$225 Induction cleaning? Scam or real?

[Vin0770]

Brought our 2023 Nautilus Reserve w/2.7 awd in for its second oil change at 14k. Upon checking out the service writer suggested it would be good to have an Induction cleaning done at 15k. I asked what that was and its chemicals added to the engine to keep the piston heads clean of carbon buildup. He said it was important to do this especially because it’s turbocharged.

I said thanks I’ll look at my service manual and get back to him. He said it’s not in there but a recommendation from industry standards .

So more detergents and chemicals that are already similar to the fuel being used? I use top tier premium fuel always so how real is this carbon buildup? Doesn’t every engine have carbon buildup?

Thoughts?

 

[Jacyte]

Your better off investing in a catch can. You shouldn't have any significant buildup at 15k miles.

 

[C Krohn]

See my response to your post on the Aviator section. I’m pretty sure that Ford advises against catch cans too. Might void your warranty.

 

[angore]

I consider it an unnecessary expense especially at 15k and unless you do it at every 15k the logic does not make sense. If you needed it now something bigger is wrong.

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[JMAB]

Brought our 2023 Nautilus Reserve w/2.7 awd in for its second oil change at 14k. Upon checking out the service writer suggested it would be good to have an Induction cleaning done at 15k. I asked what that was and its chemicals added to the engine to keep the piston heads clean of carbon buildup. He said it was important to do this especially because it’s turbocharged.

I said thanks I’ll look at my service manual and get back to him. He said it’s not in there but a recommendation from industry standards .

So more detergents and chemicals that are already similar to the fuel being used? I use top tier premium fuel always so how real is this carbon buildup? Doesn’t every engine have carbon buildup?

Thoughts?

If you are running Top Tier (Costco for example has extra cleaning chems) you won’t require anything additional.

It is also good, and fun, to use the freeway onramps as an opportunity to rev it up once in a while to assist with keeping everything “blown out”.

 

[Jacyte]

See my response to your post on the Aviator section. I’m pretty sure that Ford advises against catch cans too. Might void your warranty.

They will always advise against them but a warranty denial has to be related to the modification. The PCV system is pretty straight forward and not effected by the catch can so its extremely unlikely they can claim it causes any sort of failure.

 

[RedHoncho]

I'd call it a scam or at least an unnecessary add on. If you use top tier fuel there should be no issues at all. I've had several vehicles with turbocharged engines and never did any type of service like this and never had any issues.

 

[bbf2530]

Brought our 2023 Nautilus Reserve w/2.7 awd in for its second oil change at 14k. Upon checking out the service writer suggested it would be good to have an Induction cleaning done at 15k. I asked what that was and its chemicals added to the engine to keep the piston heads clean of carbon buildup. He said it was important to do this especially because it’s turbocharged.

I said thanks I’ll look at my service manual and get back to him. He said it’s not in there but a recommendation from industry standards .

So more detergents and chemicals that are already similar to the fuel being used? I use top tier premium fuel always so how real is this carbon buildup? Doesn’t every engine have carbon buildup?

Thoughts?

Hi Vin0770. Intake/Induction system cleaners (Seafoam, CRC etc.) are not only unnecessary for your vehicle at this point, but also specifically prohibited by Lincoln/Ford. This is covered in the Owners Warranty Guide, which new vehicle owners are given when they purchase their vehicles.
In fact, using them can lead to warranty claims issues, since they can cause issues with turbocharged vehicles. Specifically with the impellers, seals, catalytic converters etc.

Those induction system cleaners are fine for non-turbocharged DI (Direct Injection) engines, but not the T/EcoBoost, turbocharged engines in our vehicles.

Your Dealer is simply packing on an unnecessary and disallowed service to pad their bill.

If you do not have your copy of the Owners Warranty Guide, you can download the PDF version here: https://www.fordpro.com/en-us/fleet-vehicles/manuals-and-guides/

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

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