Hi everyone,
I’ve got a 2015 Kia Optima with a GDI turbo engine. One of the services they recommend is cleaning the fuel injectors to remove carbon buildup (not just using an additive). I’m not a mechanic, but I can do basic stuff like oil changes and brake pads. Do you think this is something I could handle myself? They quoted me $250 for parts and labor. Any advice would be great. Thanks!
It’s not the injectors themselves that need cleaning; it’s actually the valves that get the buildup. This kind of cleaning isn’t easy to do on your own—definitely more complicated than brakes or oil changes.
There’s a YouTube channel called Savage Geese with a solid 20-minute video explaining why direct injection engines need this service. Worth a watch.
@Clarke
Got it, that clears things up. Appreciate it!
You can absolutely do it yourself. They sell a kit for it like this one. If you’re comfortable with basic car stuff, this should be no big deal. For about $15 and an hour of your time, you can save a ton of money.
Edit: All you really do is spray it into your air intake. Here’s a video showing how simple it is.
@Farley
This is exactly what I needed, thanks! I’ll watch the video and see if I feel up to trying it myself. Appreciate the tip!
Derry said:
@Farley
This is exactly what I needed, thanks! I’ll watch the video and see if I feel up to trying it myself. Appreciate the tip!
No problem at all. Just make sure to clean the valves one way or another. GDI engines can’t self-clean their valves because the fuel doesn’t pass over them like in regular engines.
@Farley
Wait, so does the CRC kit replace the need for the professional service, or should I still consider doing that too? My car’s at 70k miles.
Derry said:
@Farley
Wait, so does the CRC kit replace the need for the professional service, or should I still consider doing that too? My car’s at 70k miles.
The CRC kit can take care of it if you do it right. If you don’t use it, then you’d need to have a shop clean the valves to avoid performance issues.
@Farley
Ah, got it. I think I’ll try the CRC myself. Thanks again for the info!
Derry said:
@Farley
Ah, got it. I think I’ll try the CRC myself. Thanks again for the info!
I have a 2012 Optima Turbo. My dealership quoted $357 for a full system clean. Is the CRC method doable for a complete beginner? The video makes it seem simple but mentions avoiding the mass airflow sensor—might need to look that up. Thoughts?
@Dezi
Don’t pay for that. The CRC method was really easy—just need an extra set of hands. I’d recommend doing it whenever you change your oil to keep everything in good shape.
I wouldn’t bother unless you’re experiencing issues. It’s something they try to upsell you on a lot.
Caius said:
I wouldn’t bother unless you’re experiencing issues. It’s something they try to upsell you on a lot.
Good point, I’ll probably wait for now. Thanks!
I’m no expert, but I think GDI engines don’t have traditional fuel injectors. I’d just pay for the service to avoid messing anything up.
Dana said:
I’m no expert, but I think GDI engines don’t have traditional fuel injectors. I’d just pay for the service to avoid messing anything up.
They do have injectors, but they’re built differently. I’ll think about it—thanks!
@Derry
That makes sense. But yeah, I’m not a mechanic either, so take it with a grain of salt.