Posted October 3, 2017 by Jefferson Bryant Maintenance

Know-How Notes: How to Use 3M Intake System Cleaner

Engines are dirty. Everything about them involves an accumulation of dirt, grit, carbon, and gunk on every component. While that can be tolerated on the outside, it does not work so well on the inside of the engine. Carbon and gunk build-up on the air intake side of your engine leads to lower performance, poor economy, and more stress of the engine itself. The occasional cleaning of these components goes a long way to restoring power and performance. Enter 3M Intake System Cleaner.

Getting Started

The process is very simple and takes just a few minutes. You will want a helper available to operate the engine while you operate the can. With the engine off, locate the throttle body at the intake on the engine. This is where the air enters the engine.

The throttle body is usually near the center of the engine for V-type engines, on the side of the intake for inline engines.

Loosen the air ducting clamp, remove the boot and place the supplied hose inside the edge of the throttle body, making sure it is clear of any moving parts.

Using a screwdriver or ratchet, loosen the clamp securing the air inlet hose.

While holding the hose in place, reattach the air ducting. Do not clamp it down.

Pop the inlet hose loose to break the seal.

Then slide the tube and the hose into the coupler. Do not tighten the clamp.

Ready To Clean

Start the engine and have your helper rev the engine to 1,000-1,500 RPM and hold it there for the duration of the cleaning process.

Have your assistant start the engine, let it rest at idle, and then raise the rpm by about 500.

Engage the trigger on the can and lock it in place. You will use the entire can of intake system cleaner, which takes about 10 minutes.

Depress the trigger on the can and lock it in place (it does this by itself). Note the pinkish color of the fluid coming out of the hose.

Once the can is empty, let the engine idle for a few seconds and then turn off the engine.

When the can is empty, about 15 minutes later, let the engine idle again and then shut it off.

Remove the tube and reinstall the air ducting and clamp.

Remove the tub from the coupler and tighten the clamp.

Test drive the vehicle to ensure everything is working well. That is all there is to it!

Check out all the chemical products available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on 3M Intake System Cleaner, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Jefferson Bryant View All

A life-long gearhead, Jefferson Bryant spends more time in the shop than anywhere else. His career began in the car audio industry as a shop manager, eventually working his way into a position at Rockford Fosgate as a product designer. In 2003, he began writing tech articles for magazines, and has been working as an automotive journalist ever since. His work has been featured in Car Craft, Hot Rod, Rod & Custom, Truckin’, Mopar Muscle, and many more. Jefferson has also written 4 books and produced countless videos. Jefferson operates Red Dirt Rodz, his personal garage studio, where all of his magazine articles and tech videos are produced.