Newport Viper
Enthusiast
Should you use anything like fuel injection cleaners, octane boosters on the V-10. I would assume, I probably have lots of carbon build up as a daily driver.
I have never seen a discussion about additives here.
- Thread starter Newport Viper
- Start date
Several folks have recommended using fuel injector cleaner about every 6 months....Techron by Chevron is one.
Tom F&L GoR
Enthusiast
To ensure proper engine operation (from an emissions point of view,) the EPA has mandated a minimum amount of deposit control additives in all gasolines sold in the US. There are two tests the fuel must pass: a fuel injector plugging test using a Chrysler 2.2L turbo, and a valve deposit test using a BMW 1.8L. Why these, you ask? Because at the height of injector and valve deposit problems, these engines had it bad, and their OEMs helped develop a test for the problem and the fix.
Since then, gasoline marketers have learned how to tweak the additive and the base fuel used for the tests to minimize the detergent treat rate. In many (not all) cases, the additive is now only enough to pass (beat) the tests and not really to provide protection for the majority of cars on the road. Even some major gasoline brands (that may sell a highly respected synthetic engine oil) don't use any more than the minimum. Why is this, you ask? Prior to the EPA requirement, the biggies used lots of detergents and could advertise this as a difference. When even the little guys had to use detergents, then suddenly all gasoline ads sound alike, and the advantage went away. If you can't beat them, join them....
How to tell? Keeping injectors clean is easy (minimal additive required.) Cleaning up dirty injectors is a little harder. Keeping valves clean enough is probably about the same. Cleaning up valves is more difficult. So however you think you can, find out if the gasoline *cleans _up_ valve deposits.* Be careful of claims that say "cleans valves" because that may be a keep-clean claim.
To take things in your own hands, you can use an aftermarket treatment perhaps every oil change. Again, the fuel injector cleaner bottles are less expensive, because they are less potent. The highest treat rate would be in a bottle that cleans up the entire fuel system, i.e. also the valves. Aftermarket products are far less regulated by engine test requirements, peer review, OEM influence, etc, and therefore many are now under FTC scrutiny. So you have a little tougher time weeding out the products that really work from those that have really great claims.
Because a significant amount of the fuel additive you may introduce ends up in the *oil* you don't want to overdo aftermarket treatments.
Since then, gasoline marketers have learned how to tweak the additive and the base fuel used for the tests to minimize the detergent treat rate. In many (not all) cases, the additive is now only enough to pass (beat) the tests and not really to provide protection for the majority of cars on the road. Even some major gasoline brands (that may sell a highly respected synthetic engine oil) don't use any more than the minimum. Why is this, you ask? Prior to the EPA requirement, the biggies used lots of detergents and could advertise this as a difference. When even the little guys had to use detergents, then suddenly all gasoline ads sound alike, and the advantage went away. If you can't beat them, join them....
How to tell? Keeping injectors clean is easy (minimal additive required.) Cleaning up dirty injectors is a little harder. Keeping valves clean enough is probably about the same. Cleaning up valves is more difficult. So however you think you can, find out if the gasoline *cleans _up_ valve deposits.* Be careful of claims that say "cleans valves" because that may be a keep-clean claim.
To take things in your own hands, you can use an aftermarket treatment perhaps every oil change. Again, the fuel injector cleaner bottles are less expensive, because they are less potent. The highest treat rate would be in a bottle that cleans up the entire fuel system, i.e. also the valves. Aftermarket products are far less regulated by engine test requirements, peer review, OEM influence, etc, and therefore many are now under FTC scrutiny. So you have a little tougher time weeding out the products that really work from those that have really great claims.
Because a significant amount of the fuel additive you may introduce ends up in the *oil* you don't want to overdo aftermarket treatments.
Newport Viper
Enthusiast
From what I am getting Tom, is that you should run a treatment ( one tank of gas) before you change your oil?
Viper Fever
Viper Owner
Tom what is one of the better products out there that does what it claims . Thanks
Tom F&L GoR
Enthusiast
Newport, yes, additive in the gas for one tank just before your oil change.
Fever, I'm in the biz, and would like to stay "neutral" to keep a little credibility. (We'll see how long that lasts.)
As far as picking a product, the higher performance product you purchase (and to clean up valves, that's higher performance) the more likely you'll be to get something that works. Like many other highly marketed products, the packaging, container, and promotions are the majority of the cost, but at least you are more likely to an effective dose.
Avoid products that indicate they are suitable for every tank use; that can mean you only get enough additive to treat one tank of fuel to a maintenance level; you want enough "goodie" to provide clean up of dirty parts in one tank, but not have to use the product again until the next oil change.
Another way is to select from major oil company products or major mass merchandiser's shelves, since they all have corporate lawyers that don't want to get involved in customer complaints ("this Pixie Supreme additive messed up my car, so I want KMart to pay for it"), so they tend to require some data from the manufacturer. It means there is at least some testing behind the product.
Fever, I'm in the biz, and would like to stay "neutral" to keep a little credibility. (We'll see how long that lasts.)
As far as picking a product, the higher performance product you purchase (and to clean up valves, that's higher performance) the more likely you'll be to get something that works. Like many other highly marketed products, the packaging, container, and promotions are the majority of the cost, but at least you are more likely to an effective dose.
Avoid products that indicate they are suitable for every tank use; that can mean you only get enough additive to treat one tank of fuel to a maintenance level; you want enough "goodie" to provide clean up of dirty parts in one tank, but not have to use the product again until the next oil change.
Another way is to select from major oil company products or major mass merchandiser's shelves, since they all have corporate lawyers that don't want to get involved in customer complaints ("this Pixie Supreme additive messed up my car, so I want KMart to pay for it"), so they tend to require some data from the manufacturer. It means there is at least some testing behind the product.
