Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) has been gradually replacing traditional Port Fuel Injection in newer vehicles. GDI was initially only available in high-end vehicles, but as costs have declined it has become available in a wider range of vehicles. Since automakers began making the switch to GDI, many makes and models have significantly improved in terms of fuel economy and/or horsepower. GDI engines often require cleaning to keep them working efficiently.
In a vehicle with Port Fuel Injection, a small port is located just outside the engine cylinder. Right before the intake valve opens, the fuel injector squirts a small amount of gasoline into the area of the cylinder. Then the valve opens, air flows into the port and mixes with the gas, and the mixture flows into the engine, where it is compressed by the piston. The spark plug ignites the gas and pushes it against the piston, sending power to the engine.
A car with GDI doesn’t have a port outside the cylinder. After the intake valve opens, air enters the cylinder and is compressed by the piston. The engine management computer tells the fuel injector when to spray gas into the cylinder, and the spark plug ignites the gas and air and sends power to the engine. This process results in more complete combustion and keeps the cylinder cooler, resulting in greater fuel efficiency and more power. If GDI and other technologies, such as turbocharging, are used together, the improvements in performance and fuel economy can be even greater.
GDI injection squirts fuel at a much higher pressure than Port Fuel injection. If the injector in a GDI vehicle gets contaminated, the vehicle will have diminished performance and will get lower gas mileage.
Not all vehicles with GDI have contamination problems, but many do. Pouring fuel system cleaner in the gas tank of a GDI vehicle will not be enough to remove all the carbon buildup from the intake valves. Some vehicle manufacturers have devised ways to clean the intake valves when a car is running. Others advise drivers to use only name-brand detergent gasoline to prevent contamination. In many cases, having the intake valves cleaned by a professional can keep the car operating at optimum efficiency and power.
If you have noticed that your car’s performance has been suffering lately or you aren’t getting the high gas mileage you used to, the intake valves may simply need to be cleaned. Schedule an appointment for a fuel system cleaning at Tire Country in Enfield, Connecticut, today.
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