Carbon Buildup and Fuel Trims

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Feb 4, 2023
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I'm wondering how carbon buildup might effect fuel trims. I'm trying to see if there is a way to detect it via datalogging. I'm thiking that reduced airflow would mean less fuel. So negative LTFTs? Anything else to monitor?
 
If the intake valves are heavily gunked up, you could expect a reduction in airflow at wide open throttle, but it will probably have little to no effect on fuel trims.

What you'll need to monitor are mass airflow, absolute pressure at the intake manifold, and intake manifold temperature (or intake air temperature) at wide open throttle.

Do some WOT pulls to get some baseline data, then do the same in a year or two, in very similar temperature and pressure conditions. If mass airflow is lower at the same rpm, temperature, and manifold pressure, then the volumetric efficiency of the engine has gone down, which could be down to dirty valves, or it could be something else, like a clogged catalyst, a dirty air filter, or a dirty MAF sensor.

If the temperature and pressure are a bit different than your baseline pulls, you can use correction factors to account for this. On a turbo engine, it's going to be a lot harder to get really consistent readings.

I've used this method to compare many datalogs that I've taken on my TGDI Subaru from 20,000 to 90,000 km. I didn't notice any long term trend of airflow reduction. All I noticed was that the airflow seemed to be slightly lower when the air filter was dirty.
 
I'm curious, also, but I suspect by the time you are able to see an appreciable change in data, the "damage (carbon buildup)" may be too far gone, perhaps requiring walnut blasting.

My approach is the "ounce of prevention", using Shell premium and HPL Premium Plus PCMO, having just switched the 2025 Pilot from Amsoil Signature Series. Yes, I realize the J35Y8 engine is GDI, but any little bit making its way back to the intakes via the PCV valve may help.

I just picked up some Valvoline Restore and Protect Fuel System Cleaner and dumped in a bottle along with a fresh tank of Shell V-Power Nitro+. I've used Amsoil PI, and prior to the last two OCIs, Redline SL-1. Overkill, probably, but I'm not going to stop trying.
 
I'm wondering how carbon buildup might effect fuel trims. I'm trying to see if there is a way to detect it via datalogging. I'm thiking that reduced airflow would mean less fuel. So negative LTFTs? Anything else to monitor?
MAF count AD

Helps to have a baseline though, but the higher the count the more air coming in.
 
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