In the market for a new truck, and I'm glad I came across Scotty's videos before hand. However, there is one question I have that I'm not sure if he addresses directly, and that is whether or not he would buy any modern 'plain' GDI engine? What I mean by 'plain' GDI engine is one without the new dual injector system (or similar) that some manufacturers have created (i.e. Ford post 2017). Many of the big truck brands (GMC, Chevy, Nissan) still have plain GDI engines to the best of my knowledge, and I'm trying to figure out if the simple answer is just not to buy one of those trucks until they incorporate something similar to the dual injection system. From the research I've done on preventative maintenance for GDI engines, there doesn't seem to be a tried and true (and realistic) way of keeping the intake valves clean. Short of periodically walnut blasting them which is ridiculously expensive and not something I would expect to have to do for a $40-50K vehicle.
To be clear, I'm not looking for general opinions or input on truck manufacturers. I'm specifically curious about the fuel injection systems, and whether or not a 'plain' GDI system is even worth looking into. I'd also be interested to hear about any other modified GDI systems that may be out there, aside form the dual injector system.
there doesn't seem to be a tried and true (and realistic) way of keeping the intake valves clean. Short of periodically walnut blasting them which is ridiculously expensive and not something I would expect to have to do for a $40-50K vehicle.
I think you answered your own question. This reason is enough for me to steer clear.
I was afraid of that. Really I was hoping to be wrong and learn about ways that owners/mechanics are able to easily/reliably keep those valves clean, but it's sounding like those ways may not exist.
As I eluded to in my OP, I'm just now learning about GDI engines and the problems that come along with them. Probably because this is the first time I'm looking to purchase a car for myself. It just seems insane to me that people either 1) Don't do this research or 2) Don't care, when buying a new vehicle. Not sure how GMC/Chevy/Nissan ( among others) are able to stay competitive in the market with 10+ year old engines that have a glaring problem and a seemingly simple way to solve it (dual injectors).
It's like that with most things in life. Being lazy will cost you money, and a fool and his money are soon parted. And yes most of the world is insane. Don't be one of them.
Auto makers bank on the fact that people just won't care. And for the most part, they don't.
It’s only a consideration to buy if you plan to keep the car for just a few years under the warranty period and then trade in or get a new car. Some people trade in every few years or they lease so it might be OK then. But if you plan to keep for a long time I’d stay clear. You can try to put a catch can in place to intercept some of the oil, that’s better than nothing, but that’s one more maintenance item you have to add to your list.
I've read about the catch cans, but I've also heard that even the best ones on the market do not catch everything. So now you're maintaining a catch can, and having to find a way to clean the intake valves, albeit not as often.
That is true. Better than nothing, but if you keep for long time maybe stay clear.
Also stay clear of cylinder deactivation in some of these GDI engines!!
Oh yea, I've seen Chevy 'double down' on GDI with Dynamic Fuel Management (Cylinder deactivation). However, I have not looked into the latter very much. Aside from the obvious, "more things to go wrong", does it play a role in compounding the issues associated with GDI?
yes, the AFM creates more oil vapors which fouls the valves more.