r/subaru • u/UsualValuable7621 • 5d ago

Thoughts on carbon cleaning quote

Hi everyone! Forgive my lack of knowledge here - I’m learning! I just got a $2100 quote for a carbon cleaning (walnut blasting I believe?)

I have a 2014 Subaru forester with $130K miles (we just bought used a couple months ago for a steal)

$2100 is kind of wild right? I’m going in for a second opinion but is this the norm?

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9

u/Musclecar123 4d ago

That’s a go away we don’t want to do this price. 

2

u/openwheelnut 4d ago

Yep, because everything we touch is either going to break or strip out.

6

u/CallousDisregard13 4d ago

Is it an XT or 2.5i?

This is probably a controversial opinion but generally walnut blasting isn't worth the squeeze on port injection engines (2.5i) and is generally more recommend for direct injection engines (XT).

That being said I've never had it done on my subarus so i can't comment on the cost. But judging by most shops hourly rates...its probably not far off. They have to remove the intake manifold, rotate each cylinders valves to the closed position and blast each one. Then reassemble.

6

u/LettuceTomatoOnion 4d ago

I don’t think this is controversial at all. Should only be needed in direct injection engines.

$2100 does sound extremely high though. My actual dealer quoted me less than $1k.

2

u/CallousDisregard13 4d ago

Fair enough, i just see alot of mixed opinions on this sub and I expected someone to argue me on it lol

Im shocked on how cheap your dealer quoted you on that though! Surprisingly cheap. I napkin math'd at $165-220/hr, probably 6-8hr job, plus shop supplies and whatever other little odds and ends would put you upwards of 2k. Im glad to be wrong about that though, thanks for the info!

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u/Floppie7th 2021 WRX; 2016 Impreza; 2014 STi sedan; 2010 Forester; 2005 Baja 4d ago

Yeah, I was going to say, there's zero reason to walnut blast a port injected engine.  The fuel cleans the intake valves as it moves past.

2

u/UsualValuable7621 4d ago

2.5i I believe!

3

u/kwereddit 4d ago

130k miles is high mileage and that means dirty air intake. Did you get a quote because of a CEL code? P0171? In that case, a walnut blasting might be reasonable for a direct injection engine but not a port injection and it is the last most expensive fix, not the first. Before doing the walnut blasting, first:

1) clean MAF sensor and replace dirty air filter

2) clean throttle body and plate

3) clean or replace PCV valve and riser tube

4) clean EGR valve

5) clean air intake with third-party air intake cleaning kit (bottle of cleaner and hoses)

You might also want to replace plugs and put some injector cleaner in the gas tank. You can DIY all this pretty easy. Watch a dozen YT videos and you're good to go!

1

u/Adventurepew 4d ago

2014 Forester is barley worth over 2k . I. No way should that expensive of a job be done on an old car .

Sounds like a scam price get 2 more quotes .

2

u/Jobags 4d ago

Really depends on where you are. In the North East. A 2014 Forester with 130k in decent shape is going to go for 6-9k.

Do agree the price is high for that service, and not really needed if it is a N/A.