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So I know that this additive is to help alleviate some of the fuel tank level misreads and prevent carbon buildup. My question is, do this stuff also breakdown buildup that is already existent? I searched the forums a bit before posting this question because I didn't find this answer.
It never worked for me. My 2001 and my 2000 still the gauge is a little off of what is actually in the tank. But it's not egregious or anything. I went as far as having the dealer clean the fuel system and I have noticed zero difference. Just feels like wasting money to me. My Vette runs great.
1998 C5 -- Techron works mighty fine for me, have used it sparingly for 15 years on this car, occasionally I wait too long to add and the gauge will drop to E and fuel low fuel notification will appear. My issue is the price in Canada is outrageous, if you can find it. I know Amazon Canada has it, but crazy price. I usually pick up half a dozen bottles in the USA in the spring and share with fellow C5 drivers.
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It was my understanding that Techron was for treatment of sulfur buildup on the fuel sending units. I used it in my C5s and did not experience any gas gauge issues covering a period of better than 16 years.
So I know that this additive is to help alleviate some of the fuel tank level misreads and prevent carbon buildup. My question is, do this stuff also breakdown buildup that is already existent? I searched the forums a bit before posting this question because I didn't find this answer.
My older brother was a jet engine mechanic (and later a pilot for American Airlines) and he said Techron would actually dissolve carbon. I use it in my Vette and two older BMW motorcycles.
FWIW, I used SeaFoam in a pinch on my 2004 BMW R1150RT last year before a cross country trip and within 50 miles, the bike wouldn't hold an idle. It ended up ruining the O2 sensor, which I replaced on the trip.
Contacted SeaFoam and never got a return call or a reply to my three emails.
After the fuel gauge went to empty on my first C5 I added Techron as suggested here. Drove two miles and the gauge came back to life. Years later it happened again and it took several doses and about 100 miles to restore the gauge. I use it at least twice a year and buy it at the parts store when the have a BOGO promotion. Just stocked up this week. BUY IT and use it!
Techron is great, defiantly one of the top products, also documented to help with faulty fuel sender readings. I have also used BG44K with good results, but is pricier.
Techron also worked for me when my '99 fuel gauge went from 1/4 tank to E in the blink of an eye the first time and scared the crap out of me. I typically use it with the 2nd or 3rd full tank full of the season (first one has Sta-Bil in it from winter hibernation). Eventually the sending unit for the fuel gauge will need to be replaced. When I want to make sure the injectors are clean, I tend to use a can of Berryman B12.
Keep in mind that its best to always buy Top Tier gallon.
Discovered Techron in the late 80's early 90's when I had a Porsche 944. It was what was recommended by many owners to keep the injectors clean. And definitely fixed my C5 fuel gauge issues. Try as we may to keep our cars running great, the quality of our fuels is not optimal.
Both Seafoam and Techron are effective for resolving the common issue with the C5 fuel level senders. But, these senders have more than one failure mode. In other words, these chemicals may not fix all possible failure modes. Therefore, if one, or two treatments does not address your problem, do not continue to wiz away money ... unless, of course, you also appreciate the fact that these chemicals, especially Techron, do a pretty good job of keeping your combustion chamber deposits to a minimum.
8 years ago my C5 fuel gauge started acting up, I used Techron once and fixed the Issue for about 6 years or so, then I used it again, This stuff is really good!