Kia Sorento 2017-18 GDI engine question

[Rustican]

Does anyone know the V6 direct injection engine KIA uses for the Sorento has issues with carbon build up on the intake valves? I'm considering purchasing one and wanted to know if this was still a problem with direct injection in general?

 

[NutBucket]

I would assume so. It's a common problem for most every DI engine.

 

[satyajitmenon]

Not sure about the Kia engine, but almost every DI engine still has this issue. The severity depends on a lot of factors.

Having said that, there are options available to alleviate some of the carbon buildup.

a) Walnut blasting - offered for many cars, typically not by the dealership though. I know for my WRX, it's not a complicated job (i.e. I can do it myself if I wanted to) and kit's are available online.
b) Additives in the intake tract - Sometimes called a "Top Engine Cleaner", sold by CRC and a few other makers (including a Subaru branded version). Basically injects a solvent into the intake tract of a running engine so it gets sucked in through the intake charge and "cleans" the top of the valves. Not as good/thorough as walnut blasting, but decent preventative maintenance that could delay the effects of the carbon buildup.
c) Catch Can - to prevent what's driving the carbon buildup on top of valves (basically the oil vapors routed via the PCV into the intake tract), the oil vapors are routed into a catch can. Lots of kits available to do this.

 

[satyajitmenon]

Did some searching and came across this.

http://www.pecj.or.jp/japanese/overseas/conference/pdf/conference12-19.pdf

 

[Rustican]

Not sure about the Kia engine, but almost every DI engine still has this issue. The severity depends on a lot of factors.

Having said that, there are options available to alleviate some of the carbon buildup.

a) Walnut blasting - offered for many cars, typically not by the dealership though. I know for my WRX, it's not a complicated job (i.e. I can do it myself if I wanted to) and kit's are available online.
b) Additives in the intake tract - Sometimes called a "Top Engine Cleaner", sold by CRC and a few other makers (including a Subaru branded version). Basically injects a solvent into the intake tract of a running engine so it gets sucked in through the intake charge and "cleans" the top of the valves. Not as good/thorough as walnut blasting, but decent preventative maintenance that could delay the effects of the carbon buildup.
c) Catch Can - to prevent what's driving the carbon buildup on top of valves (basically the oil vapors routed via the PCV into the intake tract), the oil vapors are routed into a catch can. Lots of kits available to do this.

Will any of those things void the manufacturer warranty? Thanks!

 

[satyajitmenon]

Will any of those things void the manufacturer warranty? Thanks!

Hard to say. Technically, if there is a warranty claim for some reason, unless they can prove that something you did (such as the things I mentioned above, and other mods too) actually caused the issue that's being warrantied, they cannot deny a claim. But there are plenty of stories of dealerships/manufacturers denying claims wily nilly, and the onus is then on the consumer to go after them in a court of law.

Maybe call a Kia dealerships service department and ask if they do any kind of "carbon cleaning" as part of scheduled maintenance. I know for Subaru, the "top engine cleaner" is actually on their list of scheduled service for some of their Turbo DI engined cars.

 

[pauldun170]

Read this
https://blog.caranddriver.com/explained-why-some-engines-have-both-port-and-direct-injection/
Shop accordingly

 

[Rustican]

Read this
https://blog.caranddriver.com/explained-why-some-engines-have-both-port-and-direct-injection/
Shop accordingly

Yeah, It's making the Toyota Highlander look more appealing since the new engine has both DI and port injection. Thanks.