sensor

Next up, it’s time to locate the MAF sensor. But what is the MAF sensor?

Many of us might not know but the MAF sensor stands for mass airflow sensor. It helps to calculate how much air is entering the engine.  It is in charge of the air intake and also it helps us to identify the ratio of air & fuel.

We can locate the mass airflow sensor between the throttle body & the airbox. You need to know the exact location to get to the next steps.

6. Revving the Engine

You are going to need some assistance from someone for this stage. Get someone at the driving seat who will be revving the engine approximately 2000 RPMs.  This will also help in the combustion process.

7. Inserting Cleaner Straw

You must be careful in this step. Remember not to spray the cleaner in front of the sensor. Also you can get a check engine light on the dashboard if you do not pass the throttle. So remember to spray after the mass airflow sensor.

8. Scanning The Vehicle

You can scan your vehicle for error codes. You can use an OBD scanner for this. But this is not a compulsory step. But if you know what went wrong, you can remove it & have it solved.

9. Spraying the Whole Cleaner

We are getting at the end of it. Here, the whole spray of the cleaner needs to be sprayed. Make sure to take a gap of 30 seconds. Keep spraying until the can gets empty.

What will the spray cleaner do? It will help to remove the carbon deposits. If you think the engine is stalling, you can press the gas pedal upto 350 RPMs.

10. Revving the Engine Again

When the can is finished you need to rev the engine again. But there are two things you should keep in mind.

• Rev the engine no more than 3 times over 2000 RPMS.
• While revving, make sure not to exceed 3000 RPMS.

When the revving is done, keep the engine running idle for one minute. After that, turn off the engine.

11. Re- Assembling

Now it is time to re-assembling air intake system. When you are done with the revving, it is time for re-installing the air filler. Another suggestion would be to let the engine heat-soak. The engine should heat-soak for an hour. What will this do? It will help the valves to get cleaned from the carbon deposit.

After that, you can take your vehicle for a drive for 10-20 minutes. By this time, the valves should be neat and clean.

We hope you found the steps easy. Now you know everything you need to know about how to clean valves without removing head. So follow these steps & keep the valves clean.

Safety Tips

• We are saying this again, take the precautions. Wear the safety gloves & glasses for the protection of your hands & eyes.
• While doing the second step, try not to cross the operating temperature ( no more than 195 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Keep an eye on every part because you do not want to lose anything at the time of reinstalling.
• While revving in the first step, try revving the engine approx. 2000 RPMs.
• Be extra careful & precise at the time of spraying the cleaner.
• There will be no spraying in front of the mass airflow sensor.
• In the sixth step you are going to need some assistance. Make sure the person has good driving skills & he is familiar with the vehicle.
• While doing the 10th step, do not exceed 3000 RPMS.

Final Thought

The valves are valuable parts for the engine, for the car. So keeping them clean is necessary. Now that you know how to clean valves without removing head, it can save your time & your extra hard work.

If you have any queries or suggestions, reach us out. Keep the parts of your vehicle in good shape & drive safe.

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