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The truth about gasoline direct injection | How to care for your GDI engine

beato1

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Here's one of the best and simplest explanation of GDI meninges and how to make them last! Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) has been celebrated as a grand achievement by automakers. It’s the latest fuel delivery technology and industry titans tout its better performance and better fuel economy.--https://strutdaddys.com/the-truth-about-gasoline-direct-injection-how-to-care-for-your-gdi-engine/

It’s not just all industry hype either. GDI engines have produced some impressive results.

One example of GDI success is in the Mazda 3. When Consumer Reports tested its new Skyactiv engine, the gas mileage jumped from 28 mpg to 32 mpg. Cadillac was able to add 34 horsepower to its CTS without sacrificing fuel economy.

Gasoline direct injection has crept into the mainstream and is now seen in more cars than ever. Automakers are convinced–GDI works and it is efficient.

However, that added efficiency comes at a cost. Let’s explore.

What is Gasoline Direct Injection and how does it work?​

Gasoline direct injection engines work by injecting fuel at high pressure directly into the combustion chamber. This is far more precise than older fuel-injection systems or carburetors.

This direct injection results in a more complete combustion and cooler temperatures inside the cylinder. The cooler temperatures allow for a better compression ratio, meaning greater efficiency and power with the same amount of fuel.

Some manufacturers suggest that GDI engines can achieve a 50% increase in low-end torque while also returning a 15% increase in fuel economy.

This might all sound too good to be true. And in a way it is. While the efficiency gains are without a doubt real, GDI technology creates a whole new set of problems.

GDI problems​

The main advantage of Gasoline Direct Injection technology, its precision, is also its main drawback.

Many people have complained to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that their GDI-powered cars experience high rates of fuel system clogging and engine carbon buildup.

The results can be drastic, with some drivers experiencing loss of power and engine stalling. As anyone who has needed engine repair done can tell you, these are not cheap repairs.

How to solve GDI problems​

Many of the automakers who have employed this technology have stepped up to the plate to try and fix it.

BMW and Kia specifically have issued technical service bulletins to their dealerships urging them to recommend ethanol-free gasoline brands and gasoline with detergents. They have also recommended owners occasionally add a fuel-system cleaner to their vehicle.

Some other automakers have tried some engineering fixes. One example is a modification to the engine that allows it to spray a little fuel onto the valves themselves to act as a solvent and keep them clean.

Still, the best way to keep your GDI engine running cleanly and properly is to practice proper maintenance.
 
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thanks, great article and I'd love to see the TSB referenced in the source. Same problem with my motorcycle and clogged jets if you let it sit too long with the ethanol crap, in addition to the higher burning temps in general. Very hard to find clean gas in CA, but a little easier when I'm riding in NV. Wondering if the clogging with the GDI is with normal use, or periods of time sitting idle?
 
Found from Kia Soul website! Oh, Telly's manual also states this in the same effect!

Kia recommends that you use good quality gasolines treated with detergent additives such as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline, which helps prevent deposit formation in the engine. These gasolines will help the engine run cleaner and enhance performance of the Emission Control System. For more information on TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline, please go to the website (www.toptiergas. com).

For Customers who do not use TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline regularly, and have problems starting or the engine does not run smoothly, additives that you can buy separately may be added to the gasoline. If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not available, one bottle of additive added to the fuel tank at 7,500 miles or every engine oil change is recommended.

Additives are available from your authorized Kia dealer along with information on how to use them. Do not mix other additives.

Kia Telluride 2021 manual page 1--2: "Never add any fuel system cleaning agents to the fuel tank other than what has been specified (consult an authorized Kia dealer for details)."
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Anyone know what KIA recommends? Seeing how every dealer uses a different oil supplier, I'm betting their recommendations would vary for this as well.
 
thanks, great article and I'd love to see the TSB referenced in the source. Same problem with my motorcycle and clogged jets if you let it sit too long with the ethanol crap, in addition to the higher burning temps in general. Very hard to find clean gas in CA, but a little easier when I'm riding in NV. Wondering if the clogging with the GDI is with normal use, or periods of time sitting idle?
Thanks! Ethanol increases octane and cools the combustion chambers--but with penalty of increased deposit! Ethanol is EPA required and not designed to increase octane, btw. It just happen that it increases octane. Top Tier gas is recommended to counteract increased carbon deposit (that's the answer to GDI and ethanol's side effect, among others).
 
Anyone know what KIA recommends? Seeing how every dealer uses a different oil supplier, I'm betting their recommendations would vary for this as well.
Good question! I just called my Kia dealer and left a message regarding this. Waiting for their answer. Thanks.
 
Use Shell, BP, Exxon, Marathon, etc....all major oil companies are top tier. Walmart, Kroger are not top tier gasoline
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Anyone know what KIA recommends? Seeing how every dealer uses a different oil supplier, I'm betting their recommendations would vary for this as well.
So, I just called my dealership just now! Dave (tech/store guy) said they have Techron Concentrate Plus Complete System Cleaner (I know it's a mouthful). He said it's the only one that he could find and it's got the Kia part number. So, there you go! Oh, it's $17.99.
 
Is there a recommended volume for each treatment of fuel additive for the Telluride? I don’t know where to find this.
 
There're two available sizes--12 oz and 20 oz. I guess you use 12 if you have small tank and 20 oz for bigger tank. I read somewhere 1 oz per gallon, so it's consistent with that. As for me, I just use Top Tier gas (shell, Mobil, Exxon, among many), and adjust my oil change intervals to "severe" maintenance to hopefully "stem the tide", as they say, lol! There are maintenance items to watch out for--spark plugs, engine and cabin air filters, coolant, PCV and modify driving habit (treat it gently). And yes, detergent every 5k or every oil change--but don't go crazy! All these are achievable and doable by the owner (or a mechanic) without delving deeper. These maintenance items are interdependent--meaning, emission parts (mentioned earlier) depend on each other--if one is neglected, the others will soon follow despite keeping them maintained. A few examples: we don't see coolant as being necessary in the emission maintenance (keeping particulate matters out of the environment), but coolant helps keep the engine temperature from reaching too hot that shortens the life of the oil (engine and transmission) and speeds up carbon deposit formation. Air filters (engine and cabin) keeps the air freely circulating--"When your air filter is dirty, your engine is forced to work harder, resulting in poor fuel economy, higher emissions and, possibly, a loss of engine power. In turn, as a worst-case scenario, a clogged cabin air filter can lead to under-performance of the A/C system, causing weak air flow from the cabin vents. It can also lead to unwanted, unfiltered air in the cabin. As for a mucked-up fuel filter, that’ll land you with a weakened fuel supply to injectors, a reduction in engine power, poor acceleration and lousy fuel economy—not to mention a potential breakdown"--https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/maintenance/faqs-about-your-cars-cabin-fuel-and-air-filters/.
Spark plugs, PVC, oil filter and oil must be replaced promptly. Here, the adage "better late than never" is not helpful--it is actually harmful! Thanks.
 
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There're two available sizes--12 oz and 20 oz. I guess you use 12 if you have small tank and 20 oz for bigger tank. I read somewhere 1 oz per gallon, so it's consistent with that. As for me, I just use Top Tier gas (shell, Mobil, Exxon, among many), and adjust my oil change intervals to "severe" maintenance to hopefully "stem the tide", as they say, lol! There are maintenance items to watch out for--spark plugs, engine and cabin air filters, coolant, PCV and modify driving habit (treat it gently). And yes, detergent every 5k or every oil change--but don't go crazy! All these are achievable and doable by the owner (or a mechanic) without delving deeper. These maintenance items are interdependent--meaning, emission parts (mentioned earlier) depend on each other--if one is neglected, the others will soon follow despite keeping them maintained. A few examples: we don't see coolant as being necessary in the emission maintenance (keeping particulate matters out of the environment), but coolant helps keep the engine temperature from reaching too hot that shortens the life of the oil (engine and transmission) and speeds up carbon deposit formation. Air filters (engine and cabin) keeps the air freely circulating--"When your air filter is dirty, your engine is forced to work harder, resulting in poor fuel economy, higher emissions and, possibly, a loss of engine power. In turn, as a worst-case scenario, a clogged cabin air filter can lead to under-performance of the A/C system, causing weak air flow from the cabin vents. It can also lead to unwanted, unfiltered air in the cabin. As for a mucked-up fuel filter, that’ll land you with a weakened fuel supply to injectors, a reduction in engine power, poor acceleration and lousy fuel economy—not to mention a potential breakdown"--https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/maintenance/faqs-about-your-cars-cabin-fuel-and-air-filters/.
Spark plugs, PVC, oil filter and oil must be replaced promptly. Here, the adage "better late than never" is not helpful--it is actually harmful! Thanks.
Sounds good, thx. Our previous cars are 11 and 16 yrs old respectively so paying attention to maintenance/best practices is important to me. This is my first experience with a GDI engine.
 
Sounds good, thx. Our previous cars are 11 and 16 yrs old respectively so paying attention to maintenance/best practices is important to me. This is my first experience with a GDI engine.
My wife's 1999 Camry that we gave to a friend 3 years ago is still going. Our Honda Pilot 2005 is now 16 years old but we just use as a beach SUV (put out to pasture, lol). Then there is my wife's Honda 2011 recently given to our daughter in-law. I feel good because I did most of the maintenance I mentioned earlier. But anyone can have their cars maintained by a trusted mechanic (not sure if dealership here is included, lol). Tips and occasional gifts will go a long way to show appreciation and gain loyalty. Yes, loyalty to you as a customer is a reversed psychology! Normally, it's the other way around, lol! But our cars are important to us so we try to gain their loyalty--so we are treated differently from the "ordinary" customers!
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Alright I was going to post a different thread about this but it seems this would be a good place to add. I just recently did my 1st Oil chance yesterday and ran into this great deal. Thought I would share here and it’s good until November 20,2021. Ended up getting 6 bottles $29.06 after discount. They are usually 8.99 each. They have buy 1 get 1 free plus get a $1 back in rewards. Couldn’t pass up a good deal. 👍🥳A5AFCA9B-5F2A-4090-9B6E-C0451A6C6EE3.webp6E4C8CA1-926C-4A75-B81B-156A90AE3151.webp343360B5-8814-43BD-B6FB-9643B4FAAF86.webp
 
i have some BG 44K cans still hanging around and seafoam...maybe i will add some of those once in a while
 
i have some BG 44K cans still hanging around and seafoam...maybe i will add some of those once in a while
I’ve heard good things about the BG 44k cans. Mind sharing your experience with using them? How much do they usually run for?
 
I’ve heard good things about the BG 44k cans. Mind sharing your experience with using them? How much do they usually run for?
not cheap...i have used it as a preventative but not often...not often in vehicles either...i end up using seafoam in most of my small engines (riding mower, push mower, weed wacker, leaf blowers, etc)
 




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