Direct Injection Engines

[Al]

With DI engines becoming more common, there is increasing concern about carbon buildup underneath the valves.

I have 10K miles on my Forester XT and I use a can of Seafoam every 2K miles. Probably doesn't do much for this problem. Any one have any direct visual experience of a method that works?

 

[Propflux01]

The sea-foam is pretty much useless for the valves, not to mention way too much use of it in the fuel system, unless your using some really nasty gas. This is pretty much the best bet right now.

 

[das_peikko]

I would not buy one period. If that means never having a new car for the rest of my life; so be it.

 

[wemay]

Member, StevieC used it on a Mini that was running rough and had illuminated its check engine light. After a treatment of the CRC GDi Cleaner, the light turned off the Mini ran better. If he reads this, maybe he can share more. Especially if I've misrepresented anything. I use it every 10k miles.

 

[buster]

I'm not sure if intake valve deposits are common on all DI engines. I've heard mixed things. They don't appear to be on Mazda DI engines, but I could be wrong. Toyota I believe was smart but doing port and DI to avoid this issue.

 

[wallyuwl]

My F150 5.0L has dual injection. There is always some fuel going across the valves, 100% at idle. Toyota's new dual system at times has only DI happening.

 

[antonmnster]

I have 203,400 miles on my first generation 2007 BMW n54. It's fine. Breathe.

 

[Linctex]

Originally Posted by wallyuwl
My F150 5.0L has dual injection. There is always some fuel going across the valves, 100% at idle. Toyota's new dual system at times has only DI happening.



That makes perfect sense.

I think DI only shines "above part throttle" loads.

The benefit at full throttle is real - at least in concept - and PFI at idle makes perfect sense, too

 

[oldhp]

The D.I.'s are exactly why I have a 2018 RAM 1500 3.6/8 speed auto and a 2017 Jeep Sahara 3.6/5 speed auto. Trading the Jeep in for a 2019 Dodge Charger 3.6/8 speed auto that's on order.

 

[Dave9]

Can't believe no one mentioned it yet. The solution is to reduce the oily crap that gets back in via the PVC/system by installing a catch can. They are not 100% efficient but it may reduce the deposit rate enough until you need to pull the intake to do gaskets anyway and walnut shell blast the valves clean while you're at it.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted by oldhp
The D.I.'s are exactly why I have a 2018 RAM 1500 3.6/8 speed auto and a 2017 Jeep Sahara 3.6/5 speed auto. Trading the Jeep in for a 2019 Dodge Charger 3.6/8 speed auto that's on order.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed Jeep continues without DI in the 3.6 just long enough for me to grab a new GC.

 

[billt460]

There are obviously many of these D.I. engines out there. With more and more manufacturers seemingly going to it every year. What, if any additional maintenance do they require? And how much does it cost?

 

[wemay]

To add to my original post, our Santa Fe Sport 2.0T is now past 150K miles and it still runs like new. No cleaning or or anything special having been done.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Originally Posted by Al
With DI engines becoming more common, there is increasing concern about carbon buildup underneath the valves.


No there isn't. It ain't 2008.

 

[pbm]

Originally Posted by wemay
To add to my original post, our Santa Fe Sport 2.0T is now past 150K miles and it still runs like new. No cleaning or or anything special having been done.


Wemay:
Good to hear this.... I would imagine that many of those miles were run on non- D2G2 oils as well?

 

[FA_WRX]

I used this CRC GDI cleaner once on my WRX. It was idling rough and it seemed to help. I will say I have had no noticeable idle issue since. Other than a bottle of fuel system cleaner at every 6K oil change I have not felt the need to use it again. I agree don't use it if you don't feel the need to try it. The car has about 77K on it now.

 

[ragtoplvr]

DI is here to stay. It is how HCCI (the next step) will be made possible.

That will increase efficiency quite a bit.

Rod

 

[Vuflanovsky]

I think DI was "becoming more common" ten years ago...it's closer to the norm today. Also, DI is not one thing...different designs, different susceptibilities depending on vehicle and usage that goes beyond whether it's strict DI or a port/DI hybrid.

My guess is that using that CRC cleaner might have the potential of doing more harm than just using the right gas and regular maintenance procedures. My six year old naturally aspirated DI commuter has no issues just using quality gas and a bottle of Techron before every other oil change. I wonder how many problems have been generated by overly attentive maintenance versus just letting things be??

 

[wemay]

Originally Posted by pbm
Originally Posted by wemay
To add to my original post, our Santa Fe Sport 2.0T is now past 150K miles and it still runs like new. No cleaning or or anything special having been done.


Wemay:
Good to hear this.... I would imagine that many of those miles were run on non- D2G2 oils as well?


You're right, by far, most was run on VSP which was heavy on the Sodium.

 

[Al]

Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Originally Posted by Al
With DI engines becoming more common, there is increasing concern about carbon buildup underneath the valves.


No there isn't. It ain't 2008.

What are you saying.

My take though is I have yet to see any "proof" products (including CRC) work or that CRC works better than Seafoam. I am not a Seafoam fanboy. But my Subaru specialist who has been in the business for 35 years swears by it. Having replaced many thousand head gaskets its hard to discount his testimony. I am looking for "proof" in this thread.