Isuzu Mu-x + D-max CARBON CLEAN || How to Prevent Carbon Build up || THREEBOND Diesel Intake Clean

G'day Guys and Gals!
Here's a link to the Provent Catch can that I am using. This has been working great at removing all of the oil vapours from the intake system over the last 100k - amzn.to/3dCTeQM
Here's a link to the Liqui Moly Diesel intake De-carb which is a great alternative to the Threebond cleaner - amzn.to/3Rjg11T
In this video I talk about how we can prevent carbon from building up in our Diesel intake system. I begin by explaining the two systems in our engine that contribute to carbon buildup. The systems are -
1. Crank case ventilation
2. EGR - (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
When the soot from the EGR and the oil vapours from the crank case ventilation mix together they create a thick sludgy carbon build up in our intake.
The best way to reduce carbon build up is by fitting a catch can, this removes the oil vapours from the crank case ventilation and allows only the dry exhaust gasses through into the engine.
When it comes to the Exhaust gas recirculation or EGR system. I would highly recommend leaving the system alone to work as it was designed to. The Diesel engine has been designed to work with the EGR system to manage heat and also soot. The Exhaust gas recirculation actually helps with cooling down combustion temperatures and increasing efficiency. It also removes some soot from the exhaust system before it travels through the Diesel Particulate Filter and Catalytic Converter.
There are also a few other things that can increase the amount of carbon buildup that occurs in the intake manifold and on the back of the valves, including -
1. Lots of short trips
2. Using poor quality fuel
3. Lack of maintenance or servicing
4. Stop start driving
5. Lack of Carbon Cleaning Schedule
If we fit a catch can to our Turbo Diesel vehicle and also try to avoid Short trips, using poor quality fuel, lack of maintenance, stop start driving and not having a carbon cleaning schedule. We can real reduce the amount of carbon build up that occurs in our intake manifold and on our valves.
The best way to remove and break down carbon deposits is with an intake system clean or engine conditioner decarb. The carbon clean consists of a can of foamy mixture that is sprayed into the intake system with the engine running. This breaks down the carbon deposits into a light foamy mixture which can be consumed by the engine. We can also remove the intake pipes or closes port to the inlet and carry out an intake spot clean. This targets specific areas in the intake system like where the EGR vents into the intake.
Carbon cleaning intake sprays are a great way to easily reduce the amount of carbon build up in the intake system. If and intake carbon spray clean is carried out at each service the intake system will remain nice and clean. This will reduce the likely hood of having to carry out the large and messy job of removing the intake manifold and manually cleaning out the carbon build up. Some workshops charge over $1000 to remove the inlet manifold and intake pipes and carry out an ultrasonic clean of the components. If we carry out regular preventative maintenance like the intake cleans and fit a catch can this wont be necessary.
I would recommend carrying out a three bond engine conditioner intake clean every service to reduce the amount of carbon in the intake. If you do carry out regular maintenance on the intake system then you will ensure your engine is going to be running the best it possibly can with good efficiency and plenty of power and torque.
I have been using the Threebond intake diesel engine conditioner for the last 10 years on many different vehicles with some great results. It is a quick easy way to remove carbon build up from the intake system without having to dismantle. It is the most cost effective way to clean carbon from the intake system and also the easiest way.
Please wear safety gear when carrying out work on the engine, eye protection and respiratory protection is recommended. Always read instructions.
Thanks a lot for watching :) :)
LowRangeNick -
Instagram - / lowrangenick
Facebook - / lowrangenick
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Lowrangenick, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Lowrangenick assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Lowrangenick recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Lowrangenick, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Lowrangenick.

[@LowRangeNick]

Hey Guys! Here's a link to the Provent Catch can that I am using. This has been working great at removing all of the oil vapours from the intake system over the last 100k - amzn.to/3dCTeQM Here's a link to the Liqui Moly Diesel intake De-carb which is a great alternative to the Threebond cleaner - amzn.to/3Rjg11T Thank's for Watching :)

[@colintranter5162]

Thanks for the video Nick. I've had a series 200 can on my colorado for I think about 30000k, should the filter be changed out after 40k? And would you be able to add the link to the one above please?

[@LowRangeNick]

@@colintranter5162 thanks Colin! Yep, the filter should be changed every 40k. Here's a link to the video I did on the catch can filter change and conversion. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2mrh5-cr5uii8k

[@eternallearner8185]

Superbly explained and presented as you normally do, I love your work.

[@deanpeters1102]

Been following your videos ......I'm not mechanically blessed but watching your videos is very ihelpful....keep up the great work

[@gambekapula3761]

Excellent presentation and very helpful Nik ,,,well done mate!

[@rodolfojrdulay5971]

Thank you very much Nick. Im very happy with my provent catch can install in my MU-X.

[@Shane-jm7oh]

Your good to know I appreciate the tips to service my D-Max. Good Job

[@guttormamli3473]

Thank's from Norway! Love your tips🙂

[@aalback1]

Hi Nick...thanks so much for your tips etc...they have been a huge help with my Dmax...my car has 93,000 ks on it and from the day I picked it up I put a provent catch-can and a Mungi EGR delete on it...the EGR delete is a plug-n-play device that just plugs into the maf sensor and tells the computer that it's 3 degrees outside so it never opens the EGR...I have never had a single issue with it and after looking after watching your vlog I'm so glad I did...not one bit of carbon sludge at all...keep up the great work Nick...👍👍👍

[@LowRangeNick]

That's great!

[@billramsey800]

Thanks Nick extremely helpful have also now checked body mounts which are cracked and being replaced under warranty 2019 d'max less than 30,000k and only been driven moderately, thanks for the heads up.

[@LowRangeNick]

That's great news Bill. Good that you're getting it sorted. Cheers 😀

[@user-ne2vq4xk9u]

Great advice, I’ll be doing this every service from now on. I just stuffed my Rodeo motor because of carbon build up. ThanksNick.

[@LowRangeNick]

Thanks a lot 😀

[@mattirae4191]

I have cleaned the intake with some clotch. No need for any chemicals. I have a habit cleaning the EGR as well. It is easy to give it a bath once you remove it. Car is Isuzu DMax 2011 with the 4JK engine

[@adzoutnabout8666]

Great info mate. I was told by a diesel mechanic the Subaru decarbon spray was the best there is, which if made by the Japanese, i don’t doubt his word. He also told me to have the RPM at 3k for the treatment. They spray though 1 ltr. I like to use the Durka method when I am driving my Dmax. Any chance i can rev the Durka out of it seems to clean out something.

[@timcooling800]

Great vid mate as usual. Nick do you know of a similar bracketed provent kit for the 2013-2016 model mux?

[@moikehunt8928]

Is this carbon cleaning procedure carried out during normal dealer servicing or is it an additional service routine that needs to be carried out by the owner? If the latter, what other important systems require attention by the owner?

[@theowenssailingdiary5239]

Can you explain how egr helps reduce combustion temps? Is it because there is less o2?

[@presidentdwaynecamacho3797]

Hi Nick, so where all that broken down crap is going to end? In the dpf? Also,I had the same catch can fitted, but on the outlet I could still find a oily residue, would fitting 2 of them in line fix this, or would it restrict the flow? Thanks

[@rocketviii]

Great vid Nick (as per usual)! Any chance you can do a video on how to remove and clean the EGR valve on the MuX?

[@bluedunn374]

I Second this, also a complete intake removal and clean

[@neilkerswell9335]

Do you place any value on products that you add to your diesel fuel like Nulon EGR cleaner and Nulon diesel fuel system cleaner etc. Do you know if they actually work?

[@user-ws1im6xy5w]

@LowRangeNick how do you keep the revs high while spraying the conditioner?

[@toddmacann8442]

Great video thanks. I have a Provent catch can and Munji hard intercooler pipes on my 2013 D-Max which I’ve owned since new. I do get some oil wetness in the hard pipes when I pull them off to do this clean - is it normal to get some oil coming through from the turbo?

[@LowRangeNick]

Hey Todd! That's completely normal.

[@troytranter3701]

Hi Nick, I'm assuming you can also spray it in just before the intercooler to clean the pipes and get a better heat transfer? I tried the ThreeBond spraying it in near the throttle body and like the video it has done a really good job I just used one can. I'm really liking your video's Nick. Have you though about doing a video on valve clearance? I have seen a couple online for the 4jj1 engine but I reckon they are putting the feeler gauge in the wrong place under the cam instead of on top of the valve stem and under the adjuster. 😀

[@LowRangeNick]

Hey Troy, you can definitely spray it through the intercooler. It will help clean it out. I will aim to do a video on valve clearance video next time it's due. Cheers!

[@dam0683]

Hi Nick have the 2018 mux coming up for 80k service all stock setup, checked intercooler piping had wet oil residue around pipes and connections oil was dark but felt clean, was going to give it a carbon clean before the service then fit the oil catch can and the metal intercooler pipes as your video install, are you going to do a egr dpf delete or would you not recommend as it is all linked to engine management. Keep the maintenance updates coming very informative 👍

[@LowRangeNick]

I wouldn't really recommend tampering with the dpf or egr systems. Big fines if you get caught. I'll be leaving them on the vehicle. Good idea fitting the catch can and pipes, that should reduce the amount of oil going through the intake.

[@krump743]

Nice video. I dunno how u manage to get such good camera shots of everything when ur working on ur own lol. Does an oil change need to be performed after this carbon clean?

[@LowRangeNick]

Thanks a lot! It is a good idea to do the carbon clean before an oil change or oil service.

[@BrigadierMJ]

Is there a risk of hydrolock using upper engine cleaners on diesels? Regards

[@davidmontgomery6170]

My friend was a fuel truck driver recently retired. He says and i agree with him there is only one fuel import source in Australia and all suppliers use the same fuel. Diesel is all the same. Petrol does have additives depending on the supplier.

[@spiceytwiggy]

I used to unload the tanker ship from Singapore carrying 90 million litres of petrol and diesel. I can assure you are 100% correct all fuel comes from Singapore refinary as our refineries are all closing down

[@mikey8316]

Informative video Nick. Thanks. Going forward will you be removing the EGR valve and whole intake manifold for a manual clean?

[@LowRangeNick]

Hey Mikey, carrying out the intake spray cleans at regular intervals means you will never need to remove the manifold and manually clean it.

[@victorhare3707]

@@LowRangeNick Hi Nick, Love your work! I fully understand your comment about the regular intake sprays keeping the intake manifold clean. Do I understand the system correctly in thinking that these intake manifold sprays do NOT also clean the EGR valve? I'm thinking that after the spray runs through the combustion chamber it probably is no longer in a state to clean the EGR valve afterwards. Is this correct, and if so will you eventually need to manually clean the EGR? Cheers for the info.....just want to ask if I understand correctly!

[@LowRangeNick]

@Victor Hare hi Victor, if you spray it down into the intake with the engine running it won't likely work it's way down into the egr valve. If you direct the spray nozzle down into the egr inlet when you remove the intake pipe and do some controlled sprays some of that will work its way down into the valve and assist with cleaning it. If you are concerned about the build up in the valve you can remove and clean it to make sure its 100% clean. There is a metal gasket that will require replacing though if you are removing the valve for cleaning.

[@edmundwasilewski]

G'day Nick, absolutely great vlog mate, is the Dmax the same? My2015

[@LowRangeNick]

The EGR valve is In a slightly different position on the pre dpf models but you can still carry out the intake clean as per my video. Cheers 😀

[@edmundwasilewski]

@@LowRangeNick thanks for that Nick

[@markturbit9974]

Hi nick i watch all your video,s you have helped me out so much with your clearly explained video.s. Just one question i have a can of Nulon Pro-Strength Throttle Body & Carby Cleaner is this ok to use to do the job. Thanks in advance.

[@LowRangeNick]

Hey Mark, I wouldn't recommend using throttle body carby cleaner for this job. You will do some damage. It needs to be specific intake cleaner for diesel vehicles.

[@markturbit9974]

@@LowRangeNick Thanks Nick will do

[@00DELAMERE00]

Hey Nick thx for the videos, my 2018 dmax has had a catch can from day 1 but Ive never done this carbon clean, cars nearly done 150k, should I start doing the clean or will it cause problems?

[@LowRangeNick]

It would be a good idea to do a carbon clean at each service. It won't hurt anything. 😊

[@petergeronimi]

Hey Nick, which fuel (brands/servos) have you found to be high quality in Australia?

[@LowRangeNick]

Most service stations that offer "premium diesel". The premium diesel has extra additives like, corrosion inhibitors, detergents, lubricity additives and foaming inhibitors which all help the vehicle run better and last longer.

[@WhyWouldYouDrawThat]

Thanks for the video. Quick questions: Do you worry about damaging the DPF with the cleaner? Can you show us a DMAX or MUX that has no catch can? I’d like to see how much worse it is.

[@LowRangeNick]

The cleaner won't do any damage to the dpf it can actually be used to clean the dpf and remove soot from the particulate filter. Usually on a vehicle without a catch can the carbon build up is wet and sticky and builds up alot quicker because of the oil.

[@dillonbib111]

Nick will the spray work with the wet carbon build up on a MUX with out that catch can??

[@LowRangeNick]

@@dillonbib111 yep, it sure will 😀

[@Matti_H_]

I’m guessing it is basically the same principle for any diesel vehicle ? We also have a Hyundai Santa Fe .

[@LowRangeNick]

Yep, sure is!

[@iflyrc1410]

Does removing the sensor plug create any engine faults that need to be re set after cleaning and re assembly?

[@LowRangeNick]

If you are just removing the map sensor to carry out the intake clean, leave the sensor plugged in when running the vehicle to avoid any fault codes. If you are removing the Intake pipe to carry out some spot cleans in the intake pipe make sure the ignition is off and key removed before taking the plug off to avoid any fault codes.

[@aussiecue]

Nick, Do an investigation about adding a support P bracket to the top air con pipe that goes through the fire wall to the evaporator. It wobbles and cracks at the evap causing a leak. The whole dash has to come out to replace it. Have a look at the new dmax and order that part. This issue cost me $1600

[@LowRangeNick]

I have heard about this. Sounds horrible. I might have to look into it. Cheers

[@MrPinnaz]

It doesn't seem to be an issue on the MUX for some reason, even though they are the same part. (I'm an Isuzu Parts interpreter & own a 14 MUX). Have replaced many for DMAX's but I don't think I have ever sold one for an MUX

[@sparkzhu]

Hi Nick, Shell / Ampol / BP / 711 which provids high quality deseal? thank you

[@LowRangeNick]

Anything that is "premium diesel" . Truck diesel doesn't have as many additives.

[@eliopuopolo9957]

Hey Nick lower your videos done this carbon clean and put everything back together but I know have a small squeal noise when I reach around 2500-3000 revs what do you think it is ??

[@LowRangeNick]

Sounds like a boost leak. Check for any loose hose clamps or pipes / hoses not on properly.

[@eliopuopolo9957]

@@LowRangeNick yea sorted it works perfectly now cheers

[@user-ey8cb5xh3b]

Great vid Nick! I did a full degrease of the intake / intercooler when I did the clean ages ago. Had a lot of oil sitting in the intercooler even with a catch can fitted. Do you recommend doing the intake clean prior to an oil change? Or shouldn’t matter. Cheers

[@LowRangeNick]

It doesn't matter too much but the best time to do it is before you service your vehicle.

[@user-ey8cb5xh3b]

@@LowRangeNick thanks Nick, just used two cans. Intake looks brand new!

[@LowRangeNick]

@@user-ey8cb5xh3b nice work! That's great 😀🛠

[@1949Pilgrim]

Hi Nick, how do you know if the fuel you are buying is quality fuel?

[@LowRangeNick]

Premium diesel has extra additives which makes it a lot better then just "diesel".

[@John-zt7tb]

Hi LowRangeNick, Just wanting to ask how your MU-X is going on a DPF perspective? Are you still having issues from it? Or are you having any issues with your MuX in general? Planning to get one but now having second thoughts after watching your issue with the DPF few years ago. -John from NZ 👍

[@LowRangeNick]

Hi John, they have a known issue with the differential pressure sensor. I have had this sensor replaced. Other then that I haven't had any issues.

[@John-zt7tb]

@@LowRangeNick thanks for the response Nick. 👍

[@diarmuidolaoghaire3922]

Hey mate, what do you make of the Munji EGR Delete? Should I be taking it off? I have the Provent 200 catch can on and direction plus pre fuel filter. The Provent 200 doesnt seem to catch much oil compared to what I see other people get. Is that normal that my Dmax may be recycling less oil than someone elses Dmax? Also, was just wondering, what if a chunk of carbon breaks off with the clean, will that get stuck in the engine and block it up further down the line or anything, or will it actually get burnt? I had a full carbon clean done at 80k where they took the manifold off and showed me the before and after pics. I had installed the catch can then as well as the munji EGR delete kit. Its now just done its 170k service.

[@LowRangeNick]

I don't personally like the egr delete cables. Firstly, tampering with the egr system is illegal. Secondly, the cable puts a resistance on the intake air temperature signal to falsify the signal temperature. In my opinion it's not good to tamper with an important ecu input like intake air temperature. The egr also helps cool combustion temperatures at cruise and makes the engine run more efficiently. At the end of the day it is totally up to you if you want to run the cable delete. As for the catch can, it depends how much your actually getting, if it's between 50-100ml every 5k or so then it's still doing a good job. During the carbon clean the diesel intake cleaner brakes down the carbon into a foam, it doesn't leave the carbon as hard chunks. The engine should be able to burn it all off without any issues.

[@diarmuidolaoghaire3922]

@@LowRangeNick Awesome man, thank you for the reply. I will take off the Egr Delete and do one of these cleans.

[@miketi6598]

Thanks for video! Wondering if there's any need for an oil change after running 2 cans of threebond for an initial clean? Ta...

[@LowRangeNick]

It could be a good idea to carry out the intake clean before an oil service but not necessary.

[@miketi6598]

@LowRangeNick thanks for the reply. I ran 2 cans of threebond through yesterday and the revs at 100kph has dropped from 2000rpm to 1800rpm without any other work done. Gotta be happy with that! 🤠

[@angusnz7910]

@@miketi6598how do you make that out? Your gearing at any speed is in no way at all related.

[@miketi6598]

@angusnz7910 the engine is breathing easier and producing more torque at lower rpm, hence the decrease at 100kph. Had a similar reduction after fitting a tuned module. 🤠

[@jeshe0]

Why do you have to be careful with spraying too much into the manifold? Is it more likely a big chunk of carbon might fall off?

[@LowRangeNick]

Because the engine has to take the carbon and intake cleaner into the cylinder to burn it off. If you spray a whole can into the manifold without the vehicle running and it fills a cylinder it could hydrolock the engine.

[@jeshe0]

@@LowRangeNick thanks for the reply. That makes sense.

[@brendanjansen2063]

How did u get car to idle at 2000 rpm

[@LowRangeNick]

I used a jack handle between the seat and the accelerator pedal. Easiest way is to get your partner or friend to jump in the vehicle though haha. It took a bit if tweaking to get it sitting right.

[@Hoonz81]

Are these intake cleaners safe to use with the new dpf models ?

[@LowRangeNick]

Yes they are, my mu-x is a 2018 dpf model.

[@Hoonz81]

I’ll be keeping it in mind. Only just ticked over 3000km 😂 cheers for another great vid! 🍻

[@LowRangeNick]

@@Hoonz81 Thanks Luke! Its nothing to stress about, but when the kms start getting a bit higher around 50k it would be a good idea to carry out an intake clean to reduce the build up.

[@PROCOPO]

Hi just wondering how long have you had the catch can on the car before you cleaned the intake?

[@LowRangeNick]

The catch can was fitted to the vehicle at 30k and vehicle now has 100k.

[@PROCOPO]

@@LowRangeNick thanks for the reply Does the catch can work with the EGR system and if so do you think it helps

[@LowRangeNick]

@@PROCOPO The catch can removes oil vapours from the crank case ventilation system before it ports back into the intake pipe. When the oil vapours mix with the soot from the egr it creates a sludgy carbon build up. The catch can removes the oil from the intake system and allows the egr soot / Dry gasses to go through the intake. So it helps reduce the carbon build up.

[@PROCOPO]

@@LowRangeNick so your saying that if you didn’t have a catch can your EGR would’ve been a lot more clogged up than it was?

[@LowRangeNick]

@@PROCOPO The intake manifold will block up a lot quicker and alot worse. Yep

[@bobochan4699]

Can i just pour gasoline or diesel in those area to get rid of those carbon build up?

[@LowRangeNick]

Not a good idea unless you want a fire 🔥 or want to hydro lock your engine.

[@bobochan4699]

@@LowRangeNick Soak it up, then extract it afterwards with oil pump.

[@fhclappen8595]

Is this approved by manufacturers? Why don't they carry it out at services? Can anybody explain this, call it ignorance or intended ? When removing the Maf censor, doesn't the ECU show error codes? When something sounds to be too good to be true, it normally is.

[@LowRangeNick]

I think that dealerships don't carry out carbon cleaning as part of the service schedule due to the issue of the carbon building up to the point of it causing issues takes years and over 150,000km or more in some cases. By this time the vehicle is out of warranty and its not the manufacturers issue. When removing the map sensor, leave it plugged in to ensure that you don't get any fault codes.

[@jamestanner9198]

Munji egr delete job done

[@LowRangeNick]

Illegal and tampers with an important ecu signal, engine intake air temp. Job not done 🤣

[@jamestanner9198]

Mine is pre dpf 170000 so far no worries at all

[@LowRangeNick]

@@jamestanner9198 That's good, you can do whatever you like to your vehicle haha. This is just my opinion on the matter and your entitled to have your own opinion 😀

[@jamestanner9198]

@@LowRangeNick Have looked at temps load value etc on a snapon scan tool same with delete on or off. Im thinking engines with dpf might be different ? Get a delete and try it on your car with it on and off see if there is a change in temps since you have dpf ?

[@jamestanner9198]

@@LowRangeNick yes i know its naughty to do and yes the air temp signal reads 2 degrees c that what keeps it shut same as if driving in the snow i recon ?

[@baileyrobey3786]

Not a bad result for not much effort, removing the whole manifold and removing swirl flaps and cleaning under the valves is far better then just this spray though

[@IBOO57]

How long should i allow to remove and refit the inlet manifold?

[@lucascurac7047]

Egr destroys engines definitely remove it

[@AndyL940]

Block off the EGR and add a CC and your sweet 👍

[@with-eyez2see]

I vent the crank case through a hose out the back abd iv still got oil through air pipes. How? Lol

[@TheBigRed.]

Block the EGR full stop! 👍

[@TheBigRed.]

All your doing is sending all that crap in to the cylinders! 🤡🌏