[GROOVY2]

found this video a ford tech did on the 3.5 Ecoboost carbon buildup on
intake valves - causes misfire and other problems-
not sure if this is present in van engine but it will be good to know-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK2eXdaydqI&list=PLV6KPsSEqsMUsE7n2zU0H4-cXaqfYX96_&index=24

 

[ford99]

Seen that one before. It was posted on this site. I own a 2011 Flex ecoboost. No problems I'm aware of. Personally have not met anyone that has had the carbon build up problems mentioned. Maybe just low mile examples and that is not a big sample size but I'm skeptical this is a widespread problem.

This video "Part2" was posted May 2014. Since then Ford has sold another xxx,xxx vehicles with ecoboost engines of all sizes all over the world.

To me this video, or talking about this video is like when you see a news story that's not even news and when you see it you wonder why they are still talking about it.

I'm just speaking for those happy ecoboost owners rather than hearing from just the ones that go to the Internet when they have a problem.

 

[Budsky]

The carbon build up issue is not just with the Ford EcoBoost engine but with most direct injected gasoline engines.

Some manufacturers have controlled it by using an extra injector adding some fuel in the traditional sense to "wash" the intake valves like a normal engine.

As more DI engines are available and rack up high miles I think it will be interesting to see how widespread this problem becomes.

There are a number of chemical solutions on the market as well as kits to "pick" the carbon off mechanically, don't know how labor intensive this is on EcoBoost V engines- some can be a real PITA to get the intake manifold off for mechanical cleaning.

BTW Ford themselves is coming out with a "new" 3.5L Ecoboost that does incorporate the extra intake port injection....(here is where we need the popcorn munching emoticon)

 

[alarmist]

Add a catch can if it bothers you.

 

[Budsky]

Add a catch can if it bothers you.

Care to explain? Catch can for what?

 

[bbird]

Pour a half can of Seafoam in the motor 500 miles prior to your oil change

 

[star gazer]

Using top tier fuel is suppose to help reduce build up too. Good habit anyways has you never know what your are getting at the El Cheapo places.

 

[alarmist]

Care to explain? Catch can for what?

Crankcase vent spooge

 

[Longboard]

Using top tier fuel is suppose to help reduce build up too. Good habit anyways has you never know what your are getting at the El Cheapo places.

I was under the impression that the carbon build up comes from carbon in the air and that no fuel additives or "special" fuel have any effect in reducing it. Thought I also read here somewhere that Seafoam can't work, and that the catch can doesn't work.

 

[Zyzzyx]

IIRC, the carbon deposits on GDI engines is mostly from the EGR gasses.

 

[Connect15]

I own a couple of vehicles with direct injection, so I have followed the carbon buildup issue. Generally speaking it is not a problem. Some of the Mercedes engines early on had real problems. Ford does not appear to be affected.

Lots of EcoBoost engines out there and no carbon buildup. I'm not worried.

 

[EddieZ]

I own a couple of vehicles with direct injection, so I have followed the carbon buildup issue. Generally speaking it is not a problem. Some of the Mercedes engines early on had real problems. Ford does not appear to be affected.

Lots of EcoBoost engines out there and no carbon buildup. I'm not worried.

I had to LIKE this post, because it's good to hear. I hope you are right!

 

[hammerdown]

Would a good ol fashioned Italian tune up in regular intervals help??

 

[Elviscaretaker]

The carbon build up is a issue since with a direct injection motor as the fuel is added after the intake valve. On a "normal" motor the fuel is added before the valve and it can help keep it clean. The PCV system used is still old school and it dumps the gasses before the valve and since there is no fuel hitting it to keep it clean, it becomes a issue over time. Ford seems to be in a wait and see mode to how this will effect longevity. Now think about the buildup that will happen on the turbo's.

 

[brittles]

The carbon build up is a issue since with a direct injection motor as the fuel is added after the intake valve. On a "normal" motor the fuel is added before the valve and it can help keep it clean. The PCV system used is still old school and it dumps the gasses before the valve and since there is no fuel hitting it to keep it clean, it becomes a issue over time. Ford seems to be in a wait and see mode to how this will effect longevity. Now think about the buildup that will happen on the turbo's.

Ford’s not in a wait and see mode. Check out the second generation 3.5 Ecoboost.

 

[B8HVNPNO]

https://youtu.be/RcVDZAauO88