Gumout question and answers.

Find below a comprehensive Q & A about all things Gumout

1. Is there going to be a product that (not maybe or somewhat) takes care of the intake valve deposit issue that can be used without extensive engine disassembly?


Gumout is researching the solution to direct injection Intake Valve Deposits (IVD). Because fuel is not sprayed directly onto the valves as in a Port Fuel Injection (PFI) engine the delivery of a fuel system detergent to the deposits is more difficult. Our Gumout Multi-System Tune Up can be introduced to the fuel system via vacuum line and will clean valve deposits; however, we are conducting more robust third party scientific testing to determine a statistically proven level of cleaning.

2. Is there a product that takes care of the intake valve deposit problem that won’t void manufacturer warranties or dislodge particles that will damage the turbocharger? As Ford (for one) doesn’t seem to believe there’s any way to clean deposits without turbo damage absent removing the cylinder head, this seems a bit of a challenge. See above


3. Can the new GUMOUT GDI fuel system additive safely be used in non-DI engines?


All Gumout gasoline additives can be used in non-GDI engines, including those recommended for GDI.

4. Is there a Gumout product that will prevent intake valve deposits on GDI engines with regular use? See number 1


5. Are intake valve deposits are from oil?


Studies have shown that direct injection intake valve deposits contain ten times the mineral based components as port fuel injected engines. Analysis shows much of this material is from the oil. Additional work shows that the type of oil used in the crankcase closely correlates with the composition of the deposits, so yes oil is causing a large part of these deposits. The oil and other contaminants enter the intake manifold through the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) systems. From the intake manifold the oil mist moves past the valves into the combustion chamber. However, some of it sticks to the valves and to previous deposits building even more deposits. This happens on both PFI and GDI engines.

6. In regards to the delivery of fuel additives to the intake valves of a DI engine; what is Gumout’s opinion of a fine mist introduced via throttle body, at a steady rate while the motor is being idled? Better, worse, or no difference than induced via vacuum, i.e. brake booster?


This area is still under investigation, but early indications are the vacuum line is preferable when available; however, using the vacuum hose from the brake booster is not recommended. The best choice is locating a line that ties in directly behind the throttle body. Using the wrong vacuum source can lead to:
• Overheated catalytic converters
• Possible engine damage
• No cleaning of the intake manifold, and may clean only one intake runner and cylinder

7. What is the proposed mechanism for any cleaner additive to help maintain intake valve cleanliness?


Gumout additives maintain intake valve cleanliness with regular use by removing materials that act as precursors to deposits. This reduces deposit formation. Polyisobutylene Amine (PIBA) works well cleaning port fuel injectors and intake valves. However, Polyetheramine (PEA) is the optimal cleaning technology for the combustion chamber and the parts that a PIBA based product will clean. That’s why PIBA alone cannot clean the complete fuel system. Cleanliness is also maintained when Gumout is used to remove deposits before they can accumulate enough to cause drive-ability issues (the problems caused by the growth of deposits). Gumout products with PIBA or PEA can also remove deposits that have been allowed to develop, but we recommend using our fuel additives as part of your preventive maintenance program so you don’t develop fuel related problems in the first place.

8. If any cleaner survives the combustion process, how is it not an added hydrocarbon that affects the cat converter, and how is this not a violation of the emissions regulations and clean air act?


The cleaner found in our complete fuel system cleaners and multi system tune up is not a pure hydrocarbon. It contains nitrogen based polymer (PEA) that survives long enough to remove deposits and then burns cleanly without causing damage to catalytic converters. Some other materials used in our competitors’ products decompose before they can perform in an engine. Some may actually increase deposits.

The PEA and other materials in Gumout fuel additives are registered with the US EPA in compliance with federal regulations. While US EPA does not endorse or approve formula performance, they will not register formulas containing components that are not tested and previously approved or new materials that may harm catalytic converters.

9. Which Gumout products are specifically recommended for GDI? What characteristics of GDI do the recommended Gumout products help? Which Gumout product is best for GDI systems?


Gumout All-in-One, Regane Complete Fuel System Cleaners and Multi-System Tune-Up are all recommended to clean both the injectors in direct injection engines and the combustion chambers. Performance on intake valves is under investigation, but our multi-system tune up can be introduced to the fuel system via vacuum line. This method has been proven to provide clean valves and ports, but again we have testing in the works to provide a more comprehensive review of the efficacy of the product on GDI valves using this application method. Once those tests are complete we will publish those on our website and share with the BITOG community.

10. Can the Gumout All in One be used to store cars fuel where its in a garage 8 months a year?


All in One complete fuel system cleaner does not contain a fuel stabilizer in its formulation; for the best results, use Multi-System Tune-up continuously in a vehicle that doesn’t get driven regularly to help stabilize fuel. Multi-System Tune-Up will prevent gum and varnish formation during storage and provide additional cleaning. Use this product every 3,000-5,000 miles for regular cleaning and conditioning; but you can also use All-in-One Complete Fuel System cleaner every 3,000 miles for a more heavy duty cleaning due to a higher level of PEA in the formula. In addition All-in-One reduces friction for better fuel economy. This routine also works well for marine and any seasonal 2-or 4-cycle equipment. (It does not replace the oil added to 2-cycle fuel.)

11. Does Gumout have any plans for a relatively easy and not too expensive DIY one(or two) man process to clean or regularly maintain GDI intake valves. I’ve seen the aerosol spray can made by a competitor but that seems an unwieldy and uneven dispensing process to me. Another competitor has an straw-like attachment to the throttle body from the aerosol can that keeps the throttle body intake system intact/attached while the product is evenly dispensed over time. Not sure of that product’s effectiveness but a product/process like that would be preferable imo. I’d be interested in a readily available product similar to the latter.


Cleaning intake valves in gasoline direct injection engines is an active area of research and we are seeking to optimize our formulas and the cleaning process. See answer to question one for more details.