Engine Tech Question

[jtpasto]

I have a 2022 Black Diamond 2.3L with just over 100000 miles. I did install a Ford Performance oil catch can at about 80000 miles. My miles per gallon is really deteriorating and I think it is from carbon buildup on the valves. Is there a chemical/vapor available that would dissolve the carbon buildup? Could you put the chemical/vapor in the oil catch can so it would be drawn through engine when it is running? I dread the thought of taking the Bronco to a dealer for the repair. The labor to take the engine apart and manually remove the carbon buildup on the valves and heads. If there is a chemical/vapor that could be used, would it be compatible with the engine sensors and materials? Could it be used without causing damage to the engine?

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[TheKim]

I dunno, I just dump a bottle of Seafoam in the gas around oil change time, and a tablespoon in the crankcase the day of the oil change.
Seems to have kept my Ecoboost Fusion happy for 140,000 miles, and the Bronco so far at almost 60,000.
Italian tune ups can also help if performed semi often. Ideally after you're at operating temperature.

Just my anecdotal thoughts.

Good luck and hoping the best for your Bronco.

 

[Valhalla]

I have nothing helpful, I would like to suggest you source a 22-23 7.3 and prepare to swap to that engine & trans....

 

[Brian_B]

First, congrats on 100k

The additives in the gas tank won't do you any good - direct injection.

You may get some small bit of luck with the aerosols that go in the air intake, but really you just need to get the valves blasted, if that's the issue.

Have you already changed out the spark plugs? That made a noticeable difference for me at 50k miles, even though the original plugs still looked fine. There's a whole slew of things you probably should do around 100k.

 

[zyglyrox]

Find a shop that does walnut blasting. That will be the only option to truly clean the valves. Most German autoshops / Tuning places will offer it. I think it was like $600-800 the last time I had it done on my Mk7.5 GTI.

 

[23OBX2.7]

Double check install maybe hoses are reversed, call mfg support, or remove all together.

 

[totaljustice]

There is something else to consider. I see you (the OP) live in Idaho and I'm pretty sure that you get nasty cold temperatures like we do here in Canada. Your mileage will drop significantly due to a drop in temperatures. For example, my mileage through the Summer here in Nova Scotia averages out to be 10.1 L/100 kms (23.2 mpg) and currently my mileage, because we are now consistently below 0° C (32 ° F), is 11.7 L/100 kms (20.1 mpg) and the more severe the temperature drop, your mileage drop will increase for reasons too involved for me to put out here. That may not be your only issue but you will definitely experience a drop in mileage during the Winter.

 

[ChrisB351]

I have a 2022 Black Diamond 2.3L with just over 100000 miles. I did install a Ford Performance oil catch can at about 80000 miles. My miles per gallon is really deteriorating and I think it is from carbon buildup on the valves. Is there a chemical/vapor available that would dissolve the carbon buildup? Could you put the chemical/vapor in the oil catch can so it would be drawn through engine when it is running? I dread the thought of taking the Bronco to a dealer for the repair. The labor to take the engine apart and manually remove the carbon buildup on the valves and heads. If there is a chemical/vapor that could be used, would it be compatible with the engine sensors and materials? Could it be used without causing damage to the engine?

No fuel additives will help due to direct injection hence why you get carbon build up. Your best bet is walnut blasting. It requires intake removal and a special machine. Probably a 4-5hr job at whatever rate your shop charges.

 

[Valhalla]

There is something else to consider. I see you (the OP) live in Idaho and I'm pretty sure that you get nasty cold temperatures like we do here in Canada. Your mileage will drop significantly due to a drop in temperatures. For example, my mileage through the Summer here in Nova Scotia averages out to be 10.1 L/100 kms (23.2 mpg) and currently my mileage, because we are now consistently below 0° C (32 ° F), is 11.7 L/100 kms (20.1 mpg) and the more severe the temperature drop, your mileage drop will increase for reasons too involved for me to put out here. That may not be your only issue but you will definitely experience a drop in mileage during the Winter.

The colder air should have better combustion... Letting it idle to warm it not so much...

 

[totaljustice]

Cold air yes. Cold fuel not so much.

 

[PWillette]

Winter blend fuel will contribute to reduced MPG as well.

 

[Nibroc99]

Winter blend fuel requires a higher Reid Vapor Pressure, so they add some things to it such as increasing the butane levels, among other things. Here's a great read about it from Amsoil. So this likely contributes to worse mileage more than anything. You shouldn't see much buildup using a boroscope at 100k miles... Closer to 200k and beyond is when it would be more reasonable to suspect carbon buildup.

 

[zyglyrox]

Winter blend fuel requires a higher Reid Vapor Pressure, so they add some things to it such as increasing the butane levels, among other things. Here's a great read about it from Amsoil. So this likely contributes to worse mileage more than anything. You shouldn't see much buildup using a boroscope at 100k miles... Closer to 200k and beyond is when it would be more reasonable to suspect carbon buildup.

You’ll get carbon buildup on valves far sooner than that. I had to do a buddies WRX at 45k and my personal GTI at 65k. I expect to do my Bronco at 60k, if nothing happens before that.

 

[Nibroc99]

You’ll get carbon buildup on valves far sooner than that. I had to do a buddies WRX at 45k and my personal GTI at 65k. I expect to do my Bronco at 60k, if nothing happens before that.

Wish I had taken pics of the valves when I checked with my boroscope at 75k mi... Mine were dirty but didn't have any crazy buildup. I'll have to see if I can rent that boroscope again and get pics to upload this time. Ford tech had told me that they rarely see issues with carbon buildup on the 2.7L Ecoboost before 150-200k. It's also used in a few other Ford vehicles.

 

[Brian_B]

Ford tech had told me that they rarely see issues with carbon buildup on the 2.7L Ecoboost before 150-200k.

Well the 2.7 (and the new 2.3) has dual injection, which helps a lot. The older 2.3 is DI only

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