Fuel System Cleaner Questions

TxDoc · March 31, 2002

I use a fuel system cleaner every time I change my oil/filter. I wondered about a couple of things:

1. Do you think they are really beneficial?

2. Does it do any good to do some full-throttle accelerations wth the cleaners in to force a high volume of fuel thru the injectors and thus displace any debris that might have accumulated?

3. I was told, without proof, the cleaners do more good if you are running at highway speeds, than at normal city driving speeds.

Any thoughts or comments are welcome.

MountaineerTom · March 31, 2002

I'm sure they help some. I use them too every once in a while. As far as running at highway speeds, I don't know if that is true or not, but here's what I do. I'm about 5 1/2-6 hours away from where my mom and dad live. When we go on leave, I pour the fuel injector cleaner in, fill up right after, then drive the 5 1/2-6 hour trip. In that time, it runs most of that tank of gas out, so it gets most of the fuel injector cleaner through over that 5 1/2-6 hours. Makes since to me to run all the cleaner, or most of it, through all at one time. ???

carguru · April 1, 2002

I usually run a bottle of Techron through in a tank before an oil change. I don't think you have to force it through the injectors. Fuel system is pressurized. I would try to burn as close to a full tank of gas, though to realize the benefits of fuel system cleaner. Highway speeds are recommended no matter if you use the cleaners or not. Carbon has a tendency to build up more so under stop and go driving. I use it a tank or so before an oil change because any removed deposits and by products from the fuel system cleaner will be trapped in the old oil and eliminated with the oil change. Or maybe I'm just a bit wierd. LOL

firecadet613 · April 1, 2002

I'm going with your just a little bit weird

carguru · April 1, 2002

I'm going with your just a little bit weird

Gee, thanx, I think? ;) LOL.

sincityZ71 · April 2, 2002

I haven't used any of the bottle stuff as of yet. I use chevron gas with techron religiously, as in every fill up, so I don't know if there would really be a benefit by adding a bottle of the stuff to a tank of gas that already has the same crap in the gas. Just means I can take the few bucks by not buying the bottle to support my starbucks drinking habit...

99silveradoz71 · April 29, 2002

Have used Techron in the Rado since near new and have developed no knocks or pings at all. Usually about every few tanks. A little $ now to save a lot later.

95Yukon · May 3, 2002

I just put it in every oil change or so, and drive normally until that tank is almost gone. It is good preventive maintenance to keep the fuel system and intake valves clean and reduce carbon deposits. Just read the bottle and know how many gallons your tank holds. If it is only enough to treat "up to 20 gallons" and you top off a 30 gallon tank with the cleaner, it will dilute the strength somewhat, I would think. I usually run it through at a stronger concentration, but either way its good preventive maintenance to spend a few now and save a headache down the road.

Much easier to reduce or eliminate small deposits now, and keep up with it than to try and start to get big deposits out later after they are causing a problem.