Photo Credit: BG Website
Fuel injection has been in use for many years because it greatly increases efficiency.
Computer controls direct a precise amount of gasoline to be injected at the moment of the intake stroke.
The amount of fuel depends on information from an array of sensors including engine temperature, ambient temperature, and oxygen levels, for example, along with input from the driver pushing on the accelerator pedal.
In the past ten years or so automobile manufacturers have transitioned to “direct injection” fuel injection because it offers more power and reduced emissions.
The main difference between traditional and direct fuel injection is the point of fuel delivery. “Direct” refers to fuel being injected directly into the cylinder immediately prior to the spark which ignites the gasoline instead of the fuel spray being pulled into the cylinder.
That difference means the detergents in the gasoline never come in contact with the top of the valves in the intake manifold. Because the gasoline spends less time in the cylinder, the cleaning action inside the cylinder is diminished as well.
One way to minimize carbon buildup in a direct injected engine is to drive it like a race car. We’re not kidding - racing engines have less buildup because of the higher RPMs, higher temperatures, and hard acceleration. Of course running your engine to the redline and accelerating as fast as possible isn’t quite compatible with regular day to day traffic, not to mention that doing so will tear up the average car in a hurry!
Getting rid of carbon buildup has proven to be a challenge. One method involves sandblasting the engine with crushed walnut shells. Not kidding. The service is pricey because the special machine is expensive and the process is labor intensive.
BG Products, a long-time leader in automotive fluids and services, has developed a proprietary process involving specialty chemicals and precise throttle management while being carefully monitored in a repair facility. This service has proved itself in our shop with dramatically improved vehicle driving dynamics - restored power and fuel efficiency.
Direct injection engines are here to stay because they offer many benefits over more traditional port injection. This fact makes it all the more likely you’ll own a GDI powered car or light truck. Prevention will keep it running well with fewer emissions and prevent the far more expensive repairs needed when too much carbon buildup accumulates.
Haglin Automotive in Boulder, Colorado - now celebrating 40 Years of service to the community. Haglin Automotive is a AAA Approved Repair Facility and offers expert advice and service for both preventive and repair services. Haglin Automotive strives to partner with customers to keep their vehicles more reliable, comfortable, and safe.