Hi all,
I have a 2021 WRX, 2.0 boxer, 6 speed, 19k miles, and its on a stock tune. It has a turbocharged direct injection engine. I do a lot of highway driving, and a fair amount of aggressive driving. Oil changes are done around 5-6k miles. My question is what can I do about carbon build up? Is there anything I can do myself to reduce the build up or clean it myself, or do I have to pay someone to clean my intake valves and such.
Install an oil catch can can help reducing carbon build up on valves.
Except it has to be removed before taking it in to the dealer for any work (catch can can potentially void a warranty claim). Also, if it needs inspection (say for example for smog check) it may fail so needs to be removed beforehand. This can be a hassle, but not sure what else to do.
Good points. Thanks @DayWalker.
I spent the last 4 years in a 2018 wrx. I had the same concern.
Fortunately, the FA20 does pretty well with carbon build up. Any direct injection car can get carboning of the valves, but that particular motor does better than most.
From both personal experience and surveying every primary source I could find (not internet rumors, but actual owners), my advice is just leave it stock. Keep clean oil and air filter in it, but don’t add any mods to the motor and you will be fine.
Yeah its funny, people complain about the reliability of these things, but everyone that blows has a "Stage X" tune. Seems like they hold up if you leave it stock, keep up with oil changes, and don't rag on it. Thanks for the real advice, I have my Camaro from high school ill be modding soon 🙂