Fuel Injectors Cleaning Additives
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
The only GM I've owned that needed cleaning was covered under an extended 200K warranty - CA only - '96 to something like '98 - problem was linked to the additive MTBE which turned out to be less green than someone thought. Anyway, the Dealer did a nice job of clearing up the 300 Code with whatever machinery they use and GM escaped a CA recall with the extended warranty. Otherwise, I've used 3M fuel injector cleaner through the fuel rail which did absolutely zero, but there wasn't a problem in the first place, I got caught up in the hype and had to try it. As to gas - what goes in it is strictly regulated out here and in this town, it all comes from the same tank. Every time I pass the storage facility, I look to see if there's a Chevron guy emptying a bottle of Techron into his delivery truck, but I've haven't seen it yet. And I don't know where Shell is keeping the nitrogen.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 461
Likes: 0
I am sure this question has been discussed before but my buddy and I are having a difference of opinion on adding fuel injector cleaning fluid (Tectron) to gas every so often. I believe that it definitely will help the injectors along with other things stay clean and he says Chevrolet says you should never add fuel additives to a Corvette. Who is right? I only drive my car about 1500 miles a season so I have been adding it once a year. Some people say you should add it every time you fill your tank. Appreciate hearing replies.
Thanks
Bob
Thanks
Bob
They help also remove carbon deposits as well. The thing you should put in is stableizer for your gas since you don't drive it much..The gas over time varnishes and leaves junk in the injectors and throttle body. some idiots will say it doesn't. my throttle body had to be cleaned after sitting up for 6 months so don't listen to the daily drivers they really don't need it .. as pampered only driven a few times a year does...............also change oil once a year as well even though you only put 1500 miles on it...
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 1
From: Woodland CA
Hum...interesting topic. I have not added any, but I only use Chevron 91 octane that contains Techron already. To what percentage, I have no idea. I drive mine about 3 times a week, and since I live in southern CA, I drive it year around.
From the discussion, sounds like if you drive it as a DD, then there should not be any issues with the injectors correct?
From the discussion, sounds like if you drive it as a DD, then there should not be any issues with the injectors correct?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,474
Likes: 3,291
From: Hartford WI
Injectors, yes. How do they leave deposits in the TB? Does gas get there? How? My TB has no fuel lines going to it.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,474
Likes: 3,291
From: Hartford WI
Hum...interesting topic. I have not added any, but I only use Chevron 91 octane that contains Techron already. To what percentage, I have no idea. I drive mine about 3 times a week, and since I live in southern CA, I drive it year around.
From the discussion, sounds like if you drive it as a DD, then there should not be any issues with the injectors correct?
From the discussion, sounds like if you drive it as a DD, then there should not be any issues with the injectors correct?
Every couple to 3 years, take the injectors out, have them tested so you know that the flow rate is matched and the spray pattern is good. That is something none of those snake oils will accomplish except to separate a rube from his money.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
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From: San Diego, Ca
Are you talking about an '84 with TB injection or something more recent which basically uses a flapper for air and a spider for injection? With the latter, the spiders were clogging up and it was linked to MTBE. The Flappers, if not cleaned on a regular basis, will coke up to the extent that the throttle plate jams breaking the rivets (which are then ingested and they either get puked out through the exhaust or score a cylinder). Anyway, to avoid a CA recall, GM warranted all injection systems for 200K for the Years I posted.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,381
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From: SF bay area C.A.
C4 of the Year Finalist
The cleaners do work ...They help also remove carbon deposits as well. The thing you should put in is stableizer for your gas since you don't drive it much..The gas over time varnishes and leaves junk in the injectors and throttle body. some idiots will say it doesn't. my throttle body had to be cleaned after sitting up for 6 months so don't listen to the daily drivers they really don't need it .. as pampered only driven a few times a year does...............also change oil once a year as well even though you only put 1500 miles on it...
They help also remove carbon deposits as well. The thing you should put in is stableizer for your gas since you don't drive it much..The gas over time varnishes and leaves junk in the injectors and throttle body. some idiots will say it doesn't. my throttle body had to be cleaned after sitting up for 6 months so don't listen to the daily drivers they really don't need it .. as pampered only driven a few times a year does...............also change oil once a year as well even though you only put 1500 miles on it...Corvette Stories
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Team Owner
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From: Hartford WI
Racer
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are you a favorite customer of this master mekanick??
Team Owner
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
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It works if carbon is your problem. Nutin to do with injectors though...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
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From: San Diego, Ca
And the design of the TPI - and most injection systems - makes this impossible. It'll hit a couple of pistons, but it isn't evenly distributed. Fortunately, if it's been working right, carbon isn't a problem until the engine needs a rebuild.
