The incidents a few years ago where fuel gauge sending units were wiped out had nothing to do with additives. About that time, environmental rules caused sulfur content in gasoline to be reduced from prior levels around 1000ppm to 30ppm. Refiners had to add desulfurization units to do that. Mostly, that’s good for cars, the air, catalytic converters, etc. However, there is a particular operating regime the desulfurization units can get into, where most of the sulfur is removed like it is supposed to be, but what little sulfur is left, can be a particularly aggressive type. It’s a very complex chemistry beyond the scope of this type of forum to discuss, and it was not well understood prior to initial operation of these units. Once refiners figured out what was going on, they took steps to stay away from that operating regime, and have been very successful in doing so after the initial flurry of problems occurred. It wasn’t anybody’s “fault”. It was simply that sometimes, you think you are doing the right thing, but subtle things you don’t fully recognize come up to bite you. Back to the topic of additives, it was the aggressive sulfur species that ate up the fuel gauge senders, and there’s not an additive on the planet that can prevent fuel gauge problems if a refinery is operating in the regime leading to the aggressive sulfur. The only thing that can prevent the fuel gauge problem is to keep the refinery desulfurization units out of that operating regime, as they have been doing very well since the initial year or so of learning curve experience. So the bottom line of the story is, assuming you use top tier gas, you are wasting your money on additives.

 

All additives are a waste of money...

 

I was just going to say that.....

 

I agree with Talon ... the only other additive used by many on this forum (of advanced age) ... is the "little blue pill"

 

Damn, I just did! Looks like Ron is on the Racer avatar program too!!!

 

I like to use this now and then.

 

BG 44K maybe twice a year and only when I know I'll burn the whole tank in one trip

 

I try to use Chevron gas as often as possible and once a year put in a bottle of Techron

 

I use a bottle of Techron once a year - mostly because it makes me feel good...the car could probably care less.

 

Lucas Injector cleaner, great stuff...I put it in all of our cars.

 

Guys, stop and think about it for a minute. Do you really believe that you can add a $5.00 can of snake oil from Walmart and improve the formula that the oil company spent millions developing? The answer is NO. Additives, both fuel and oil only do one thing. They make the company selling it a lot of money, your hard earned money. Keep it in your pocket to buy parts to make your Corvette faster. Don't waste it on additives that don't do squat. End of story.

 

Dis-agree. No matter how good the gas is your using, carbon deposits will build up on the injector tips, back side of valves, intake ports, piston tops and rings and just about everywhere thru the engine over time. Nothing to argue about, just simple fact. When combustion takes place, some byproducts are left behind. Techron has been proven many times to be the best out there for breaking this stuff up and letting it pass on thru the engine. Also good for keeping sending units happy. A bottle or two a year is a good thing for any gasoline powered vehicle.

 

Marvel Mystery oil to the fuel every now and then.

 

AMSOIL PI - Performance Improver, every 4,000 miles.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/api.aspx

Regards,

GSRANDY

 

 

I just use Stabil for storage.

 

Thanks for the great info on additives. What about octane boosters?

 

I don't choose to argue either, but do you have any scientific proof? I will recant my statement and admit I was wrong if I see an independent study or research to prove a product is more than marketing hype.

 

Not the kind of "proof" I am sure you are looking for, but take a minute and read the following article:

http://www.carsandparts.com/Articles...ine-deposits-1

This was in the latest edition of AutoEnthusiast magazine, which is a great magazine for car guys/gays.

Lastly, just type Techron into Google and you will find all the reviews you have time to read. Always positive comments.

 

Years ago when I was involved with Nissan's there was lots of severe hesitation from off idle. Nissan started endorsing Techron. BMW also pushed and endorsed Techron. I probably use Chevron 80% of the time. I use some Shell. I use once in a while no name discount gas but usually avoid it. I like using MMO as a fuel system cleaner in my gas engines and my diesels.