How much for a fuel injection cleaning?

[axelfox]

The guy at EZ Lube says I need one (well, they've said it the past couple of times I've gotten an oil change), so i guess I should get one. How much do they usually run? They guy quoted about $90, so I don't want to get ripped off.

Thanks

 

[Zim Hosein]

axelfox, why not try that STP Fuel Injector cleaner first, only cost a few beans and you add it to a full tank of gas and drive, lots cheaper than 90 beans, hope this helps

 

[axelfox]

Well the guy says it needs something more thorough than those add in ones. I think he's right b/c they've said I've needed a cleaning for awhile. When they said I needed one the first time, I called around, and one guy (Dr. Volvo) said that FI cleanings actually wear out the sprayers b/c of the chemicals.

 

[ElFenix]

AFAIK all the oil change place does is add cleaner to your tank.

 

[toph99]

the kind that you add to your tank are useless once the injectors are clogged, from what i've seen. they're more of a preventative maintainence, but you have to make sure it doesn't start to eat at the rubber seals in your fuel system over time. to properly clean them, they need to be removed and be pressure washed in a way with a cleaning solution. cheaper than replacing the injectors how many miles are on the car?

 

[axelfox]

about 103,000 miles with a tranny cleaning about 1.5 years ago.

 

[Colt45]

how do they know the injectors are dirty?

or do they actually do more than just change the oil....?

 

[axelfox]

EZ Lube does a thorough inspection of your system (well, they say) and recommend anything that needs maintence. I just take the advice and then check out other places to see if it cheaper.

 

[Blieb]

It's called a fuel induction service.

I got one at the dealership about a year ago. Improved my mileage up to almost new status for a while... I'm due for another one (and a break job @@) ...

Anyways ... $89-199 depending on the amount of buildup I think is what my dealership charged ... (Chevrolet, 4 cyl)

 

[Howard]

I would just dump some toluene [6 parts gas, 1 part toluene] into your gas tank. According to a respected somebody at AutomotiveForum's [who spent the time to do a test] Engineering/Technical section, toluene is the second best cleaner - the best wore out rubber, IIRC.

 

[Evadman]

The cleaning youw ant is where the can is hooked up to your fuel rail and that mixture is blown though your injectors, not any kind of gas tank additive.

Howard: Never heard of that. Time for me to do some asking around.

 

[RayH]

Best cleaning is to remove the injectors and have them ultrasonically cleaned and back flushed. RC Engineering will provide before and after flow rates with the cleaning.

 

[CraigRT]

That's what you get for buying cheap gas

i buy the good brands and make sure i use high octane.. the $1 per tank more doesn't bug me at all.

i'd just use fuel injector cleaner it actually does work.

 

[toant103]

Originally posted by: axelfox
The guy at EZ Lube says I need one (well, they've said it the past couple of times I've gotten an oil change), so i guess I should get one. How much do they usually run? They guy quoted about $90, so I don't want to get ripped off.

Thanks

Should be around $60-80

 

[poopaskoopa]

I believe it cost me $49.95 at Jiffy Lube. I know nothing about car maintenance, so I couldn't tell you what they told me that they'd do for $49.95. All I know is that they charged me $49.95. The car ran fine before, and the car ran fine afterwards. The only difference is that I gave someone $49.95 and waited 10 mins longer than I would have, had I just gotten an oil change.

 

[milagro]

Originally posted by: Howard
I would just dump some toluene [6 parts gas, 1 part toluene] into your gas tank. According to a respected somebody at AutomotiveForum's [who spent the time to do a test] Engineering/Technical section, toluene is the second best cleaner - the best wore out rubber, IIRC.

be careful w/ toluene..think its a known carcinogen...

 

[Chris A]

Originally posted by: milagro

Originally posted by: Howard
I would just dump some toluene [6 parts gas, 1 part toluene] into your gas tank. According to a respected somebody at AutomotiveForum's [who spent the time to do a test] Engineering/Technical section, toluene is the second best cleaner - the best wore out rubber, IIRC.

be careful w/ toluene..think its a known carcinogen...

You bet it is and a very nasty one at that. Pretty hard to find any more anyways. I would not take my car to a oil changing place to have my injectors cleaned. I would not have them cleaned unless there was a performance problem. IMO most of that is all hype along with paint sealers that last longer then the life of the car...

 

[kherman]

They just want your money!

Are yoiu having problems with your car's performance?

Just throuw High Octane in once in a while. Also, use that off the shelf stuff.

 

Take it from a 20+ yr A.S.E. Certified Automotive Tech.
If your vehicle idles fine,you only need Chevron techron.

If you are having idling problems,you will have to have it professionally cleaned using a Stand alone fuel injector cleaner.

IMHO, Jiffy Lube is trying to seperate you from your money.

 

[TwoMix]

OT Kinda..but do those STP gas additives really do anything?

 

OT Kinda..but do those STP gas additives really do anything?

Only after many repeated uses.
Through the years I have tried just about every imaginable fuel injector cleaner on the market.(On customer's cars ofcourse).
Chevron Techron is the only one I know that does the job with one cleaning.


Warning

DO NOT spill it on you or your vehicle,It WILL cause extensive nervous system damage and is a very effective paint remover as well.

If you do use Techron,Poor it in an empty tank at the gas station then fill the tank.
DO NOT just poor it in without filling the tank,the undiluted Techron will eat fuel injector lines,pressure regulators etc.

 

[alkemyst]

The kind that attaches to the fuel rail is best and should only run around $60 or less...for most cars. Some of the in tank cleaners are pretty good, but if you are not getting good flow across the injectors already it would take too many applications to make if worthwhile.

Change your spark plugs also once the injectors are clean, chances are they are fouled too.