Is LUCL snake oil, or a good additive?

[MileHigh18]

I had a buddy give me a big bottle of LUCL, and I've been using it in every tank. I can't say I've really noticed anything, especially in the MPG department. I'm using it because it was free, and my Trailblazer was used when I bought it so I figured why not? Is there any science behind this stuff, or proof that it works, or should I just forget all gasoline additives except Techron? Thanks.

 

[Gabe]

I have been using Lucas fuel additive for a few years now. My Bravada has the distinct GM fuel pump whine. Lucas fuel treatment seems to help quiet it when it is really hot outside and when the tank is low on gas.

There have been no fuel economy gains. The pour point must be around 40 degrees, so it is a pain to use during the winter. Also, despite using it almost every tank, my fuel sending unit has suffered from corrosion.

 

[Lead Shoes]

Try TCW3 if you want an UCL, Lucas won't do much in your car like the rest of their additives.

If you want to stick to those style UCL's you might as well use MMO since its cheaper and will yield the same effects.

 

[285south]

Redline SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner

 

[jdmstr22]

I had a buddy give me a big bottle of LUCL, and I've been using it in every tank. I can't say I've really noticed anything, especially in the MPG department. I'm using it because it was free, and my Trailblazer was used when I bought it so I figured why not? Is there any science behind this stuff, or proof that it works, or should I just forget all gasoline additives except Techron? Thanks. [


Liqui Moly Jectron is the only in tank injector cleaner i have had worthy results with.

 

[Falken]

Gumout Regane High Mileage, or most Gumout products INCLUDING the lowly Fuel Injection Cleaner, all work.

http://www.gumout.com/ourProducts/index.asp

Redline SL-1 works extremely well. Just don't full dose a really carboned engine you may throw a misfire code if carbon bridges a plug gap. Start with smaller half or quarter doses.

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?product=60103

TC-W3 for continuous use. Great UCL and has proven cleaners, stabilizers and detergents. Smooths the engine and gives smooth power. Don't use in DI engines as the lower combustion chamber temps may prevent it from burning fully and you may see soot in your exhaust tips.

I won't link any TC-W3 info... way too much info!

 

[MileHigh18]

Thanks for the info, but I was really wanting some details on the LUCL and how well it works or doesn't work.

 

[GMBoy]

The Lucas is not a good cleaner. It may be a good upper cylinder lube but, like Brenden said, use MMO for that use since it's cheaper. I don't like Lucas products because of their lackluster performance and there huge marketing hype on the bottles. For them to claim their product is a "tune up in a bottle" for a product that is low on cleaning power is simply stupid. I will add this, I have used it. I bought a big bottle to try and I will attest that my fuel mileage did go up about 1.5mpg. I thought it was a fluke, but I ran a 4 tank tryout then went back to straight gas and lost the 1.5mpg gain. I guess the small gain in fuel mileage was due to the lubrication in the upper cylinders.

I won't use it again. I prefer Redline or Regane as my go-to fuel additives.

 

[dixon700]

Here is a test that was done with diesel fuel. Lucl and MMO scored worse than used rotella.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/76-gm-t...dy-results.html

 

[Clevy]

The Lucas fuel treatment has polyisobutylene which is able to help fuel burn better which can improve mileage.
Use it as directed and it's not going to hurt anything and may improve mileage. It's the only Lucas branded stuff even worth buying.
It does work however it may not be noticeable. Overdosing may reduce mileage but won't damage anything.
Use it as directed.

 

[MileHigh18]

I'll finish out this bottle and be done with it I guess.

 

[Kestas]

It helps with atomization of the gasoline.

 

[surfstar]

Originally Posted By: GMBoy
I bought a big bottle to try and I will attest that my fuel mileage did go up about 1.5mpg. I thought it was a fluke, but I ran a 4 tank tryout then went back to straight gas and lost the 1.5mpg gain. I guess the small gain in fuel mileage was due to the lubrication in the upper cylinders.

I won't use it again. I prefer Redline or Regane as my go-to fuel additives.


That's a significant gain, yet you won't use it again? Seems counterintuitive.
"Hey guys, I tried this product and it works! I won't use that stuff again, though."

OP: if you can't tell any difference in mpg or the way your engine runs, don't bother with it anymore. Some people/engines notice a difference, some don't.

 

[MolaKule]

There is no such thing as upper cylinder lubrication in a DI engine since the fuel never passes over the intake valve; it is dry air that is passing over the intake valve.

 

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted By: surfstar
Originally Posted By: GMBoy
I bought a big bottle to try and I will attest that my fuel mileage did go up about 1.5mpg. I thought it was a fluke, but I ran a 4 tank tryout then went back to straight gas and lost the 1.5mpg gain. I guess the small gain in fuel mileage was due to the lubrication in the upper cylinders.

I won't use it again. I prefer Redline or Regane as my go-to fuel additives.


That's a significant gain, yet you won't use it again? Seems counterintuitive.
"Hey guys, I tried this product and it works! I won't use that stuff again, though."

OP: if you can't tell any difference in mpg or the way your engine runs, don't bother with it anymore. Some people/engines notice a difference, some don't.


Do the math...the additive is more costly than the small gain in mileage. Plus I don't believe in running additives constantly in my engines.

 

[ziggy]

Dont use tc3w in a DI engine? arnt all cars today DI engines? or am i wrong? I want too run tc3w in a 98 corolla....2 ozs- 10 gallons. wont hurt anything?