F150 Ecoboost - intake valve deposits

[Coldfinger]

I was watching the various videos from this guy and what he says seems reasonable. What do you think?

Here is one sample video but he has a few more too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ynGWxzJHjA

 

[volcano buster]

I put a small catch can on my wife's ecoboost Explorer. Pretty surprising how much gunk accumulates in a short period of time. I could see where it would burn onto the hot valves.

 

[Bedhead]

This is an issue for all 4 stroke D.I. motors. With no fuel being sprayed on the back of the valves to wash them off anymore. Emissions like EGR valves and now VVT recirculating exhaust through the intake cause a lot of build up. I have read TSBs from most auto manufacturers about this concern with no absolute cure.

 

[Coldfinger]

Sounds like cleaning the valves on an eco presents a few additional concerns.

1 - the turbos are so close to the manifold that they get too hot when cleaners are used.

2- when deposits flake off they run thru the turbos and are not good for the blades in turbo

Maybe they can design a way to tempoarily remove the turbos, clean the intake valves, then reinstall turbos.

Sounds like for now u want to have a catch can and run high quality oil that doesnt evaporate as easily.

Do the 2015's have a catch can? Seems like the issue has been known for a few years.

 

[Mafesto]

Any reports of damage resulting from this build up?
I have read about the build up, but have never heard of any problems resulting from it.

 

[Drewd]

I haven't heard of damage per se but have heard and read about lots of folks experiencing running rough with misfires and stumbling.


EGR + DI + Forced Induction = problems.

I would definitely put a catch can on it.

Some good video references:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0irwbwpuEbQ

Back in '14, Ford called for cylinder head removal and replacement for carbon buildup on valves. Not sure if Ford has an improved induction cleaning procedure yet.

 

[milehighassassin]

I haven't heard of damage per se but have heard and read about lots of folks experiencing running rough with misfires and stumbling.


EGR + DI + Forced Induction = problems.

I would definitely put a catch can on it.

Some good video references:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0irwbwpuEbQ

Back in '14, Ford called for cylinder head removal and replacement for carbon buildup on valves. Not sure if Ford has an improved induction cleaning procedure yet.

All Direct injection motors have this problem. Induction cleaning service helps prevent this if done regularly. I understand the issues with the turbo.

A catch can will help with crankcase oil but it does nothing to help with the EGR cycle. Honestly it's almost worth a tune to have them dial back the EGR settings and have it less aggressive.

 

[milehighassassin]

I used this stuff on my DI motor. Seems to have done something for I have 130k miles on it and I haven't had the typical CEL that throw when the intake valves clog up.

http://crcindustries.com/auto/intake-valve-cleaner.php

 

[Coldfinger]

Ttt

 

[milehighassassin]

Ttt

What's the point of this bump? Do you need more info?

Sounds like the new updated Ecoboost has a direct injection along with a manifold injector to assist with keeping the valves clean.

I like that, I think you're gonna see more manufactures doing that.

 

[Coldfinger]

Been looking at used ecos and real leary about potential problems which may pop up after a few years of ownership.

Sounds like if they cleaned valves by spraying into the intake, the turbo blades may be damaged and/or the turbo may have overheated, both of which would shorten the life of either/both turbos.

Sounds like if the valves are stock, without use of an aftermarket catch can, they may have a limited life before they begin to restrict airflow enough to start throwing codes.

 

[milehighassassin]

Been looking at used ecos and real leary about potential problems which may pop up after a few years of ownership.

Sounds like if they cleaned valves by spraying into the intake, the turbo blades may be damaged and/or the turbo may have overheated, both of which would shorten the life of either/both turbos.

Sounds like if the valves are stock, without use of an aftermarket catch can, they may have a limited life before they begin to restrict airflow enough to start throwing codes.

Really depends where the spray is inserted into the intake manifold. If you spray in your airbox which is generally a no no for you don't want to contaminate your maf, it will go past your turbo. I really doubt it will cause damage and may actually be beneficial.

People have been using water/meth injection systems for a long time to bring down intake temps. The water/meth systems have shown to actually clean the intake manifold and valves from the EGR cycles as well. IF you have a quality system it could be the solution to the older Ecoboost without the 7th injector in the intake.

 

[kiliki]

so why don't the diesels have this problem?
DI and boost.

 

[milehighassassin]

I would say the heat that diesels generate helps burn off the deposits. Their compression ratios are also far higher (more heat).