Since I already took off the manifold off to get to a check valve with line to oil air separator I looked at the valves. Direct injection so they look like ****. I researched walnut blasting and came across instructions to make a kit for $100. Results are amazing.

 

Great stuff and one of the first to get this done. How long did it take to get the manifold off and what is your skill level? Any tips, tricks, or shortcuts to removal? Show us what you built even if it’s harbor freight I’d like to do this in the spring.

 

It’s not technically difficult but be prepared with a lot of patience and move slowly. If you can change brake pads and rotors you can do this. I’ll rattle off a parts list of things to do this and what you should do while you’re in there.
- HF media blaster, walnuts fine, long gun extensions
- HD nylon spacer
- eBay m276 adapter
- cut the hose short from blaster. Remove nozzle from gun and replace with nylon spacer. Cut down long extension and insert. Fits tight.
- Amazon long pick set
- Block off wheels from rolling and get car in neutral. This was a hassle with keyless go. Roll down driver window. Leave door open. Press key position 2, put in neutral, shut door, reach through window opening and turn off. Verify it stayed in neutral.
- disconnect battery
- remove ecu. This always freaks me out not to break the locking tabs so take time.
- methodically remove dozens of wiring clips to move wiring harness on top of manifold. You won’t get it completely off but can get it out of the way. Use flat screwdriver to gently pull white tab up on connectors and pick under other end to get them off easily. Amazingly I didn’t break any.
- remove airboxes and foam pads
- remove injectors and spark plugs. I have new plugs going in.
- remove skinny vent line across front that goes between turbos
- remove pcv line from right turbo to manifold. Careful not to break tabs.
- tie up wiring harness
- remove manifold and clean with spray safe for plastic. Replace gaskets.
- remove cam magnets while you are there and replace them or replace the gaskets. Torque 8nm only.
- remove spacers below intake. Clean and install new gaskets.
- note the gaskets on intake are different part numbers from spacers although they look the same. Be careful.
- rotate engine to close valves. This is a pain because intercooler is in the way. I rotated at alternator and it was tough on a compression stroke and hoses are in the way. Take your time.
- tape off everything
​​​​​​- insert adapter attached to vacuum. Insert walnut gun and blast 30 seconds. Use picks to get chunks off valves. Blast again. Use brake cleaner and rags. Watch a lot of videos. This part is oddly satisfying.
- while in there remove pcv hoses from left turbo to oil air separator if you desire. This is a pain for various reasons and you’ll destroy old one getting it out.

this is where I am so far

 

 

Just wondering about the adapter you got on ebay. It says m278. But you were able to use this adapter on m276?

 

yes if I recall I sent the seller a message asking for measurements and this fit.

 

Ok thanks. Thinking about doing the blasting. I just bought an e350 with 60k on it i did a complete tune up on it while I had the manifold off I didn't like what I saw on the valves very dirty.

 

if you already have the manifold off I would do it. I doubt I would go through the hassle at 60k miles if not. I would wait until 80-90k and do it then. Just my opinion.

 

Yea I put everything back together after doing plugs. Honestly I thought it would be harder. I still need to piece walnut blaster, air compressor and vaccuum. Car runs immaculate. Maybe im being to obsessive. If did job probably do it in the spring. One question for you. When you turned crankshaft to close valves. How many did it close?

 

I don’t remember. I had masking tape over the cylinders I wasn’t working on so was only looking at one while turning. I recall having no room to turn at crank so I had to turn at a pulley on passenger side while holding belt. It was a pain but worked.

 

I ended up designing my own M278 walnut blaster adapter for 3D printing. I’ve made the model available for free at https://makerworld.com/en/models/214...laster-adapter