Managing Carbon Accumulation

[lumperjack]

Does anyone have experience with the Seafoam or CRC intake valve cleaners? Detailed instructions for the PHEV would be appreciated.

[mazda4life]

Personally, I don't think them will help. Unless you're beyond 100,000, I don't think you'll need to mechanically clean the valves unless there's carbon. Engine isn't a big deal with PHEVs, thus there's no need to be concerned. Having your spark plugs changed allows the mechanic to borescope the area and check for carbon. In my opinion, Mazdas do not have the same carbon footprint problems as other vehicles.

[Hughes-Davies1979]

Despite extensive use since 2013, the engine has never shown any signs of accumulation issues, even at high mileage, in a wide variety of vehicles, including turbocharged and normally aspirated models.

Since purchasing my 2014 Mazda6, which still has the same 2.5-liter engine but lacks the PHEV system, I have been immersed in reading about these engines. It appears to be problem-free even for vehicles with 300,000 miles on the odometer.


Is that something else about PHEVs that you won't have to stress over? :p

[Hughes-Davies1979]

Historically, the PHEV engine has never had carbon deposits on the intake valves.

[lumperjack]

Having seen the 2.5 Skyactiv G in action, I can attest to its dependability. Additionally, I am aware that Mazda engineered the intake valves to maintain a temperature greater than 400 degrees in order to prevent the accumulation of carbon. Multiple opinions on the matter of their success or failure. I'm about to receive my last complimentary oil change at the dealership, and they're insistent that it's inherently dirty and need induction cleaning every time. Everyone I've interacted with at that dealership has been dishonest, so I'm going to take their word for it that it doesn't have carbon buildup when they say it does.

[mazda4life]

What they really want is your money; that's about all they know.

1) As part of the recommended maintenance, your owner's manual will detail when the manufacturer recommends induction cleaning. Well, that's not the case.


2) Though it's true that many direct injection engines require periodic intake valve cleaning, the recommended interval would be at least 30,000 miles. The car lot is constantly trying to upsell it during oil changes... Their intention is to exploit you for financial gain.

The film "Fargo" is a must-watch. See the "TruCoat" scene if you haven't before. That's the treatment you're receiving.

[Hughes-Davies1979]

I never really considered Macy's function as a salesperson (or is he the finance manager?) at the dealership, but now I see how it enhances Fargo's comedic value!

[MMCGARAGE]

A realisation that the dealership staff will tell you anything to gain your money should sink in as soon as possible.

Since the release of the third-generation Mazda6 in early 2013, I have diligently monitored this engine and have yet to encounter any issue related to carbon buildup. (However, I would gladly accept proof to the contrary!)

[lumperjack]

Nevertheless, their intentions appear to be entirely genuine.

[lumperjack]