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Carbon build up - Treatment Options?

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83K views 133 replies 40 participants last post by  carguy75  
S
#1 ·
Taken from another thread:

ADonnelly said:
It has a stupid clamp on it. You would need some long needle nose pliers or the cable style hose clamp pliers. To be honest the intake manifold could be removed from our cars in 10-15 minutes. It would almost be worth you guys pulling your intakes off just to check out how much carbon build up you have. I'm not exaggerating when I say a 15k mile GDI engine looks like a 100k mile engine by looking at the carbon build up on the valves.
Click to expand...
I accept that challenge, but what's the best way to address it after the fact? I had ~45k miles before I ever installed a catch can so I am sure it's not a pretty site. Is it one of those things that you just live with or is there an effective treatment the average consumer can do?
 
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#43 ·
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#45 ·
Is this something I should worry about if I don't run Seafoam through my vacuum hose, or ever install an OCC? I bought my car with 34k miles in Febuary '14 and it now is getting ready to hit 40k within the next week or so. I ran the Techron though it last oil change, but haven't really paid much mind to the carbon build up. I want to install an OCC eventually when I plan on running a tune, but should I install one now?
 
#46 ·
If you have the funds available to get one, get it. It will only help
 
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#50 ·
I usually run a full can of Seafoam in my gas tank @ every oil change. Do you think the techron would be a better choice?
 
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#51 ·
Just seafoamed the Mrs. 2013 Sportage. It has 6800 miles on it. First 10 second blast of seafoam created some smoke. Second not so much, third was clear!!! Remember..... Make sure the engine is hot.
 
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#52 ·
I worried about causing too much attention with the smoke. The first time I ever used SF through the intake like that, you'd think there was a forest fire. LOL. It was ridiculous and took a while to finally clear up. Neighbors will probably look up and call the fire dept. ;)
 
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#59 ·
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#63 ·
Adonnely,
Will the Kia dealership say anything if they see a pair of occ's installed on a car? is there a service at the dealership they can perform just like what you do?


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App
 
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A
#64 ·
I think a dealership saying something about OCC's being installed would honestly depend on your dealer. I do not know of a service at the dealership in which they remove the intake and "scrub" the carbon from the valves. Most just offer fuel injection/intake service which would basically be running cleaner through the PCV hose. Im sure you could talk to your advisor at your dealer and explain to them what you want done and have them quote you a price. Also tell them you want to see the valves/carbon build up with the intake off the car that way you can make sure its actually done how you request and they dont just tell you they will do it that way and run a can of cleaner through the PCV hose. I have done it that way on a couple vehicles that were under warranty and had misfires. Ive never actually had a customer request it.
 
A
#66 ·
N8 depending on what/how your dealer performs the service it would most likely be the same as you doing it. There is also a pressurized canister that hooks to the fuel rail that we have at the dealer and you disable the vehicles fuel pump and the engine runs off of the cleaner in the pressurized canister. The problem with that is it's not going to clean you intake valves. If you haven't already watch the video posted above and it explains how a GDI engine works and how they get carbon build up in the first place. The best way is through the pcv hose or removing the intake and scrubbing the valves.

Ed there is no problem with the pcv system it's just how a GDI engine works. All manufacturers with GDI engines have the same issues with carbon build up its not just Kia. OCC will help the issue for sure but still will not prevent the issue.


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#69 ·
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#70 ·
I may be a bit overboard but I change the oil myself. Im 53. Always have always will if Im able. I changed oil at 1000 and again a t 2300. I use Royal Purple 5w 40. Its warranty safe. For the most part I drive only city miles. I live 3 miles from work. I have had my Optima since Nov...2013. It has a whopping 2600 miles on it. I will change the oil again in October regardless of mileage. I already once sprayed Sea Foam in 3, 10 second bursts. Not a smidgen of smoke. I installed 2 OCC's at about 1600 miles. Dont see much **** in them? But there is a residue for sure. I am going to add a bottle of techron next tank full. Pay now or pay later? Whats the difference? All I can say is I really love this car... And since doing a few things to if courtesy of our very fine vendors.... I love the added pull and power.
 
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#74 · (Edited by Moderator)
Cool so u did this w/o someone sitting in the vehicle revving the engine as you did it?

NilVlrod said:
I got the videos up :p I was feeling ambitious. (ps. Editing is for losers) :p Enjoy.
Click to expand...
 
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#76 ·
I treated my engine with CRC GDI IVD today and there seems to be a noticeable difference in the performance. My 2013 Optima has 30000 miles and this is the first treatment. I have used Techron additive at the last 2 oil changes and will continue to used it at every future oil change. I will treat the intake valves with the GDI chemical at every other oil change. I am also saving up for the Saikou Michi OCC. I'm hoping with the combination of these 3 items, my complete intake system will remain in good condition. I have included a picture of the spray can connection I used for the treatment. Simply a rubber plug with a hole in the middle for the spray can nozzle.
 
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#78 ·
A-Breit said:
I treated my engine with CRC GDI IVD today and there seems to be a noticeable difference in the performance. My 2013 Optima has 30000 miles and this is the first treatment. I have used Techron additive at the last 2 oil changes and will continue to used it at every future oil change. I will treat the intake valves with the GDI chemical at every other oil change. I am also saving up for the Saikou Michi OCC. I'm hoping with the combination of these 3 items, my complete intake system will remain in good condition. I have included a picture of the spray can connection I used for the treatment. Simply a rubber plug with a hole in the middle for the spray can nozzle. View attachment 111794 View attachment 111802
Click to expand...
How did you get the plastic engine cover off? I assume that it simply snaps in place, but didn't want to pull too hard and end up breaking it.
 
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