Fuel System Cleaners - Waste of Money?

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mshu7

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First off, I'm an FP60 user and believe in using some sort of fuel system cleaner whether it's an "every fill-up" type of cleaner like FP60 or even the "every oil change" type like Chevron & others.

While I'm not on this forum, I am a member of a Mazda3 message board. There's been a discussion there about Lucas UCL. Like here, it's turned into a debate on whether or not fuel system cleaners actually do anything. I put in my
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worth and said that they do help and are not a waste of money. However, one person in the thread insists it's all about marketing that fuel system cleaners are worthless. Here's what he says:

Quote:


From Kyle Hadcock: I don't really think any type of "pour in with every fill up" fuel system cleaner does anything except waste your money. I've never had a fuel system problem and I've never used products like these. I think it's a little over kill..I mean we all have fuel filters, that should be good enough in my opinion.


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I challenged him to post his thoughts over here to see what kind of response he would get. Of course, he doesn't want to be proven wrong and just said, "Naw that's ok, I know marketing when I see it."

For me personally, I could care less what this one person does with his own cars. However, I'd like to be able to link back to this BITOG thread to show others that the guy isn't really knowledgeable about the topic.

So....I would appreciate any comments regarding the statement this person made so I can at least show others on the Mazda3 boards that there is a need for a fuel system cleaner at least every once in a while. Thanks!
 
What is he like 19, on the second year in his first car? Lives in a warm or temperate dry climate driving low miles each year? Sure, under the best conditions you could very well never use a fuel add of any kind and never have a problem.

And by that logic, nobody under any circumstances similar or not should use them either, right?
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FP60 is even more important to me now then it was before. Now that we have 10% ethanol blended gas around here
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. Not to mention the benefits that you get from the added lubricity. It was a little before my driving time, but that is why there was lead in gas long ago?

For the price and piece of mind, I'll stick with FP60.

BTW - I love when we drive out to my MIL/FIL's house in central Texas. I can get the good "real" gas. My mileage goes way up. I still take my little pre-measured bottles of FP60 though
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.

Brian
 
I use FP60 and Neutra in my cars, but I can't actually prove I am getting a benefit in my car since my cars are newer and this is preventive maintenance. However, in my Honda generator, the carb jets plug up after sitting for 3-6 months w/o use. Since I have been using FP60, no more issues with the jets. That is proof enough for me.
 
While I do not have a standard reference set of fuel injectors to go against my claims, my 15 yr old set of Mazda B3 block fuel injectors (Nippon Denso made) pintle spray pattern is almost as good as new when I have them out and sent down to So Cal for ultrasonic cleaning (I'm more into blueprinting my injectors but since cleaning is also part fo the service package deal, I took advantage of it).

This is probably attributed to my regular use of Chevron Techron and/or Pennzoil Gummout FIC (I did that about every 10 mnths to 1 yr).
 
I think that his way of thinking is similar to this. Eat whatever you want. Don’t take medicine, don’t worry about your health. Turn 30. Come to the conclusion that since I haven’t had a heart attack, I won’t have one. Continue living the way you are until you have a heart attack at 60, and hope you stay alive, and then have to spend lots of money to keep yourself alive.
 
Hey Folks.

I'm sort of uneducated on the different fuel types in different areas of the country.

I'm in NY right now, and we always have 10 percent ethanol gas on every pump.

So ethanol is an alcohol, so does it serve as an anti-freeze in the gas line?

This is causing my mpg to go down?

I have a 98 f150, and I've never gotten any more than the window sticker says I should get for mpg, no matter what fuel I use.

Including fuel out of state.

Is spending the 30 dollars on a bottle of FP or whatever going to make my 30 dollars back in fuel mileage over time?

The fords have a pretty fast interval on changing fuel filters, I do mine once a year.

I've always stuck with one good brand of gas, and change the filter, and I have never had a fuel related issue.

The only time I have had a fuel related issue was when i bought gas from an indian reservation and got water in the tank.

I ended up changing plugs, and the fuel filter, as well as pumping a few bottles of dri gas into the tank.

But If I buy gas at my usual station, I have never had a problem before.
 
Quote:


Is spending the 30 dollars on a bottle of FP or whatever going to make my 30 dollars back in fuel mileage over time?


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Think of it in a different aspect. FP60 (or any other fuel system cleaner) does more than just increase your MPG's. It also helps to keep your system clean so you can go longer w/o needing to have your fuel system professionally cleaned, or worse yet having to replace injectors, etc.

128 oz. of FP60 will service 640 gallons of fuel! If you break down that $30 over that span, it's a pretty good deal.

You just have to think of the other benefits that FP60 has besides any increases in MPG.
 
FI cleaners are not a waste of money. I've seen too many neglected fuel systems that lead to poor MPG, reduced power, failed or borderline emissions, intake manifold buildup, and various other degradation. If you buy new or trade in the leased vehicle every 2-4years, you probably won't ever notice a major difference. But, if you live in a gestapo emissions testing state and need to pass every year, or if you plan on keeping the car in the family forever, then its a very simple preventive maintenance technique that reduces and/or completely prevent fuel relate problems.

I've also sent out injectors for cleaning. Mine did not need cleaning and always sprayed well. I use FI cleaners. But, injectors I've pulled out of junkyards always needed cleaning.

Ethanol is a dry gas. No need to buy ISO-heat anymore. It'll also help reduce carbon buildup in the engine since it burns more cleanly. Ethanol also is claimed to be a cleaning agent which reduces the need and frequency of FI cleaners.

MPG's mileage logs can be used to determine if a product is cost effective or not. I believe that several members here have reported improved MPG with products like FP60, MMO, and Lucas. This is for you to test by yourself with your vehicle. Many also have the smoother running engine, easier starting engine,....effect with certain fuel additives. Many have posted that the cost of the product can be completely made up in MPG improvements.

Most FI problems develope gradually and are not noticed until and issue occurs. The goal of the FI product is to remove any buildup to prevent the cascading effect caused by poor injector spray patterns, poor A/F ratios, buildup in the intake, on the valves(IVD), on the pistons or in the combustion chambers.

Fuel filters remove dirt and particles from the fuel. Its does nothing to prevent fuel gum buildup and fuel vapor from condensing all through the intake systems when the vehicle is shut down. The fuel filter vs FI cleaner debate is bogus. They are 2 completely different areas.
Fuel filters do nothing to prevent IVDs and carbon buildup in the engine.

If you're a per tank junkie, you should definitely keep accurate mileage logs. Some products, when overdosed, don't help. Overdosing is the most common issues when adding fuel products. You'll have to ratio experiment for the best performance. It doesn't hurt to read the product instructions.

My recommendation is to use 3-4 bottles of FI cleaner a year(any major brand) or prior to every oil change. If you don't notice a difference, all the better. If you do notice a difference, then you went too long between bottles.

My other recommendation is to use top-tier fuel if available. If not, stick with the busiest gas stations in the area.
 
I agree with most of umdummy's comments about fi's. I agree that fi's do help with cars and diesels. on northern engines it keeps the fuel from freezing up. fi's clean out the carbon on top of the pistons. also, on little diesels, it keeps the glow plugs working as it wont shunt to ground because or all the carbon that is built up. also I have alot off customers that have many miles on their fuel injectors. (above and beyond no fi's)

when you have a clean engine you get better mileage. some claim to give you better mileage. like your told, try it for your self.

as for lucas, the fi additive seems to work pretty good. I wouldn't hesitate to use it if I wasn't using Schaeffers.
 
I concur with Undummy's comments, in particular the statement on fuel filters vs. FI's. I know of one person who I work with who never cares where or what he fuels up with not to mention fuel system cleaning and he's had several fuel pump issues to include replacement ($800). The vehicle in question is only six years old. I've been using redline SI-1 for many years with not one single fuel issue on both my vehicles (six and 10 yrs old), but since redline has left advance auto and auto zones' inventory I've ordered some FP60.
 
Supplemental fuel cleaners keep your injectors spraying properly and evenly, and help clean the backs of the intake valves, and the combustion chamber. Some provide extra lube for the pump and as a top end lube.
Ask your internet friend why all gasolines have cleaners, if it is such a bad idea.
 
Quote:

Hey Folks.

I'm sort of uneducated on the different fuel types in different areas of the country. I'm in NY right now, and we always have 10 percent ethanol gas on every pump. So ethanol is an alcohol, so does it serve as an anti-freeze in the gas line?

Click to expand...


Yes. I run a half a tank of 10% ethanol at the beginning and end of winter to dry it out.

Quote:


This is causing my mpg to go down?


Click to expand...


Probably by about 3% by most common calculations using 10% ethanol gasoline.

Quote:


I have a 98 f150, and I've never gotten any more than the window sticker says I should get for mpg, no matter what fuel I use. Including fuel out of state.

Click to expand...


No surprise there. The test sequence is artificial. If your usage patterns involve mainly highway cruising at 55 MPH you will probably exceed the estimates. Otherwise the real world intervenes. I don't think I achieve the estimates on any of my cars due to:
City traffic
Slow expressway traffic
A lead foot

Quote:


Is spending the 30 dollars on a bottle of FP or whatever going to make my 30 dollars back in fuel mileage over time?


Click to expand...

Not necessarily. If your injectors are dirty from 9 years of build up it might actually clean it out. I use FP60 every tank and Techron or Regane once a year as a preventative of gunk that might degrade mileage rather than as an explicit mileage improver. My recollection is that Lubecontrol does not claim a mileage improvement with FP60, although they do with FP3000. Most of these things have a ROI based on not letting things degrade.

Quote:


The fords have a pretty fast interval on changing fuel filters, I do mine once a year.


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I would say that this sounds excessive but this s BITOG. Anyhow i think most of the effect of these additives is at the injector level rather than as an issue of matter removed by filtration.

Quote:


I've always stuck with one good brand of gas, and change the filter, and I have never had a fuel related issue. The only time I have had a fuel related issue was when i bought gas from an indian reservation and got water in the tank. I ended up changing plugs, and the fuel filter, as well as pumping a few bottles of dri gas into the tank. But If I buy gas at my usual station, I have never had a problem before.

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I avoid mom and pop stations purely because of these potential issues. I understand that gasoline is commoditized and most times the mom and pop stuff is the same as the majors, but the majors have a vested interest in protecting their brand so are likely to impose standards above the legal requirements. I don't believe that I am guaranteed a better product - or even a different product- by buyin from a major. I do believe that stations part of a chain have a lot more to lose by selling me bad gas. If I buy from a mom and pop and get bad jobber gas, or water from their tank, no big deal. If I buy a bad tank of gas from a major, I may avoid every one of their retailers for years.
 
Quote:

so if we are running 10% ethanol, no need for HEET???

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No need for isopropyl fuel additives with 10% ethanol. But, thats also assuming that the supply side of your fuel is dry. Hows the weather in Utica?

If you're worried about the quality, in your area, of your E10 fuels that some states force, then by all means, buy that Iso-heet for 'peace of mind'. But, I see no need for it with E10!

Don't waste your money on ANY methanol based drygas.

Probably biased toward farmers and eco-weenies but page 2 answers the drygas and cleaning benefit of ethanol:
http://www.ethanol.org/pdfs/Ethanol Brochure.pdf
 
weather?
let's see, blizzard or lots of snow with high winds, take your pick...
about 7 inches an hour right now...the New Holland TC 35 is just keeping up...barely.
 
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