Intake valve cleaning

[MaverickDragon]

Minimizes, but does not eliminate...

I did say "greatly minimizes/eliminates"...
Especially compared to a DI only engine, the port injectors do a pretty good job of cleaning the intake valves, like they have since port fuel injection began.
With enough minimization, the need for intake cleaning, especially walnut blasting, is pretty much gone.

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[MaverickDragon]

You could use Motorcraft Air Intake and Valve Cleaner part number RU2J-19G295-C. (takes 2?). Follow the instructions on the can. Ford product, Ford approval?

It looks like Ford uses a vacuum intake according to this write up from BG.
They also have some parts listed for using the cleaner, not sure if applicable to the Mav...

 

[James K]

Perhaps worthy of note and something not yet seen on the thread is that the intake valve crud accumulation is limited to the pre-MY25 EcoBoost DI only engines, while the 25+ EBs have both DI and port injection which greatly minimizes/eliminates the issue and allows for other means of effectively cleaning the top end.
Hybrids of all years have port injection.

Port injection mostly works at idle per a Ford technician that someone posted on this site. It made sense to me so I would add that using top tier fuel might be an even better investment to those who have the later models.

 

[MaverickDragon]

Port injection mostly works at idle per a Ford technician that someone posted on this site. It made sense to me so I would add that using top tier fuel might be an even better investment to those who have the later models.

Good point. The 25+ EB has a dual injection system.
That also might make a case that stop/start would eliminate some opportunities for the port injection to clean the valves... Maybe a good idea to turn it off occasionally.

 

[Tbone289]

I did say "greatly minimizes/eliminates"...

Yes, you did, and that's why I commented. All evidence I've found indicates that dual injection does not eliminate carbon buildup since the multiport injection only operates at idle or low load. It does indeed reduce buildup, but I've not seen evidence in support or to the contrary that it eliminates the need for cleaning altogether, so I think at this point stating that it eliminates the issue is just conjecture.

But again, the OP doesn't have dual injection.

 

[CajunMick]

Truck will be 3 yo in October, and currently 99,xxx miles. Not driven Much. So prob could see 20-25k in next 3 years? And intake valves may live ok.

Truck always garaged, meticulously maintained, oil change at 5k with full synthetic. I own it…not the bank. So I’m gonna let it roll.

 

[Tbone289]

Truck will be 3 yo in October, and currently 99,xxx miles. Not driven Much. So prob could see 20-25k in next 3 years? And intake valves may live ok.

Truck always garaged, meticulously maintained, oil change at 5k with full synthetic. I own it…not the bank. So I’m gonna let it roll.

Based on my experience with Ford GDI engines, I will do the same. I currently have one with 150,000 miles on it that still has good power and efficiency, smooth idle, virtually no blowby and so no sign of needing to clean the intake valves. If I need to walnut blast it eventually it's not that difficult of a job, although fairly expensive for someone who must pay to have it done.

IMO, some people make it out to be a bigger problem than it is.

 

[MetalThunder]

All DI engines are suspectable to carbon build up - but that does not mean there are any issues that should cause problems if you change your oil regularly on schedule, avoid a lot of short trips and get on it every so often (fun part lol) It is the nature of any DI engine - yes even the 25-26 models if you do not adhere to properly maintaining your engine. But hey, you all be you - i live without worry so YMMV ... We also have a 2012 VW Tiguan (Turbo DI Engine) @ 200K and no issues with it since proper scheduled maintenance has been performed so there is that life experience ... carry on
Cheers

 

[CajunMick]

Based on my experience with Ford GDI engines, I will do the same. I currently have one with 150,000 miles on it that still has good power and efficiency, virtually no blowby and no sign of needing to clean the intake valves. If I need to walnut blast it eventually it's not that difficult of a job, although fairly expensive for someone who must pay to have it done.

I think some people make it out to be a bigger problem than it is.

Prob is. Wife’s 2017 Escape w 1.5 EB has nearly 60k miles. Other thsn normal maintenance of oil/filter, seems to be doing ok.

This engine reported has head/block gasket issues, where coolant leaks causing misfires. So far coolant level ok. She can roll.

 

[Tbone289]

Prob is. Wife’s 2017 Escape w 1.5 EB has nearly 60k miles. Other thsn normal maintenance of oil/filter, seems to be doing ok.

This engine reported has head/block gasket issues, where coolant leaks causing misfires. So far coolant level ok. She can roll.

Yeah, that engine is similar to the same year 2.0L Ecoboost, with the slots in-between cylinders that sometimes cause a leak in the gasket seal. Does that one have the wet oil pump belt too? IMO, those are both poor decisions on Ford's part, so I'll keep my fingers crossed for you for continuing reliability. Keep a sharp eye on that coolant level and don't ever let it overheat!

 

[Chops]

If you have evidence of intake cleaners such as CRC effectively cleaning carbon deposits from the intake ports and valves of GDI engines, please provide it.
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What I was asking for you to please share is the data you have to back up your claim
.
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but please show us your evidence of the magnitude.
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I have no evidence to provide, share, or show you. Of course that does not mean there isn’t evidence now and in the future as miles pile up.

And as far as the ingenious new oil separator system - the Ford Engineers responsible for its design are the appropriate group to present the evidence. They should take a bow actually.

 

[Tbone289]

And as far as the ingenious new oil separator system - the Ford Engineers responsible for its design are the appropriate group to present the evidence. They should take a bow actually.

I agree that the new separator design is solid, and a much more complete system than the previous generation ('22-'24) one. However, I'm not sure how to quantify how much better it is than the previous generation factory-supplied one with an auxiliary aftermarket can added, if it is.

 

[Chops]

I agree that the new separator design is solid, and a much more complete system than the previous generation ('22-'24) one. However, I'm not sure how to quantify how much better it is than the previous generation factory-supplied one with an auxiliary aftermarket can added, if it is.

I’m not sure how to quantify that comparison either. There are many different catch cans available for the original EB engine and the quality of the installation labor can differ also.

There have been many issues with folks attaching catch cans on the refreshed EB however. But as you mentioned - the OP was curious about intake cleaners. He specifically “dismissed” the talk of catch cans and Top Tier - and did not state which EB ICE he has.

So far the best advice I have gleaned from this thread is that Motorcraft makes an intake cleaner & the possibility of using a vacuum hose instead of the throttle body may exist.

I think some Ford Service Departments offer this intake cleaning service - probably $400 because the labor charge probably includes the engine soak time

Might be smart to ask their advice while purchasing the $20 can at the Parts Counter?

 

[Tbone289]

Yeah, I don't see much of a point of adding a catch can on a 2025+ with dual injection and the improved separator. On a 2022-2024 it does help, but how much isn't really quantifiable, as you said, dependent on the quality of the can.

As for the cleaner, I wouldn't bother with that either for the multiple reasons already stated (questionable effectiveness, possible harm to sensors, intercooler, turbo depending on how its done, etc.) If someone were to do that, I would suggest that they follow service manual instructions to a "T" rather than just asking at the parts counter. On an N/A engine, sure, not a problem and I've done it many times for upper cylinder cleaning.

As for the service, there's no way I would pay $400 for it, as I can buy a blaster and walnut shell media for that if it ever needs cleaning, and blasting is a much more complete cleaning than a chemical intake service. That's me though; I don't expect just anyone to tackle that job with confidence.

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