How much Techron to use?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 788
Likes: 2
From: The People's Republic of NY
How much Techron to use?
I started having the "fuel gauge dropping to empty issue" when I still had more than 1/2 a tank of gas in my 2003 Z06 yesterday. After a search on this forum I see that is is a fairly common problem, and that the first attempt to fix it is adding some Techron to the tank.
Most of the information I found called for adding one 20oz bottle to a tank that is below 1/4 full. However, my local Advanced Auto Parts store currently has 12oz of Techron on sale buy one - get one free. My question is, can I add two 12oz bottles, or do I need to measure out 20 oz when I add it to the tank at my next fill-up?
Most of the information I found called for adding one 20oz bottle to a tank that is below 1/4 full. However, my local Advanced Auto Parts store currently has 12oz of Techron on sale buy one - get one free. My question is, can I add two 12oz bottles, or do I need to measure out 20 oz when I add it to the tank at my next fill-up?
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria Ca.
I'd add one of the 12oz to about half a tank-less gas in the tank makes for a little stronger concentration of additive,and it helps with the "slosh" factor to help the Techron remove the sulfur deposits from the sending unit
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7,207
Likes: 311
From: Lino Lakes MN
When I first got my car added a couple 12oz bottle to all nearly full tank and the problem was resolved. Now I throw a can of Sea Foam in the tank in the fall prior to storage and add a bottle or two throughout the season as a preventative measure.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh Pa
They've been buy one get one, what difference does that make. Stop bein a cheap *** and buy the freakin 20oz bottle to take care of the issue before your pulling your tanks and replacing sending units...damn.
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You'll be OK adding two of the smaller bottles to your gas tank. Don't be surprised if it takes more than one application though.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
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That extra 4oz wont harm anything. As 8vette7 suggested make sure you add it to the car at well less than 1/2 full and then top off to full so it gets to both sensors
Also check your codes and clear down any fuel related DTCs
I'm sure it'll work; it normally does. You can help in future by switching fuel brands. Chevron has Techron added and Shell has a similar additive.
if all else fails theres a GM software reflash to fix the issue.
Erratic Fuel Gauge Reading (Reprogram the PCM) #02-06-04-010A - (06/27/2003)
1999-2002 Chevrolet Corvette
This bulletin is being revised to add models and update the Correction and Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-06-04-010 (Section 06- Engine).
Condition
Some owners may comment about the fuel gauge intermittently indicating an empty reading and then return to the correct fuel level indication.
Cause
This condition may result when fuel blends containing aggressive sulphur compounds react with the fuel sender assembly, which may result in voltage spikes being induced on the fuel level signal to the PCM. Use of another fuel blend may reverse this reaction and return the system to normal operation.
Correction
Reprogram the PCM with the new service calibration which is available in the June 2003, Techline® TIS release sent to the dealers on 6/28/03. Use the TIS Version 7 or later data update.
Also check your codes and clear down any fuel related DTCs
I'm sure it'll work; it normally does. You can help in future by switching fuel brands. Chevron has Techron added and Shell has a similar additive.
if all else fails theres a GM software reflash to fix the issue.
Erratic Fuel Gauge Reading (Reprogram the PCM) #02-06-04-010A - (06/27/2003)
1999-2002 Chevrolet Corvette
This bulletin is being revised to add models and update the Correction and Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-06-04-010 (Section 06- Engine).
Condition
Some owners may comment about the fuel gauge intermittently indicating an empty reading and then return to the correct fuel level indication.
Cause
This condition may result when fuel blends containing aggressive sulphur compounds react with the fuel sender assembly, which may result in voltage spikes being induced on the fuel level signal to the PCM. Use of another fuel blend may reverse this reaction and return the system to normal operation.
Correction
Reprogram the PCM with the new service calibration which is available in the June 2003, Techline® TIS release sent to the dealers on 6/28/03. Use the TIS Version 7 or later data update.
Last edited by DeeGee; Apr 17, 2011 at 02:25 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 788
Likes: 2
From: The People's Republic of NY
Thanks for the replies.
Believe it or not, I did read the label even before I bought the product. All it says is "treats UP TO 12 gallons" for the 12 oz bottle and "treats UP TO 20 gallons" for the 20oz bottle.
Believe it or not, I did read the label even before I bought the product. All it says is "treats UP TO 12 gallons" for the 12 oz bottle and "treats UP TO 20 gallons" for the 20oz bottle.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 97
From: Sandy Utah
I do not know if the "cause and effect" issue is true in my fuel guage problem. When I first purchased my Vette in 2001, it began to have fuel guage problems. I did not know why and it persisted. I had approx 1 1/2 gallons of mixed gas for my two stroke snow blower and rather than waste it, I poured it into by Vette's tank---- and voila!!! the fuel guage started working again and has been working since. I add a four once bottle of two stroke oil to my tank approx every two months. Was this a "cause and effect" fix, I do not know. What I do know is that my fuel guage has worked perfectly regardless of the brand of fuel that I use in my Vette and the cost of the two stroke oil is less than $1 per bottle.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,490
Likes: 255
From: Lake Tapps WA.
I do not know if the "cause and effect" issue is true in my fuel guage problem. When I first purchased my Vette in 2001, it began to have fuel guage problems. I did not know why and it persisted. I had approx 1 1/2 gallons of mixed gas for my two stroke snow blower and rather than waste it, I poured it into by Vette's tank---- and voila!!! the fuel guage started working again and has been working since. I add a four once bottle of two stroke oil to my tank approx every two months. Was this a "cause and effect" fix, I do not know. What I do know is that my fuel guage has worked perfectly regardless of the brand of fuel that I use in my Vette and the cost of the two stroke oil is less than $1 per bottle.
'01 coupe has always had Chevron. 109K with no fuel guage issues. '01 Silverado with whatever the wife thought would be convenient to fill it with = fuel guage issues at 40K. I have been putting Chevron gas in and adding Techron the last 2 years (not a lot of mileage) and it seems to be getting better, but the damage may be done.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,995
Likes: 61
From: Fort Wayne IN
I've got a fuel gage issue...have had for some time and I've almost always went with Shell Premium. Today on an almost empty tank I put a 20oz bottle of Techtron in followed by 10 gallons. I wanted to make sure I got some in both tanks. My gage gets flakey around 1/2 to 3/4 - won't move then suddenly drops to 3/8. We shall see how this goes.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 97
From: Sandy Utah
Wonder how the 2 stroke oil and the cats will get along?
'01 coupe has always had Chevron. 109K with no fuel guage issues. '01 Silverado with whatever the wife thought would be convenient to fill it with = fuel guage issues at 40K. I have been putting Chevron gas in and adding Techron the last 2 years (not a lot of mileage) and it seems to be getting better, but the damage may be done.
'01 coupe has always had Chevron. 109K with no fuel guage issues. '01 Silverado with whatever the wife thought would be convenient to fill it with = fuel guage issues at 40K. I have been putting Chevron gas in and adding Techron the last 2 years (not a lot of mileage) and it seems to be getting better, but the damage may be done.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 788
Likes: 2
From: The People's Republic of NY
Unfortunately, we don't have Chevron or Texaco gas stations in Western NY. We have mostly Mobil, Sunoco, Kwik Fill, and some smaller independent retailers.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5,280
Likes: 1
From: PALM COAST Flordia
I do not know if the "cause and effect" issue is true in my fuel guage problem. When I first purchased my Vette in 2001, it began to have fuel guage problems. I did not know why and it persisted. I had approx 1 1/2 gallons of mixed gas for my two stroke snow blower and rather than waste it, I poured it into by Vette's tank---- and voila!!! the fuel guage started working again and has been working since. I add a four once bottle of two stroke oil to my tank approx every two months. Was this a "cause and effect" fix, I do not know. What I do know is that my fuel guage has worked perfectly regardless of the brand of fuel that I use in my Vette and the cost of the two stroke oil is less than $1 per bottle.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I do not know if the "cause and effect" issue is true in my fuel guage problem. When I first purchased my Vette in 2001, it began to have fuel guage problems. I did not know why and it persisted. I had approx 1 1/2 gallons of mixed gas for my two stroke snow blower and rather than waste it, I poured it into by Vette's tank---- and voila!!! the fuel guage started working again and has been working since. I add a four once bottle of two stroke oil to my tank approx every two months. Was this a "cause and effect" fix, I do not know. What I do know is that my fuel guage has worked perfectly regardless of the brand of fuel that I use in my Vette and the cost of the two stroke oil is less than $1 per bottle.
Any chemists out there who know whether 2 stroke oil has any effect on sulfur? I know Techron is formulated to do that.
I've used a different fuel system cleaner when I couldn't get Techron and it cleared the gauge issue. What I couldn't find out was whether the alternative was helping fix the specific issue. Even so, I only use Techron occasionally or if the gauge has a glitch.
I just feel a little hesitant to put oil in the gas tank. I would have thought the oil would cause deposits which may cause premature wear.
Last edited by DeeGee; Apr 18, 2011 at 03:09 AM.