Fuel Injector Cleaner

[SEAL62505]

I don't know a whole lot about cars, but I have a 01 Focus that has started getting poor gas mileage (20 city, 25 hw). I put in a K&N filter and just tried some Lucas fuel injector cleaner.
My questions are-
Is fuel injector cleaner just a bunch of BS? I have heard that it doesn't do much for your car...
Also, is there anything else I can try to improve my gas mileage? I don't drive like a crazy man, but I used to get over 30 on the road. I am in MN, and I have heard that cold weather can have a negative impact on mileage, but I think maybe something else is up...

Thanks!

 

[CrackRabbit]

Its probably the winter gas mixture that is in use right now that is causing your poor gas milage. If it doesnt improve once it gets warmer look into other solutions.
As for FI cleaner, some are junk others will help clean your injectors to a degree. I've always heard good things about Chevron Techron.

 

[MichaelD]

Sounds like a GF problem. It's her job to clean the injectors.

 

[freebee]

Your car is reluctant to go where you want to go. Hence, its unwillingness contributes to poor fuel economy. You need to spank it.

 

[SEAL62505]

Its probably the winter gas mixture that is in use right now that is causing your poor gas milage. If it doesnt improve once it gets warmer look into other solutions.

What do you mean by winter gas mixture?

 

[HiTek21]

possibly a bad O2 sensor or PCV valve that could cause your poor mileage.

 

[The Stigenator]

I have a 2000 focus and i get about 30mpg with 92K on the clock.

I did use a fuel injector cleaner about 80K or so. Its Berryman's B12 Chem cleaner .. Strong stuff, but it made it idle better. Though ford says not to use any sort of cleaner, if you are goign to use one use the best.

B-12 CHEMTOOL® TOTAL FUEL SYSTEM CLEAN-UP (T.F.S.C.)
Formulated with High Energy Solvent Technology (H.E.S.T.) and state of the art detergents to maximize an accelerate cleaning of intake valves, fuel injectors, and combustion chamber. T.F.S.C. attacks carbon deposits in the entire fuel system to help restore peak performance. Improves starting, driveability, and gas mileage.
One application is good for 3000 miles.
Part #2616 Net 15 fl. oz. Aluminum Bottle

 

[CrackRabbit]

Originally posted by: RuffRyder1672

Its probably the winter gas mixture that is in use right now that is causing your poor gas milage. If it doesnt improve once it gets warmer look into other solutions.

What do you mean by winter gas mixture?

The Oil companies create a special mixture of gas for the northern parts of North America that is more resistant to freezing and congealing. The side effect of this is that your car gets worse gas milage.

 

[The Stigenator]

If you got a 01 with the zetech engine, look for the DPFE sensor replacement, and maybe O2 replacement. Basically do a minor tuneup, change plugs and wires and the PCV valve (for me that was fine).

www.focusfanatics.com ---> lots of resources there.