2023 EB w Direct Injection, Intake Valves - warranty coverage?

[Billinwnc]

Agree Top Tier is the way to go.

However, studies have shown that that Top Tier fuel greatly reduces intake carbon buildup in DI engines vs non top tier. 19 times less buildup according to an AAA study. Not 19% - but 19 times less…about a 95% reduction in carbon buildup on intake valves.

Dirty Fumes escaping into the intake valves are coming from the combustion chamber. Top Tier and gas tank additives / detergents are in those fumes

Chops - I really hoped that you were correctly quoting the AAA study, but when I did an AI search about the study I got the following response. If you have more information on this study please let us know.

• The Study Engine: The AAA laboratory testing was conducted on a 2.3-liter Ford port-injected engine, not a direct-injection engine. This proves the 19x reduction benefit applies to traditional fuel injection systems.

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[Chops]

Chops - I really hoped that you were correctly quoting the AAA study, but when I did an AI search about the study I got the following response. If you have more information on this study please let us know.

• The Study Engine: The AAA laboratory testing was conducted on a 2.3-liter Ford port-injected engine, not a direct-injection engine. This proves the 19x reduction benefit applies to traditional fuel injection systems.

AI appears to be correct.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for modern day Cliff Clavin like me - when folks have Google or AI at their fingertips

That said - the AAA Study does have a picture/figure of a direct injection engine. I’ll be honest - I just look at the pictures

https://www.aaa.com/AAA/common/AAR/files/Fuel-Quality-Full-Report.pdf

 

[Chops]

Agree. In DI engines fuel does not flow thru intake valves. The design has pluses and minus, not perfect. Like a campfire, the wood condition ascertains if there’s smoke or not.

Burnt Gas Fumes escaping from combustion chamber cause the carbon buildup on the intake valves.

I would argue Top Tier Fumes are cleaner than the bargain brand.

Your campfire analogy is a good one - dirtier smoke flowing into the mouth/nose/intake means dirtier boogers.

 

[CajunMick]

Burnt Gas Fumes escaping from combustion chamber cause the carbon buildup on the intake valves.

I would argue Top Tier Fumes are cleaner than the bargain brand.

Your campfire analogy is a good one - dirtier smoke flowing into the mouth/nose/intake means dirtier boogers.

Am aware of valves overlap, exh and intake partially open after burn cycle. Campfire smoke also makes clothing reek of smoke.

 

[Billinwnc]

Burnt Gas Fumes escaping from combustion chamber cause the carbon buildup on the intake valves.

I would argue Top Tier Fumes are cleaner than the bargain brand.

Your campfire analogy is a good one - dirtier smoke flowing into the mouth/nose/intake means dirtier boogers.

It may well be true that Top Tier fuel does cause some reduction in intake carbon buildup, but I have never seen a study that backs up that concept. Gemini seems to agree with that and also mentions the big benefit of Top Tier, fuel injector cleaning:

Yes, using Top Tier fuel significantly reduces carbon buildup in direct injection (GDI) engines, primarily by cleaning fuel injectors and limiting deposits in the combustion chamber. While Top Tier detergents help, they are less effective at cleaning intake valves in GDI engines compared to port-injection engines, making it a preventative measure rather than a total solution.

 

[CajunMick]

Ok, to all, i think there’s enough pow wow about this. May remove this in day or two.
And decide if I keep this truck. I feel need not pay for a maintenance due to bad design.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

It’s no secret the 2023 EB engines will see messy intake valves once mileage put on them. Then depending on how engine maintained, comes a time the valves will need cleaning, probably blasted with walnut shells.

And it’s no secret the new 2025+ EB engine are now fitted with intake manifold injectors with intent to “wash” the intake valves, prevent junk buildups.

Hence here’s my question - if the “power train” warranted for 100k miles for 2023 models, does it mean that if the engine intake valves requires inspection, and cleaning, does the warranty cover inspection and subsequent blasting/cleaning of the valves? Or we owners are out of luck?

Anyone experienced, how dealers handle situation like this?

You only got the Ford Bumper to Bumper Warranty 3 years or 36,000 miles

 

[Billinwnc]

Ok, to all, i think there’s enough pow wow about this. May remove this in day or two.
And decide if I keep this truck. I feel need not pay for a maintenance due to bad design.

Apparently Top Tier Plus gas is specifically designed to control the carbon buildup issue in direct injection engines:

Top Tier Plus gasoline, announced in late 2024, is designed to provide superior protection and performance compared to standard Top Tier, particularly for modern Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. It offers enhanced cleaning to prevent deposits, better fuel injector wear protection, increased storage stability, and improved engine performance

 

[MaverickDragon]

Ok, to all, i think there’s enough pow wow about this. May remove this in day or two.
And decide if I keep this truck. I feel need not pay for a maintenance due to bad design.

It's not a bad design, it's a consequence of an attempted improvement.
There are many cars with DI only and none of their manufacturers perform intake valve cleaning as a warranty item, although most require it.
You also have to change your oil. You need to clean or replace your PCV.
The brakes and tires wear out.
Maintenance items are not warranty items.

 

[Rwills]

It’s no secret the 2023 EB engines will see messy intake valves once mileage put on them. Then depending on how engine maintained, comes a time the valves will need cleaning, probably blasted with walnut shells.

And it’s no secret the new 2025+ EB engine are now fitted with intake manifold injectors with intent to “wash” the intake valves, prevent junk buildups.

Hence here’s my question - if the “power train” warranted for 100k miles for 2023 models, does it mean that if the engine intake valves requires inspection, and cleaning, does the warranty cover inspection and subsequent blasting/cleaning of the valves? Or we owners are out of luck?

Anyone experienced, how dealers handle situation like this?

No you pay for it. The solution that no one will tell you is to vent the PVC to the atmosphere

 

[Nuclear One]

Not one as easy like changing oil n filter.

Seen anther post where an owner removed intake, blasted his valves with walnut and blaster tools. Obviously his shop equipped to do his own maintenance chores. I have decent ”shop” with can do capability. But age creep not kind to me. I keep entertaining ideal need to trade up to not face thus valves issues.

I run dual catch cans to extend valve life( clean side and pcv side)

 

[Lone Ridr]

AI Generated:

Ford offers authorized chemical cleaners for intake valves
, specifically the Motorcraft® Air Intake and Valve Cleaner (Part No. RU2J-19G295-CA), which is designed to remove carbon deposits, particularly in EcoBoost/GDI engines. This is often used in conjunction with Motorcraft® 44K® Fuel System Cleaner (PM-44-A).
Key Details on Ford Valve Cleaning Products:

• Approved Products: Ford dealerships commonly use Motorcraft Air Intake and Valve Cleaner and Motorcraft 44K Fuel System Cleaner (often produced in partnership with BG).
• Application: The air intake and valve cleaner is a spray applied to the intake system, while the 44K is a fuel tank additive.
• Maintenance Interval: These cleaners are generally recommended for use during oil changes to prevent carbon buildup, especially on EcoBoost engines.
• Alternatives: CRC GDI IVD® Intake Valve & Turbo Cleaner is a commonly cited, highly effective alternative to remove carbon without engine disassembly.

These treatments are for performance maintenance and are not typically required for warranty compliance.

I've posted on this topic here before. IMO, this topic is overblown. You aren't acquiring anywhere near the buildup of 1970s engines with lead additives in gasoline. All manufacturers had top engine cleaners that remedied the problem then and still sell solutions today.

I cleaned engines in the 70s as a mechanic with top engine cleaner on a regular basis, not so much today.

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