nice thanks man. so this is basically a way deeper process than what VW claims to do which is a BG44k or equivalent process. so it was $700 for a 2 step process? they run the solvent through a vacuum port, gas tank etc. and then you come back and they do the manual cleaning? at first glance its like "shit, $700 is steep!" but then when you think about it, its really not bad if you can 'even out' the impact of the 60k maintenance cost by some DIY. for example, oil change, spark plugs, fuel filter, etc. can all be done for relatively cheap at home, yourself. so saving money that way can make the $700 sting a little less. honestly though, for those of us who plan on keeping the car a while, it sounds like this is essential.
ill be interested to see which shops in so cal offer this service, do a legit job of it and do it on a regular basis. your valves were worked dude! wow, night and day difference. im sure the car drives like new now, and with k04 etc. it must pull so hard.
yeah, i was going to say, you would think that plugs would have to be replaced after this whole ordeal. the part that the VW Dealer doesnt mention about this solvent treatment they do is replacing plugs, or changing oil afterwards or anything. i even asked about that and they said 'no its fine'. ITS FINE? how could it be fine after you are running and pushing all that shit through your system? seems like, even if all that were done is a solvent treatment, youd need to change oil and plugs afterwards no? after seeing this too, I am skeptical as to how much something like BG44k or similar can really do vs. that PLUS the elbow grease scraping factor. if you have carbon buildup, hardened and caked on after 60k miles of service, how is some solvent going to just melt all that away? I bet that it takes a superficial layer off but if you pulled the intake manifold and looked at the valves after just the solution, i doubt it would be nearly as clean as your's are. seems like it makes more sense just to bite the bullet at 60k and do this.