YACT: Fuel injector cleaners any good? *And bonus pic*

[StageLeft]

Such as this one? I've heard some people reporting positive effects from it, but then I also recently saw somebody recommend the addition of slick 50 to somebody's car - which is a bad idea, so I thought a little more input could be a good idea.

Here's a pic of the sentra's engine compartment. I had a little oil spewing episode yesterday (my fault) and paid $45 to have it professionally cleaned. Not bad for an engine with 174k miles on it!

 

[minendo]

I use the STP fuel injector cleaner which runs ~$5 per bottle from my local Advanced Car Parts store. I have noticed a slight increase in mpg.

 

[Eli]

Wow... :Q

That is one clean-ass 174k mile engine bay.

Sure, fuel injector cleaner works.. at least to a certain point.

It isn't snake oil like oil additives. If your fuel injectors are clogged, it will help.

I think the best is Techron.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Eli
Wow... :Q

That is one clean-ass 174k mile engine bay.

Sure, fuel injector cleaner works.. at least to a certain point.

It isn't snake oil like oil additives. If your fuel injectors are clogged, it will help.

I think the best is Techron.

Yeah that was really the question because I know that those oil additives are for the most part snake oil and worse for your car than anything else, so I wanted to be sure of this stuff before putting it into a car worth a good bit of money (not the sentra).

 

[Pepsi90919]

you don't need it.

 

[fyleow]

I put in a bottle of Techron concentrate for the Passat and it seems a little smoother. Could be psychological though but hey it can't hurt. It was like $7 a bottle at Kragen's and it treats up to 12 gallons.

 

[Eli]

At 3-9$/bottle, it isn't really going to break the budget, and it definately won't hurt anything, unlike oil additives' potential to do so.

 

[Triumph]

BG44K is recommended by Pat Goss, who runs a local radio call-in show every week here in the DC area. He answers callers questions about anything car related, and he is very knowledgeable. He also does a spot on either Motorweek TV or Motortrend, I can't remember which. Anyway, I'm sure he is paid for endorsing the product on his radio show, but if it wasn't any good at all, he wouldn't endorse it as heavily as he does. Gives some credence to the product, at least.

 

[TechnoKid]

BG44K is like pure techron. It works really well, and, many car manufacturers sell this stuff in their own bottles over the counter. It is cheaper to buy it online however, unless you have a local retailer that sells it. Another good fuel system cleaner is that of berrymans. B-12 chemtool is good as well as the total fuel system cleaner. Just be carefull with either of the BG44K or the berrymans; too much use or too much of a dose can be harsh on injector seals. Never run them straight in your tank. I don't recommend using B12 chemtool in your crankcase as it is harsh on the seals in the engine, but it is ok in your fuel tank.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Nicely detailed engine bay, makes it soooo pleasant to open the hood.

The active ingredient to clean the injectors, works best in soak time. Short trips for the tank of fuel. Ask Roger about the cleaning fluid that is hooked right into the fuel system.
The engine is run for a brief time on this chemical alone and is done at some dealerships
and tune-up shops. I know it's done but no nothing about how good it is..........:sun:

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Such as this one? I've heard some people reporting positive effects from it, but then I also recently saw somebody recommend the addition of slick 50 to somebody's car - which is a bad idea, so I thought a little more input could be a good idea.

Here's a pic of the sentra's engine compartment. I had a little oil spewing episode yesterday (my fault) and paid $45 to have it professionally cleaned. Not bad for an engine with 174k miles on it!

Who do you take the car to get the engine professionaly cleaned?

I thought of doing itmyself, but I'm scared if I let water seep into areas its not supposed to.

 

[stso]

Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Such as this one? I've heard some people reporting positive effects from it, but then I also recently saw somebody recommend the addition of slick 50 to somebody's car - which is a bad idea, so I thought a little more input could be a good idea.

Here's a pic of the sentra's engine compartment. I had a little oil spewing episode yesterday (my fault) and paid $45 to have it professionally cleaned. Not bad for an engine with 174k miles on it!

Who do you take the car to get the engine professionaly cleaned?

I thought of doing itmyself, but I'm scared if I let water seep into areas its not supposed to.

Me too

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Such as this one? I've heard some people reporting positive effects from it, but then I also recently saw somebody recommend the addition of slick 50 to somebody's car - which is a bad idea, so I thought a little more input could be a good idea.

Here's a pic of the sentra's engine compartment. I had a little oil spewing episode yesterday (my fault) and paid $45 to have it professionally cleaned. Not bad for an engine with 174k miles on it!

Who do you take the car to get the engine professionaly cleaned?

I thought of doing itmyself, but I'm scared if I let water seep into areas its not supposed to.

Thanks for great answers, guys! Maadindian - I called up the mechanic we take the sentra to and told him that my engine bay was a mess (suffice to say that if you drive a car and forget to put the oil cap back on after topping up the oil you're going to have a hell of a mess) and he recommended the place across the street from him (standard detailing shop). I wasn't concerned about damage because the compartment was a MESS and something had to be done. The guy at this detailing place said that he's done a hell of a lot of cars and has problems only rarely, specifically with lexus' when water seeps in down in the cavern that holds the spark plugs. The engine before hand looked messy (even before the oil) and I couldn't imagine what he'd be able to do for this, but frankly the before and after look like an engine swap. Insanely good job considering what he had to work with.

He said with the lexus issues if they have any he can dry it out so it's really not a huge deal. It's a shame I didn't have a before and after. I left the car with him wondering what I had promised to pay $45 for and when I opened up the hood I was eager to pay it. I told him he did a damn good job

 

[Howard]

Try dumping in some toluene into the tank.

 

[Linux23]

If it's a Maxima, I believe Techron was a recommeded fuel additive.

Oh, and for like $10 bucks all you needed is some engine degreaser, and a garden hose. Presto, engine bay cleaned.

 

[amdskip]

Dang, I want to clean my engine now too. You think some soap and water along with simple green will work pretty good?

We've used amsoil fuel treatment/fuel injector cleaner and it increases gas mileage. I need to put some in my car now that I think of that.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: amdskip
Dang, I want to clean my engine now too. You think some soap and water along with simple green will work pretty good?

We've used amsoil fuel treatment/fuel injector cleaner and it increases gas mileage. I need to put some in my car now that I think of that.

I'm sure you can do it with water and cleaning fluids, but these guys used a pressure hose and it definitely does it a heck of a lot easier!

 

[psianime]

Wow, clean as a whistle for that many miles.

 

[Quixfire]

Skoorb, I used to sell the BG44K when I still worked at a garage and it did wonders for higher mile cars. I recommend using it ever 30K miles to improve the fuel system performance.

 

My preferences in order ;

Chevron Techron <----- Cleans combustion chambers/valves as well
BG44
B-12 Chemtool

As for the direct fire fuel injector cleaning system (Hooks directly to fuel injector rail), these do a fantastic job at cleaner fuel injectors but does nothing for the intake valves or combustion chamber, also these should not be used on a long term basis because of the corrosive effects it has on the injector pintles.

If you decide to use one of these cleaning systems, follow the manufacturers guide precisely, otherwise you may end up with a very large, uncontrollable fire.

 

[BUTCH1]

WOW, I'd eat a steak off that motor! nice job....

 

[Aquaman]

Originally posted by: Roger
My preferences in order ;

Chevron Techron <----- Cleans combustion chambers/valves as well
BG44
B-12 Chemtool

As for the direct fire fuel injector cleaning system (Hooks directly to fuel injector rail), these do a fantastic job at cleaner fuel injectors but does nothing for the intake valves or combustion chamber, also these should not be used on a long term basis because of the corrosive effects it has on the injector pintles.

If you decide to use one of these cleaning systems, follow the manufacturers guide precisely, otherwise you may end up with a very large, uncontrollable fire.

Hmmmmm........... I use Chevron gas already.......... will adding more techron help or is the techron in the gas enough already?

Thanks.

Cheers,
Aquaman

 

Hmmmmm........... I use Chevron gas already.......... will adding more techron help or is the techron in the gas enough already?

Thanks.

Cheers,
Aquaman

Too many variables, which include but is not limited to the following ;

Type of engine
Climate
Driving habits
Duration of trips

etc.


I personally use Techron every thirty thousand miles.

 

[Aquaman]

Originally posted by: Roger

Hmmmmm........... I use Chevron gas already.......... will adding more techron help or is the techron in the gas enough already?

Thanks.

Cheers,
Aquaman

Too many variables, which include but is not limited to the following ;

Type of engine
Climate
Driving habits
Duration of trips

etc.


I personally use Techron every thirty thousand miles.

Okie Dokie Thanks.

Cheers,
Aquaman

 

[C'DaleRider]

Another vote for BG44K............although it's nice to get it free every few months. My bro sends three cans down every 2-3 months, along with several other BG products. (I just have to send back the plastic mixer pieces out of the cans ........ John gets a .25 kickback from the BG rep for every one that gets turned into him). All the BG products seem to work quite well.