GDI Valve Cleaning Experience

[AE1M]

I got my 2016 HC in 2019 with 35K miles.  I was finally convinced by a trusted friend master mechanic to install a catch can with baffles, which I did.  I empty it regularly, every 1000 miles in warm, 500 in winter to keep ice/condensation to a min.  Truck now has 80K miles

 

I did the valve clean procedure with Lucas GDI Valve  cleaner spray.   Disconnected the intake and shot the spray in past the MAF (which I disconnected also) Son kept the RPMs at 2K, shot spurts  in for about 8 minutes til can empty.  Never stalled or sputtered, heard slight increase in RPM with every squirt.  Let it sit for 20 minutes per the directions, then put it all back together and drove.  Didnt see a single puff of blue smoke.  Had to reset the CEL, probably lit due to the disconnected MAF?

 

Truck actually was running smoothly and still is, but was convinced to do the simple procedure for this GDI engine.

 

Hope that indicates the catch can is doing it's job keeping crud off the valves. 

 

 

 

 

[rav3]

I also do the DGI Valve Cleaning but with the CRC stuff, as it contains the largest amount of PEA (PolyEther Amine) that is 150 times more concentrated on the intake valves than any premium fuel additive, which is what dissolves the carbon. I use it on all my GDI cars (BMWs). I have not been convinced about the catch can mode, as I feel it's fine for the engine to burn this mostly water & oil vapors, which I don't think is any big deal. Your catch can actually condense these vapors, so they become liquids. Each to their own on this mod, sort of like the cold intake systems over the OEM air filters. I'm too old for any little HP difference. LOL   BTW, I'm an old school shade tree DIYer. Hard to teach this old dog/Leatherneck new tricks...LOL

 

BTW, even BMW has added port injectors to their latest GDI engine (B58) to help eliminate the carbon build up. Enjoy your ride!