Will Using an Aerosol Cleaner Prevent Carbon from Accumulating on the Engine Valves in My 2012 Ford F-150?

Q: I have a 2012 Ford F-150 with a direct-injected, 3.5L EcoBoost engine. To combat carbon build-up on the valves, I change the oil every 3,000 miles and use CRC Turbo and Valve cleaner at every oil change. Do you think this is a good way to prevent carbon from building up on my engine’s valves, or is there a better way?

– Mike from Elyria, Ohio

A: Hi, Mike. As you pointed out, your truck’s engine has a gasoline direct injection (GDI) fuel system. Unlike traditional port fuel injection, which sprays fuel into the intake ports behind the valves, GDI systems spray fuel directly into the combustion chamber.

Many modern vehicles use GDI because the technology improves fuel economy. Unfortunately, because the setup does not allow fuel and detergents to hit the back of the intake valves, the intake valves can suffer from carbon build-up.

When carbon build-up on the valves gets bad enough, the only option is to perform some type of invasive procedure, such as blasting the backside of the intake valves with walnut shells or removing the cylinder head to clean the valves. 

So, you’re smart to take measures to help prevent carbon build-up. Although I have not personally tried CRC Turbo and Valve Cleaner, the product seems promising. Instead of adding the cleaner to your vehicle’s gas tank, as you would a traditional fuel system cleaner, you spray the product into the air intake to help clean the turbo and the valves.

Changing your oil regularly (with the right type of high-quality oil) is also important when it comes to preventing carbon build-up. In other words, it sounds like you’re on the right track with your preventative maintenance!