BG GDI intake valve service

Justin Arms · May 3, 2017

Has anyone had this performed? Are there 2 different services. From poking around the web, I see that there's the upper induction service where they use the apparatus to blow the chemical in through the intake/ plenum, and then they just run it through the chamber. Then I saw another video where the tech actually let the chemicals soak on the valves and then manually scrubbed them with a brush and vacuumed it out. Is anyone familiar with these services? I'd like to get the 2nd one performed if it's offered in my area, but I'm not sure what it's actually called or how to search it on BG's site. TIA

Justin101714 · May 3, 2017

The first service you mentioned is the most common service offered by dealerships. This service is sort of a catch all type. It hits everything in the plenum down to the valves. When I do it, i inject all the cleaner and let it sit for 20 mins. Start it up and blow it out during the test drive. It actually works quite well. This is for vehicles that primarily run low octane fuels that leave a high amount of carbon tracking behind....but since the development of ethanol mixed fuel, it almost doesn't matter what type of fuel you buy, it all sucks anyway.

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Justin Arms · May 3, 2017

The first service you mentioned is the most common service offered by dealerships. This service is sort of a catch all type. It hits everything in the plenum down to the valves. When I do it, i inject all the cleaner and let it sit for 20 mins. Start it up and blow it out during the test drive. It actually works quite well. This is for vehicles that primarily run low octane fuels that leave a high amount of carbon tracking behind....but since the development of ethanol mixed fuel, it almost doesn't matter what type of fuel you buy, it all sucks anyway.

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Thanks! I'm kind of skeptical to do this because I bought the truck certified with 40k on it. I have no idea what was done prior to me taking ownership, so I'm hesitant to send chunks of carbon down into the chamber. Then again, maybe the previous owner was doing some routine PM that I'm unaware of.

I'd like to try the 2nd one, where they let the chemicals soak on the valve, then manually scrub it and vacuum out the debris. I'm sure it is next to impossible to find a shop that offers this service.

Justin101714 · May 3, 2017

Thanks! I'm kind of skeptical to do this because I bought the truck certified with 40k on it. I have no idea what was done prior to me taking ownership, so I'm hesitant to send chunks of carbon down into the chamber. Then again, maybe the previous owner was doing some routine PM that I'm unaware of.

I'd like to try the 2nd one, where they let the chemicals soak on the valve, then manually scrub it and vacuum out the debris. I'm sure it is next to impossible to find a shop that offers this service.

It isn't chucks really. Once it's soaked, it comes of as dark fluid and is burnt during combustion. You probably won't find any place that does the scrubbing. At the mileage you have, you won't have so much carbon built up on the valve stem that it actually would cause a misfire condition just yet. I say go with the regular service and do it about every 30K

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Justin Arms · May 3, 2017

It isn't chucks really. Once it's soaked, it comes of as dark fluid and is burnt during combustion. You probably won't find any place that does the scrubbing. At the mileage you have, you won't have so much carbon built up on the valve stem that it actually would cause a misfire condition just yet. I say go with the regular service and do it about every 30K

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Awesome, I'll probably go ahead and get that scheduled. I appreciate the information!

mookdoc6 · May 3, 2017

Thanks! I'm kind of skeptical to do this because I bought the truck certified with 40k on it. I have no idea what was done prior to me taking ownership, so I'm hesitant to send chunks of carbon down into the chamber. Then again, maybe the previous owner was doing some routine PM that I'm unaware of.

I'd like to try the 2nd one, where they let the chemicals soak on the valve, then manually scrub it and vacuum out the debris. I'm sure it is next to impossible to find a shop that offers this service.

There are shops that will for a price? Taking the heads off and going at it with brushes etc. is Time and Money no doubt. I would check your local GMC/Chevy dealer and go for the Top End Decarb service that is on sale........It's about the same as BG/Chemical wise and it will be handled at GM's Service center so you don't have to worry about any other issues that materialize down the road....fouled Cats etc....

mookdoc6 · May 3, 2017

I personally believe that more adherence/maintenance is going to be required with these GDI engines.......I am not talking about 5K oil changes either it seems the owner will have to take proactive measures to ensure the GDI engine is not being neglected because if so it will let you know and it's seemingly quick before these babies start fouling up?

ChevyRoofer · May 3, 2017

Awesome, I'll probably go ahead and get that scheduled. I appreciate the information!

It's $149 from the dealership. 3-stage cleaning - I'm getting mine done tomorrow.

johnk45 · May 3, 2017

It's $149 from the dealership. 3-stage cleaning - I'm getting mine done tomorrow.

Did they explain what all they do and what all the cleaning will do? I asked my service guy about it at my dealership and he didn't really have a clue so i have been hesitant on doing it. I just want to make sure it actually cleans the intake valves and what not.

ChevyRoofer · May 3, 2017

Did they explain what all they do and what all the cleaning will do? I asked my service guy about it at my dealership and he didn't really have a clue so i have been hesitant on doing it. I just want to make sure it actually cleans the intake valves and what not.

No, the guy was passing information along to a female attendant over the phone.

I'll talk with him tomorrow morning about it and report back.

I'm going this route because other people have had problems with their cats getting clogged.

If the dealership does the work, they warranty the repairs too.

Justin Arms · May 3, 2017

No, the guy was passing information along to a female attendant over the phone.

This is the status quo for me. Some secretary who only knows that trucks go vroom vroom down the road is trying to be a liaison between me and the service tech. it is not going well.

Justin Arms · May 4, 2017

It's $149 from the dealership. 3-stage cleaning - I'm getting mine done tomorrow.

Do they do an oil change afterward? Is it needed?

Sry for questions.

ChevyRoofer · May 4, 2017

Do they do an oil change afterward? Is it needed?

Sry for questions.

Keep them coming, no biggie!

No oil change is included - but I'm going to change my oil tomorrow...I'm at 15% now.

I don't think it's actually NEEDED, but if it gives you more peace of mind then go for it.

Or just wait to schedule this cleaning right before you need to change your oil.

I'll be heading in for the service in about 30 minutes. I will report back.

ChevyRoofer · May 4, 2017

Keep them coming, no biggie!

No oil change is included - but I'm going to change my oil tomorrow...I'm at 15% now.

I don't think it's actually NEEDED, but if it gives you more peace of mind then go for it.

Or just wait to schedule this cleaning right before you need to change your oil.

I'll be heading in for the service in about 30 minutes. I will report back.

So the dealership does the same BG GDI cleaning where they idle the RPM to 2k and run a bottle of the cleaner through the intake.

They also do a 27-point inspection and I'm getting my tires rotated for free.

Would recommend the dealership for this cleaning since they will cover new cats if the cleaning clogs them. Shouldn't be any clog if you do this every 30k - dealer recommended.

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Justin Arms · May 4, 2017

So the dealership does the same BG GDI cleaning where they idle the RPM to 2k and run a bottle of the cleaner through the intake.

They also do a 27-point inspection and I'm getting my tires rotated for free.

Would recommend the dealership for this cleaning since they will cover new cats if the cleaning clogs them. Shouldn't be any clog if you do this every 30k - dealer recommended.

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Curious to see if you notice an improvement in performance/efficiency after this. Even if it's only been 30k miles.