OT: Auto Fuel Injector Cleaners

[Spinner]

I've read various articles about injector cleaners which has lead me to confusion at best.

For those of you who may be either auto mechanics, auto engineers, chemists or otherwise experienced hands :

Should i use an injector cleaner? If yes, which brand?

Thanks for your input.

[bigbill]

I've had a few Ford Eco-boost powered vehicles. I've found that a can of Sea-Foam gas treatment twice a year helps to maintain my mileage and performance. I'll wait until I'm nearly on empty then add a can and fill to half a tank.

[Bentley]

I had a mechanic recommend to me that I use this product, maybe 35 years ago. He said that all fuel comes with a "package" but that cheaper gas means less additives, he suggested this product. I add it about once every three months, I have never needed a service for cleaning the injectors/throttle body since I started using this product. I am sure there are other good products, but this one has worked.

I think I would characterize Sea Foam as more a fuel conditioner than an injector cleaner...

YMMV

Ray

[GregL]

Two thoughts:

- Use a Top Tier (https://www.toptiergas.com/) (TM) fuel that is certified to contain appropriate detergent additives.

- Use Techron (https://www.chevronlubricants.com/en_us/home/products/techron-complete-fuel-system-cleaner.html)as necessary for additional fuel system cleaning.

With these two actions, your fuel injection system should stay reasonably clean.

Greg

[Hellgate]

On my motorcycle track bike I had the injectors ultrasonically cleaned and tuned at the same time. Tuning ensure the fuel pulses volumes match. It can make a difference for a highly tuned motor.

For a daily driver I wouldn't bother as long as the fuel you use is TOP TIER. TOP TIER has a cleaner in it to begin with. With direct injection motors it's critical. Brand name and warehouse gas stations are TOP TIER.

https://newsroom.aaa.com/2016/07/aaa-not-gasoline-created-equal/

[djg21]

I throw a bottle in my tank once every 3,000 miles.

[fmradio516]

I think the main think to look for is a PEA cleaner. Techron is one of them.

Not sure what the formula is these days, but my grandpa has sworn by that stuff since probably 30 years ago when he was having issues with his motor either stumbling, stalling, or something else(i dont remember exactly), but he mechanic at the time recommended that for it and it cleared the issue right up for him.

But yeah, it could be that things have changed over the years and the amount of PEA is very little now.

[ridethecliche]

Absolutely no harm using some from time to time. I usually run cheaper gas so I should probably add some to my tank with every oil change.

[paredown]

Two thoughts:

- Use a Top Tier (https://www.toptiergas.com/) (TM) fuel that is certified to contain appropriate detergent additives.

- Use Techron (https://www.chevronlubricants.com/en_us/home/products/techron-complete-fuel-system-cleaner.html)as necessary for additional fuel system cleaning.

With these two actions, your fuel injection system should stay reasonably clean.

Greg

This is where I ended up--and it helps that Costco sells Top Tier gas in NY--cheapest price in our local market
...and they sell the Techron in 6 packs....

I try to time it that I run the Techron in the last tank before an oil change--but that's probably OCD.

I've used Seafoam, but usually when starting with a project where I don't know its history

[Hindmost]

So I clicked on the links to find what gasoline stations were top tier and I got swept into an internet vortex. I don't want to input a bunch of personal location information; why can't it be simple?

[GregL]

So I clicked on the links to find what gasoline stations were top tier and I got swept into an internet vortex. I don't want to input a bunch of personal location information; why can't it be simple?
https://www.toptiergas.com/licensed-brands/

[dave thompson]

So I clicked on the links to find what gasoline stations were top tier and I got swept into an internet vortex. I don't want to input a bunch of personal location information; why can't it be simple?

I believe that most, if not all Costco fuel stations dispense Top Tier gasoline. There's a label stating so on their fuel pumps.

[MikeD]

Two thoughts:



- Use a Top Tier (https://www.toptiergas.com/) (TM) fuel that is certified to contain appropriate detergent additives.



- Use Techron (https://www.chevronlubricants.com/en_us/home/products/techron-complete-fuel-system-cleaner.html)as necessary for additional fuel system cleaning.



With these two actions, your fuel injection system should stay reasonably clean.



Greg



+1 on this.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[HenryA]

SeaFoam believer here. And just generally for any gas engine as periodic preventative maintenance. For a car that is driven regularly, maybe twice a year, that's all.

[Spinner]

You guys are great.

Many thanks.

[glepore]

Two thoughts:

- Use a Top Tier (https://www.toptiergas.com/) (TM) fuel that is certified to contain appropriate detergent additives.

- Use Techron (https://www.chevronlubricants.com/en_us/home/products/techron-complete-fuel-system-cleaner.html)as necessary for additional fuel system cleaning.

With these two actions, your fuel injection system should stay reasonably clean.

Greg

this

[wc1934]

SeaFoam believer here. And just generally for any gas engine as periodic preventative maintenance. For a car that is driven regularly, maybe twice a year, that's all.

Me too. I had a snowblower that would not start - cleaned carb, new gas, new plug, filter etc. Sea foam to the rescue. I have never thought to use it in car engines - makes sense. Will now. Thanks.

[C40_guy]

Diesel Service treatment every tankful 9 months out of the year. Winter Treatment when the temps get close to freezing. Seems to help keep the high pressure fuel pump lubricated. Also protects against out of season spec diesel fuel from gelling in cold weather...

For the TDi, of course.

For my gas motor, just top tier gasoline, no additives. I trust Mobil or Shell to figure it out.

[likebikes]

i’ve used lucas and seafoam.

i haven’t noticed any performance differences

[enr1co]

SeaFoam believer here. And just generally for any gas engine as periodic preventative maintenance. For a car that is driven regularly, maybe twice a year, that's all.

+1 for Seafoam :)

[Ken Robb]

We used Sea Foam in our boat which had an injected 454ci Chevy and 100 gallon tank. We had no problem with stale gas some of which had to be several months old.

[reconstyle]

I think the main think to look for is a PEA cleaner. Techron is one of them.

Not sure what the formula is these days, but my grandpa has sworn by that stuff since probably 30 years ago when he was having issues with his motor either stumbling, stalling, or something else(i dont remember exactly), but he mechanic at the time recommended that for it and it cleared the issue right up for him.

But yeah, it could be that things have changed over the years and the amount of PEA is very little now.

You are spot on about PEA. Polyetheramine is a top-tier detergent proven to be the best at cleaning fuel systems.

Manufacturers don't have to give the exact amount of PEA in their products, but Redline SI-1, Gumout Regane, and Amsoil PI have the highest reported percentage of PEA in them. In my gas cars I use a bottle of Redline Si-1 every 5k miles.

[zap]

I've read various articles about injector cleaners which has lead me to confusion at best.

What type of vehicle/engine.

[Spinner]

What type of vehicle/engine.

We have 2 Subaru Crosstreks

[bart998]

I always add a bottle of Gumout All-In-One Fuel System Cleaner to my tank during oil changes... Can't say I notice a difference, but I don't usually have any problems either... I tend to keep my cars 10+ years and I've been doing this since high school auto shop in the '70's.

[zap]

We have 2 Subaru Crosstreks

You might get some benefit from using a fuel injector cleaner but it would be marginal at best if you use top tier gasoline. If your vehicle(s) have direct injection engine(s) I wouldn't bother with fuel injection cleaners. Direct injection systems use higher fuel pressures and that should keep the injectors pretty clean for some time.

Best to talk to your trusted Subi mechanic.

[smead]

Owned my '87 Toyota 22RE EFI since new, never used any injector cleaner, never let the gas get stale, always bought the cheapest gas I could find (which usually means its the freshest). Still runs as perfect and clean at 253K as it did when new. I think those cleaners are a gimmick.

[gemship]

Owned my '87 Toyota 22RE EFI since new, never used any injector cleaner, never let the gas get stale, always bought the cheapest gas I could find (which usually means its the freshest). Still runs as perfect and clean at 253K as it did when new. I think those cleaners are a gimmick.

I agree completely. Until she runs rough then maybe it can be proved out otherwise don't bother.

Gas powered anything likes to be run daily. More so with the 10% ethanol in the gas.