Ford F150 fuel induction service

[BrentD]

So I had my oil changed at a new Ford garage that I have never used before. I have just moved to another state and i'm not sure who I can trust. In any event, this dealership, after changing my oil recommended that I have this fuel induction service done for about a hundred dollars.

It sounds a lot like snake oil to me. Anybody know otherwise?

FWIW, the F150 is a 3.5 Ecoboost engine.

 

[Arcola]

Should be done on direct injected engines. Not sure if yours is. Depends on the year. I’d ask details about how they do it. Hopefully not just a fuel additive. It should be run through the throttle body to take carbon off the valves.

 

[BrentD]

Should be done on direct injected engines. Not sure if yours is. Depends on the year. I’d ask details about how they do it. Hopefully not just a fuel additive. It should be run through the throttle body to take carbon off the valves.

It is a 2023

 

[BrentD]

It sounded like more than a fuel additive, but why wouldn't a good additive get that done?

 

[Arcola]

It sounded like more than a fuel additive, but why wouldn't a good additive get that done?

Because the fuel is injected directly into the cylinder and never touches the valves, but carbon does develop on the top of the valves.

 

[BrentD]

Thanks for that information. Maybe I should do it then. It has been about 65k miles.

 

[Arcola]

Thanks for that information. Maybe I should do it then. It has been about 65k miles.

You’re welcome. It would be wise to do it, but don’t shy away from asking them about exactly how it is performed.

 

[WapitiBob]

There is nothing anybody will do for $100 that's going to clean those valves. Walnut media blast with the heads off is the only way to actually get the carbon off.

 

[marksjeep]

Newer gen 3.5 use dual injection. Direct + port to keep the intake valves clean.

 

[Bulldog0156]

Waste of money. Better off putting it towards fresh plugs.

 

[Forkyfinder]

Thanks for that information. Maybe I should do it then. It has been about 65k miles.

Should be done on direct injected engines. Not sure if yours is. Depends on the year. I’d ask details about how they do it. Hopefully not just a fuel additive. It should be run through the throttle body to take carbon off the valves.

Gen 2 (2017) + ecoboosts have direct + indirect injection

 

[Arcola]

It is a 2023

Missed this detail. As others have indicated, this is a dual injected engine designed specifically to minimize carbon build-up on the valves. The service they're recommending is unnecessary on these engines. Certainly doesn't hurt to use a fuel "cleaning" additive once every 15k-30k miles, but this design has been much less problematic than the prior generation.

 

[mplane72]

As far as I know, and I've looked, Ford does not approve standard induction service. Don't know about the newer models but on my 2014 and the like they've seen it fry the turbos.

That does kind of suck because they are known for carbon build up. My mech, who is my friend, thinks I have a rough idle. If it is it's minor. Time for new plugs anyway.

I do believe these engines do benefit from an "Italian tune up" on a regular basis.

 

[BrentD]

What is an Italian tune up?

 

[Dave N]

What is an Italian tune up?

It's what us old timers called "blowing the cobwebs out of it". Basically, stand on the gas til you smell shit!

 

[mplane72]

What is an Italian tune up?

AI Overview

An "Italian tune-up" is a slang term for driving a car hard at high RPMs to burn off carbon deposits and gunk in the engine, a practice popularized by Italian sports car mechanics. While high heat can break down some deposits, studies suggest that constant high loads may actually increase carbon buildup in some engines, and a single Italian tune-up is unlikely to provide lasting benefits. However, regularly exploring the higher RPM range can help keep engines clean and improve performance.

 

[BrentD]

It's what us old timers called "blowing the cobwebs out of it". Basically, stand on the gas til you smell shit!

We Norskies call that normal use.

 

[Dave N]

We Norskies call that normal use.

Growing up NOTHING I drove ever had any buildup! Heck, just last Saturday I tried taking care of it on my Harley! Must be the kid in me.

 

[Ben Lamb]

I tapped the heat gauges today and my check engine light went off.

You can still work on them fancy new rigs if you know just where to hit it w/ the hammer.

 

[elkduds]

I tapped the heat gauges today and my check engine light went off.

You can still work on them fancy new rigs if you know just where to hit it w/ the hammer.

Electrician tape over the offending illumination, just like fixing your VCR back in the day.