"Fuel System Cleaner" killed my ignition??

defaz · April 30, 2006

I have a 99 Denali (5.7L vortec), and I thought it would be a good idea to dump in a bottle of Gumout fuel system cleaner with a recent fill-up...

Before I had this splendid idea, my truck would fire up almost instantly while turning the ignition (usually would only crank for 1/4 of a second or so)

Well, now that I dumped in this additive it takes a good solid 5 seconds of ear piercing cranking to get the engine to fire up... It's almost embarassing...

I've filled my tank 2 times since the additive and nothing has changed.

Has anyone had a similar problem? Any help is appreciated...

pm26 · May 1, 2006

I have a 99 Denali (5.7L vortec), and I thought it would be a good idea to dump in a bottle of Gumout fuel system cleaner with a recent fill-up...

Before I had this splendid idea, my truck would fire up almost instantly while turning the ignition (usually would only crank for 1/4 of a second or so)

Well, now that I dumped in this additive it takes a good solid 5 seconds of ear piercing cranking to get the engine to fire up... It's almost embarassing...

I've filled my tank 2 times since the additive and nothing has changed.

Has anyone had a similar problem? Any help is appreciated...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The only fuel injector cleaner I use in my gas tank is Chevron Techron, because it is a proven product that I have used for years without any problems. Did you check to make sure that this Gumount injector cleaner is safe for your oxygen sensors? Some such cleaners contain alcohol that can poison the oxygen sensors.

Did you check the spark plugs to see if there are any deposits on them that could cause hard starting? I would check these first, and clean or replace if necessary. Try Chevron Techron cleaner (Wally World sells it) , you will be surprised at the results.

mmmikkke · May 1, 2006

I have a 99 Denali (5.7L vortec), and I thought it would be a good idea to dump in a bottle of Gumout fuel system cleaner with a recent fill-up...

Before I had this splendid idea, my truck would fire up almost instantly while turning the ignition (usually would only crank for 1/4 of a second or so)

Well, now that I dumped in this additive it takes a good solid 5 seconds of ear piercing cranking to get the engine to fire up... It's almost embarassing...

I've filled my tank 2 times since the additive and nothing has changed.

Has anyone had a similar problem? Any help is appreciated...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If the Gumout fuel system cleaner dissolved some seal somewhere, creating a vacuum leak, no other product is going to fix the problem.

If that's what happened, it'll take an actual mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem.

rmreid · May 1, 2006

Fuel pump on it's way out, or a clogged fuel filter

freakyt · May 1, 2006

Yea, you should change the filter. I've seen fuel injector cleaner do that to other vehicals that hadn't been cleaned in a while .

fossil · May 1, 2006

You never need to add these aftermarket additives. Just use only "top tier" gasoline such as chevron or shell to name a select few,which have proper additves pre-blended so you dont gum up in the first place.

fossil · May 1, 2006

PS: yoou can find out which gasolines are "top tier" by visiting the GM website or searching google by typing top tier gasoilines

RyanZ71 · May 2, 2006

Most engines are designed in a way that you should not need to be using fuel additives until you have at least 90,000 miles even then thats pushing it. They are not like the old days where things would gum up easy. The Fuels are much better unless your filling up at a mom and pops place which uses cheap gas from the refinery with little or not fuel improvement additives added at the refinery. As was stated earlier, Chevron Techron is the ONLY fuel Injector/system cleaner that I'll use, BG 44K MAYBE. As for crank times, there are several thigns that factor into that, usually the cam shaft sensor, I believe and the way the engine was designed. For example, I had an 89 Jeep Cherokee (best 4X4 I've ever owned) with the 4.0 Inline 6 in her, those things would usually crank over for 2-3 sometimes 4 seconds before firing up. Thats just the way those are designed. On the newer Chevys if it starts within 2 seconds with a fully charged battery and proper working charging system, thats the norm.

kdm101 · May 2, 2006

Mine did this to me last week when the fuel pressure regulator finally crapped out. It would take a few seconds cranking to get going and then it idled like s**t. Pulled out the vacuum line and sure enough, gas dribbled out. New regulator, 15 minutes work, and it's back to running like new.

Dunno if the older generation engines had similar issues, but it's worth a look.