Is it safe to use fuel injector cleaners. Will they damage certain type of injectors?

 

GM says you shouldn't use cleaners on the newer style injectors, it could damage them.

I have in the past, but I've stopped.

 

sounds like GM is trying to sell new injectors...

I used BG 44K fuel treatment. It is da bom... so to speak.

 

It's OK as long as you don't abuse it. Only 3000 mile's or so. :yesnod:

 

The only fuel injector that I'll use is Rich at http://www.cruzinperformance.com/

 

BG 44k is great. works fantastic...BUT as was previously stated...do not abuse it. I would only use it every 4k-5k miles, 3k if you've used bad gas or just can't get decent gas where you live. :rolleyes:

 

GM has a tech bulletin out on this, I have posted it previously. Here is some information I have saved in my archives that should help with your decision to use a cleaner.

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BG 44K is a high profit item sold by dealerships as a cure
all for fuel injector problems. This product contains very strong solvents
and I wouldn't recommend that an individual use it unless it was added to a
full tank of gas on a long distance trip where the individual would burn
every bit of that fuel in one day. BG 44K is highly suspect in the
deterioration of o-rings and other plastic-coated parts within the fuel
system. It seems to work best on Boost injectors whose design places their
pintle valve injector deep inside the intake port. I DON'T AND WON'T use BG
44K on my own '89 Vette.

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Chevrolet's Technical Service Bulletin # 91-312-6E of May 1991 for 1986-91
Corvettes concerning "Multec Port Fuel Injectors/Cleaning" reads as follows:

"This bulletin has been written to inform technicians of possible damage to
Multec port fuel injectors as a result of cleaning. The ball and seat
design of the Multec port fuel injectors eliminates the need of ever having
to use an injector cleaner. By design, the fuel metering portions fo the
injector are not directly exposed to the intake manifold gases that are
responsible for the build-up of deposits that can cause injectors to clog."

"Some of these cleaners may contain high percentages of methanol and other
solvents that cause damage to the injectors' coil wire insulation. Damaged
insulation results in low resistance or shorted injectors. Also, high
percentages of methanol or other solvents can increase friction at the
injector's critical bearing surfaces, resulting in premature wear."

"General Motors has conducted extensive injector cleaning studies to
determine effectiveness. There is no confirmed evidence that cleaning
Multec port fuel injectors has resolved a vehicle driveability problem. In
addition, suppliers of various injector cleaners may claim that their
product can also clean intake valve deposits. General Motors laboratory
tests have shown that injector cleaners have little or no effect on intake
valve deposits."

"General Motors maintains the position that Multec port fuel injectors
should not be cleaned."

 

Thanks Bob, that's the buuletin I was thinking of.

 

Fantastic information. everyone who uses, has used and BG products or FI cleaners should read this.

 

I appreciate the tech bulletin. I have a problem though. I took my car to a local Chevrolet dealer for an ignition module and coil installation and they recommended an injector flush. They "tried" to charge me $116.00 for that service and the job listed "parts used" as Carb Cleaner. I refused to pay that much for the service and they knocked it down to almost nothing. After reading this bulletin, I now want my "almost nothing" money back. It sounds like they charged me for something I not only didn't need, but is recommended NOT to be done. I am going to be on the phone tomorrow armed with your information. Thanks !! :mad