[Avian Auto]

The school is still out as to fuel additives. I recently was asked to replace spark plugs on a customer's 2011 GMC Acadia with the GDI 3.6L v-6 and 110,000 miles. Replacing plugs requires removal of the intake manifold.

I just knew that there would be heavy carbon deposits on his intake valves as I've seen so many times on these GDI engines. There was none... the valves were clean as new! I was flabbergasted. I'd prepared him for the expense of shell blasting the carbon from the valves and he was willing to pay for it.

Needless to say, he was happy when his bill was much cheaper that first thought... Naturally, I asked him what he was adding to either the oil or gas and he told me he adds Seafoam once a month and has since it was new.

Glean from that whatever you wish.

 

[Avian Auto]

Top tier fuel isn't the answer on it's own. The new engine oil with the SAE classification "SN+" addresses the problem to an extent. The ethanol in fuel is a problem in emissions locations such as here in Houston, Texas. I've heard several old timers over the years swear by sea foam, especially a boat repair shop owner I know. That guy sings the praises of Sea Foam relentlessly. The additive known as "Techron" (polyetheramine) is nitrogen based and does a great deal to alleviate carbon build up, however, it is expensive from BG.

The solution is one requiring diligence and using several methods of prevention simultaneously... there is no "quick fix".

 

[Avian Auto]

If you think about it.... carbon builds up on the valves... where did that come from? It comes from PCV system contamination from oil and fuel traces along with trace water. There are aftermarket "catch canisters" to be put into the PCV system to capture the "guck" which causes the carbon. Fuel does contribute however.

 

[Avian Auto]

When I perform an oil change on a GDI engine, I'll use a good crankcase flush from BG. This is added to the old oil and the engine in run for 10 to 15 minutes at about 1500 to 1800 RPM. The oil is then drained and it is always nasty. Upon putting in the new oil, I add BG's new MOA 115 additive which has been formulated to help keep the carbon from building up under the piston on the oil control rings.

 

[Avian Auto]

Techron is a name such as "Kleenex" or Coca Cola". Techron is polyetheramine. It is a very potent fuel system additive. BG has a product called "44K" that is a bottle of this chemical, except theirs is as if it's on steroids. My 2002 Sequoia, or any car for that matter can begin to have a gimpy idle and some minor drivability concerns due to build up of deposits on valves and on the pistons and combustion chamber surfaces. I have added a bottle to my own and for customers and the stuff WORKS every time! It won't fix mechanical issues, but is very effective in removing deposits throughout the fuel system. BG claims that it also cleans the converters.