Does Toyota Direct Injection Cause Carbon Build Up? Let's Find out!

Do you ever wonder if Toyota direct injection ( D4S ) System build up carbon? In this video we take a look at an in service Toyota D4S engine to find out if that is the case or not.
Toyota's D4S injection system uses both Direct and Port Injection. So in theory it shouldn't build up carbon. But does it?
In this video we have a 2017 Toyota Sienna with a 2GR-FKS engine which has Toyota's D4S System and we will find out if it does build up carbon or not.
I also share some tips on how to prevent carbon build, D4S System reliability and more.
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0:00 Intro
0:33 What is Toyota D4S System
7:17 D4S Reliability
9:03 Does it Actually Work?!
12:52 Should You Avoid Direct Injection Toyotas?
14:26 How to Prevent Carbon Build Up

[@MPGunther1]

You're always going the extra mile by actually showing the valves and that's greatly appreciated

[@colty7764]

The thermodynamics of carbon (-vs- steel or most metals) is that carbon has a higher " specific heat" than any metal (clean injectors, pistons, etc). Also carbon is insulating (thermally much less conductive than metals). So keeping the engine clean keeps the engine cooler. Heat intensifies oxidation... so things like piston rings age more rapidly the higher the heat that is retained. So keep the carbon down (regular engine oil changes, more highway driving vs city, keep injectors, piston tops and valves clean using a pea based gas treatment 2 or 3 times a year, etc).

[@MPGunther1]

@@colty7764 👍

[@zmy350]

Thanks Ahmed. You're a blessing and a great teacher. Keep up the great content.

[@tracy2762]

​@@colty7764have you heard of using high octane to help keep fuel in the oil down. many are claiming success.

[@OMAR6575]

As an owner of a 4GR-FSE engine currently pushing 180k , i can honestly testify that, yes the oil changes, using good fuel and having a long hwy commute does work. You Sir are absolutely correct.

[@Mongomcdongo]

I have the 4GR-FSE as well (IS250 6MT) with 199k and I haven't had any issues with carbon buildup

[@FRalex152]

+1 from an owner of 4gr FSE too, with 150k miles 2007 is250 , i need to check valves but for now the engine works fine !

[@colchronic]

I thought the 4GR Did not have d-4s with port injection. Only direct injection

[@michaelG2310]

I have a 2010 is250 with 93k and a 20 minute highway commute each way. I was already looking to walnut blast my valves thinking carbon buildup is inevitable. Thanks for the reassurance. Love this channel

[@OMAR6575]

@@michaelG2310 there is a chanel called Legit Street cars, he has an episode where he takes a 2007 is250 and performs the intake valve job, its very interesting to watch.

[@ericr2zz]

This is the best channel on Toyota technology! Great explanations backed up by real world examples.

[@ega0117]

Yo this guy, I wish he can talk about other cars other than Tacos 👀

[@eppyz]

Actually it isn't Toyota Technology, Direct Injection was developed by the Germans, and so was the Dual Injection System. As with most Asian brands, they don't "Innovate" they Duplicate. They reverse engineer something someone else made and make it better.

[@stevenyoung3360]

Great info. After having been in this business for 34 years, I too say change your oil early and often. Don't buy into 10k mile oil changes on your vehicle. Your vehicle is quite often the second biggest investment in a person's life and needs to be treated as such.

[@danielnavarro8650]

I'm not even a Toyota auto mechanic but somehow I always learn valuable tips from the Car Nut.

[@jimf.625]

This man is more than a master mechanic. He is an absolute genius mechanic. A guru.

[@rayman4449]

I have been a Honda guy for very long time and just bought my first Toyota. This dual injector setup is one key reason for my switch. Toyota is getting it right and trying to do the right thing :)

[@jeffreymcdonald8267]

No need to get a speeding ticket doing an 'Italian tuneup", just downshift to keep the rpms up higher. That is the key.

[@BrianNC81]

Good radar detector + Waze and enjoy

[@riceburner4747]

Yeah, but it's not as much fun! 😂😂🤣🤣😁

[@littlet7556]

​@@BrianNC81, 100%

[@stevehoppenjan]

How can anyone not love this guy? AMD - you mentioned that some other manufacturers have figured this direct injection thing out and minimized intake carbon buildup. Can you tell us who besides Toyota does a good job?

[@mikechiodetti4482]

For years I've told people to get the vehicle out on the highway or freeway, get it up to the speed limit and hold it there! The more you drive it that way the better it will run and the longer the engine will last! Change the engine oil and oil filter every 3000 to 4000 miles OR every 6 months, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST! those two steps will help increase the engine's life! Toyota's got the right idea with GDI AND Port Fuel Injection. Together they do a great job. Thank you for this video.

[@kcm732]

so glad this system works. ive put so much faith in this system over the years, happy to see more sound engineering from toyota 😇🙏🏻

[@randy8908]

Jjjhh2edbb

[@bat__bat]

Toyota invested a lot in this double injection system after seeing Korean cars attempt direct-only. No one likes hearing 'high pressure fuel pump'. It sounds like something expensive that will break inside 200k miles. On mass produced diesel engines, they've hardly just perfected the HP fuel pump in the last 20 yrs. I'll give Toyota the benefit of the doubt... They can have a complicated system and I'm still going to buy it... Used... In about 10 years

[@HypocriticYT]

Few mechanics truly know theory of operation on modern vehicles. CCN knows his stuff 😊

[@litespeed7715]

My mom just bought a 2018 Camry with 30k miles on it and she almost exclusively does short trips. We will do 5k oil changes with the OEM filter and the occasional 'Italian Tune-Up' thanks to you. My Toyota has 160k and I hope to get another few 100k out of it. I'm following your maintenance schedule. My family and I thank you!

[@TheRicherProductions]

I do my own oil changes my 2019 avalon takes 5.7 quarts of 0w-20 I put 5 1/2 quarts of mobile 1 advanced economy 0w-20 oil 6 ounces of oil is left in the engine after each oil change I get my oem filter from my dealer for $6 with the new drain plug washer gasket. costs me $35 to change my oil every other oil change maybe $40 depending if I need that extra quart for the two oil changes I save $80 a year in oil changes and I don't over tighten the filter housing like I have had troubles getting it off with a breaker bar from mechanics overtightening it past snug where it stops on the housing.

[@andersonrodriguez8258]

Do 3K like me

[@TheRicherProductions]

@@andersonrodriguez8258 THATS A WASTE OF MONEY

[@joshhemingway]

Me too brother

[@roaddog1493]

I also purchased a 2018 4cyl SE Camry with 16k miles 2 years ago. I stay on top of the maintenance like no other. Oil changes every 5k miles, transmission fluid change at 30k miles, even though the mechanic said I could wait till 60k. I've added a Magnaflow exhaust and a K&N air filter which gives it added power. And the Italian tuneup does work!

[@rodnewcomb9611]

This is exactly the video I was hoping to see. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together!

[@p6102zrfxe]

This is exactly what I waited to watch. Thank you a lot.

[@mattmc8391]

This was a great topic to cover , I’ve been curious to see intake tract on one of these after a few miles .

[@jimmyprado3045]

Keep up the good work always informative.

[@tssci6774]

Intake valve carbon is not the only problem with GDI engines. Damaging abrasive soot caused by incomplete atomization and burning of the fuel mixture. Causes carbon build up on oil control rings, and PCV system, air injection systems, etc, and causes excess wear of cylinders and timing chains. Fuel dilution is third problem. This shears the oil viscosity, reduces Film strength, oxidizes the oil. Combine soot, fuel and oxidized oil and you have significantly shortened engine life. All OEMs are struggling with these problems.

[@tacomafan5186]

I really enjoy your videos. Very educational and explained in a way regular people can understand. Thank you!

[@davaughnwiles9800]

Excellent info as always AMD, where we are that high pressure pipe doesn't come cheap so we just tighten it more every time we remove it. I've been explaining the driving part to my customers foe a while now and they never seem to believe so i'm glad your covered it. love the videos as always.

[@m.b8257]

This has become one of my favourite channels.

[@5metoo]

Loved letting us see the valves. The system works! Awesome.

[@sdfiske64]

I have a 2020 Honda Ridgeline with 85,000 miles on. Recently I changed the PCV. ( No particular reason ) I just changed and I found the original one was not working 100% correctly. it was hanging up a little. Very easy DIY. The motor seemed to run a little smoother after I changed it

[@Ironsja11]

My 22 Tacoma has this system and it's totally new to me. I'm glad to see it works so well!

[@johnnypetro9314]

What a perfect video. Answering the question we were all wondering about.

[@oddjobbob8742]

Your KZbins are always so worthwhile. Thank you for taking the time to produce them and share your expertise and vast knowledge.

[@fredread9216]

Your videos are always helpful. Thanks.

[@carolcarola9719]

I currently own eight Toyota vehicles and enjoy your videos and the information. Thank you!

[@tomryan9616]

Another great lesson from the man! Thank you. I’ve watched every video, keep them coming.

[@Hoser584]

Im glad you’re back tracking on the 2.5 V6 in my 2012 as you had said don’t ever buy one my AWD 250 is awesome and I squirt some cleaner in it every once In a while and it seems to help and you are the only one who ironically speaks ILL of the 2.5 if I have to clean it with what ever it takes I’ll do it , the awd is killer in the snow and there is no perfect car but these are close .

[@alancox8466]

This was my favorite video so far !!! I have been wondering about the D4-S in my 2021 TRD Avalon. Thank you !

[@flouisbailey]

So glad to see your success I remember the KZbins you made in your home garage. Much respect and congrats.

[@kengit2]

You’re awesome! I watch your videos now almost on a daily basis. The knowledge you impart and your narration is just beyond excellent! I think of you as The Last Great Automotive Technician

[@davemarks7322]

Another outstanding video. You always leave me wiser. Thanks...

[@JasPlun]

Great video and nice to learn of potential problems that might show up as time goes by. We just had our 1st transmission and Coolant service on our 2020 Camry SE. Our local dealership had a sale on the coolant service and we got it done for $50 and since we did the oil and transmission at the same time they gave us an additional 10% off. Our car is sitting at 45k miles and has been flawless so far. They told me Toyota recommends transmission service at 80k and I was like I do not care I do it every 45k miles on my vehicles.

[@Ming-qq1tr]

Great video! My 2018 Highlander has the same engine. Never worried about the carbon build up on the intake valves on this engine, because I seldom hear the noise from the high pressure pump when my foot is not on the gas paddle, such as waiting at the stop lights. That means the intake valves always get sufficient washes from the port injection. Well done Toyota!

[@bappa8656]

Thank you for the valuable information and the review of what we were taught years ago about short trips and oil changes

[@brucegraner5901]

As I new Toyota owner this is valuable information that is much appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to produce this video.

[@patrickmertz2426]

Thanks for that great explanation of how direct fuel injection operates. You are a fount of knowledge and hope you don't retire for a long time!

[@santouchesantouche2873]

font

[@stevebyrne4235]

Very informative, excellent video; thanks. Great channel!

[@kris856]

Sir, I love your videos. Thank you for your effort put in making them.

[@singh11373]

In all your reviews you always put down car guys and say don't look at how fast the car can go or sports features But you yourself bought a V8 and you said you wanted a car with power and you bought a car with sports package because you said the way it looks you like it. At the end of the day you are also a car guy. I love you. You do great reviews. Please don't sell out. You are a good guy.

[@peterkwok9608]

Thank you AMD for all your good advice as always 😎😎👍👍

[@androtele9887]

Really nice video. Finally, some video with proper technical content. During the video I understood that some other manufacturers resolved the carbon buildup. Who are they? I was convinced that only Toyota was willing to.

[@vinces8974]

I believe my 2018 ford f 150 eco boost has both style injectors on it for the same reason of keeping carbon down , because they were having problems with the earlier models, only having direct injection carboning up

[@liberty4175]

Thank you for your knowledge. Yes I’ve heard that once in a while to floor that throttle out on the highway.

[@jamesg6792]

AMD once again you nail it sir! I own a 2022 Tacoma TRD sport and absolutely love it. I know people complain about the transmission hunting, etc. This video puts my mind at ease. I was advised by my mechanic who is a Certified Toyota master tech to not do a pressurized cleaning of the fuel injectors. He said it would damage the direct injectors. Can you confirm this? Not that i plan on ever doing that anyway. Once again thanks for the awesome video!

[@richcombs4805]

I've been down this rabbit hole a bit...and AMD touched on it in another video: use top tier gas only. Top tier gas includes detergents that the others do not. There is published information on the large difference between the two as far as carbon buildup goes. While "The Motor Oil Geek" tribologist does advertise Gumout, which has a higher PEA content than others, I do find that the maker of GM's injector cleaner is no slouch and falls under the same EPA license as that for Chevron's Techron and also Toyota. BG and others are quite expensive and not really going to put a dent in bad carbon buildup as AMD noted it would really require a grinder to remove it, if it exists at all. Top tier gas costs little in comparison to additives.

[@joelrodriguez7038]

Brother for me this man is the best, GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY

[@warrenkendrick8046]

Enjoyed the video very much! I have a 2017 sienna and I love it. More sienna videos please 😃

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

3000 psi sounds like my prostrate in the morning 😁

[@coloradoboo1071]

My Dad taught me about the Italian tuneup in the 70’s. We’d take the Chevy Malibu wagon out on the interstate and floor it for a few miles! (With the V-8, you can see the gas gauge going down!)

[@michaels7499]

It was called blowing out the cobbs in my day.

[@theadvocate4698]

Italian tune-up is my favorite tune-up! :)

[@rightlanehog3151]

Did your wagon have the 350 V8?

[@coloradoboo1071]

@@rightlanehog3151 I think so!! I was just a kid

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@coloradoboo1071 I was just a kid in the 70s and I know for a fact our 1973 Caprice Estate wagon had a 400 V8 with 2 barrel carburetor 😉

[@silvenshadow]

Amazing insight into this system. Great video!

[@robertrusso1688]

Great video! Love the v6 in my 2013 van. 100k very well made and maintained. Do more Toyota van videos when you can!

[@hassansmw5634]

😀 Let's be honest people. Toyota didn't have to do this type of system of adding 6 extra injectors and everything that goes along with them. This is more cost to them. Hats off to Toyota for doing this.

[@James-vb6hd]

All of your videos are very well done. Thank you for all of the information. I wish there were more knowledgeable technicians who work to be the best they can be - Thank you

[@joiion913]

Toyota should be paying you for making such amazing content

[@jacekmaza9597]

Great video AMD - thanks for posting! The idea of dual injection system is not really new though. It has been around in 2GR-FSE since 2005, so no surprise the system works. I'd love if you provide more information in the future about the -FSE engines, especially the 4GR and 3GR. I wonder how they are affected by the low friction pistons situation and if it makes sense to rebuild these engines. Cheers!

[@scottxiong5844]

Very informative!

[@computercrack]

Great explanation!

[@hillbillysportsman5818]

Thank you for another GOOD one!

[@georgezahorcak7764]

Outstanding. You are terrific.

[@saleemakhtar87]

Very helpful, have 13 Sonata for 9 years only city driving 103000 Kilometers in Toronto Canada, will take on highway....

[@lukacslehel1534]

I actually have the new Hyundai Elantra (EU version) because it came with port Injection, but I'm amazed by your videos and dedication. I am wishing for a Toyota sometime in the future when I can afford it, and will have dual injection on their engines(they didn't have it when I was interested in purchasing)

[@victors.6439]

HUGELY HELPFUL THANK YOU

[@johnconnor2402]

Always learn something new from AMD. What constitutes a "short" trip? Less than 10 minutes? I know most say that 10 mins is the time it generally takes for your oil to get to operating temp

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Always waiting on these great videos

[@pirihern9329]

Same here

[@javig5045]

Very good info, good to know these important details, thanks Ahmed....Javi G.

[@infernoking7504]

a catch can would help with the carbon buildup because the carbon buildup is coming from the PCV and egr system

[@marcjones744]

Thank u so much. Invaluable information

[@paulodisano502]

Great video AMD. Very well explained and thorough. Thank you and God bless you, sir.🇨🇦🇺🇸👍

[@rightlanehog3151]

AMD, You really built up suspense with the title of this video. 😉

[@travissheehan6082]

Good video CCN!

[@GM-fh5jp]

Brilliant. Great vid, as usual.

[@jack8356]

Good that you showed how the d4s works.

[@u.e.u.e.]

Thank you! Very well explained and shown! 😃👍 The intake valves are almost clean. Had been nice, if the intake port in front of the valves had been cleaner aswell. 😉 The dual-injection is used in the RAV4, Corolla and the C-HR in Europe.

[@brokeboy87]

This was a very informative video.

[@Wakebrd50]

Thanks for the video!

[@TimZ007]

I got a 2010 Prius with 280,000 mi. Still runs like a champ. It gets about 20 or 30 Italian tune-ups per day. I do change the oil every 5,000 though full synthetic.

[@BlackdogDeaf]

Hey, what is 20 or 30 Italian tune-ups per day meaning?

[@brarautorepairs]

😂 the Prius is being driven hard

[@Norm100ful]

Excellent information.

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you for your videos!!!

[@peterbonotan3654]

I really appreciate your channel that’s why I subscribed to it! I have a question and I don’t know if someone already asked considering there are a lot of comments already posted…. My question is what is your opinion about catch can in preventing carbon buildup? Is it legit or a scam? Thanks so much for your time… I love watching your channel when ever I have time

[@pirihern9329]

I use lucas fuel injector cleaner on both the 2011 lexus is250 awd and the 2015 gs350 f sport awd, seems to help. Did check with my boriscope

[@toyouall]

Thank you for mentioning the Italian Tuneup!

[@steveone9375]

Always great videos ❤

[@bdaneau]

Great video again AMD - I am sharing your knowledge with my 16 yr old. He is particularly adept at doing Italian Tune ups on our 2011 2AR-FE Rav4. So I whipped up the borescope, pulled out the plugs and compared the carbon build up on the piston heads over the course of a few months - and I have to admit the improvement is quite noticeable! His gas mileage isn't as good as mine obviously, but the enine is defintely stellar and you can easily read the stamps on the piston heads. :-)

[@labourlawact7826]

If you have a 16 year old boy driving a car, you'll never have carbon build up problems. Ask me, I was also 16 once 😅

[@blackrifle6736]

*Italian Tune-up. Betcha' everyone viewing this have done that more than once. Cheers!*

[@blackrifle6736]

@@labourlawact7826 *So true because we've all been there. "Young and stupid" comes first to mind.*

[@labourlawact7826]

@@blackrifle6736 Yep, my Mom drove slowly, and short distances, but always said that her car feels "different" after I had taken it out a bit. 😅

[@blackrifle6736]

@@labourlawact7826 *Improving your Mom's driving experience by red lining it through the gears. That's a win-win. Cheers!*

[@lawrenceralph7481]

Those damn things look perfect. Good work Toyota.

[@happygilmore8321]

I'm glad i like toyotas. Dont know a single chevy or ford page that's as good at explaining things in depth as this one

[@solderbuff]

it's like those brands don't value engineering. if you watch Toyota vs Ford engineering videos, you really think they don't.

[@augustchirstopher]

Always great videos. Very informative. I was wondering what your thoughts on oil catch cans? Are they worth it on a stock engine? Or a supercharged engine? Also Your take on k&n filters/ TRD cold air intake. No one ever really does a breakdown of long term use of the reusable filters. They talk about how it lets in more particles but never if it’s actually a concern. If they do say it’s a concern they just say it scars the inside of the engine but have no proof just mention they heard from some random guy. Also any tips on super charged engine maintenance and things to look for would be great too. Everyone always posts videos of them just recently installed a super charger and that it gives them more power but never what the maintenance or potential signs of issues might be. Thanks

[@centralcoastbuc161]

Fantastic info. Just traded a Honda with normal DI that I found built up carbon, for an ES 350 with this system!

[@dq7143]

Wow - excellent discussion. A top mechanic understands how car systems work - not just know how to follow shop manual procedures.

[@Bigsmegma44]

Are there any newer Toyota vehicles that don’t have this engine? All of your videos are very informative! Thank you

[@jamesterrill1938]

Thank You for a great video....

[@tagajolo]

Very Good info Thank u very much sir

[@ConfirmedPatriot]

Got an oil separator catch can on my 3.5 liter Tacoma and it’s crazy how much oil I catch in there every 1,000 miles or so….

[@jamesb7224]

Great video as always. What is your opinion of catch cans on vehicles without port injection?

[@cheesesyrkyer5290]

I been waiting for a video like this. I have a lexus NX300. Every second tank I throw in injector cleaner as a precaution.

[@dtna]

I hope your business is doing very well. Does TMNA currently have a program to support independent mechanics with both your parts and service needs?

[@blndfuad3564]

THANK YOU HONEST MECHANIC.

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

Great topic ! Fantastic teaching ! Thanks !! The LORD bless you !