Question about fuel additives?

[michaelc80]

I have a 1992 Nissan 300ZX, and I'd like to run a fuel additive through it such as Lucas, Redline or Lube Control Fuel Power. However, the documentation is clear that "Fuel additives or injector cleaners should never be used in the fuel system" (quote from the owners manual). All of the Z forums that I participate in echo that, and claim that is it because of the fuel pressure regulator.

My question is: has the technology in top quality fuel additives changed in the last 12 years (again, Lucas, Redline, Lube Control) to make the Nissan recommendation obsolete, or is there still a possibility of damage? Most of the Nissan enthusiasts don't know about this forum, and I suspect they still think in terms of the 99 cent/bottle cleaner, not in terms of LC, Lucas or Redline.

 

[Pablo]

I am not a Nissan expert and I know nothing of Lucas, however I see nothing in FP or RL that will harm a FPR using normal treat rates. You are probably correct about their level of knowledge, but maybe ask specifically why the FPR would be damaged by additives? (some plastic or coating inside?)

 

[michaelc80]

quote:

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Originally posted by Pablo:
I am not a Nissan expert and I know nothing of Lucas, however I see nothing in FP or RL that will harm a FPR using normal treat rates. You are probably correct about their level of knowledge, but maybe ask specifically why the FPR would be damaged by additives? (some plastic or coating inside?)

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I don't know the specifics, but from what I understand, there is a claim that it will "corrode" something in the fuel pressure regulator. I'll take a look at the Z forums and see if I can find out more. Thanks!

 

[TallPaul]

From the tech info brochure on the Redline site:

"Red Line SI-1 will not damage fuel
system components and the combustion by-products
do not cause corrosion of engine bearings as can
many fuel additives."

It's towards the end of the brochure if you look it up.

 

[MONKEYMAN]

I have a 93 Sentra. I lost an injector over a year ago after using a fuel injection cleaner. I read a TSB stating the pintless fuel injectors in Nissan’s can be damaged by fuel injector cleaner. I avoided any FIC for over a year. Last two tanks I have used Fuel Power. Idle is smoother. Running very well. Only problem is when the car is hot, driven at 20 or 30 mph, going up a hill slowly, and it is hot outside, I am getting a little pinging/pre-detonation. This always happened when I used fuel injector cleaner in this car during the summer. So, last tank I did not use Fuel Power. The performance gains are still there, plus no pinging/predetonation. I plan on using it every other tank of gas, or when I see my parents 2 times a month 75 miles away. It seems opening this car up on the highway just makes it perform better (smoother, more regular at idle, less hesitation). Interested to see what the Fuel Power will add to this gain I have noticed in the past. Not aware of the fuel pressure regulator and how it is affected. I did write an email to the Lube Control staff before purchase regarding my concerns to damage to injectors. They responded with saying they have used Fuel Power over 30 years in Nissan’s without problems (or something like that). Maybe go to the Lube Control site and ask about the fuel pressure regulator.

 

[Terry]

Monkey, I use Fuel Power by LubeControl in my 2002 Nissan Sentra 1.8L which has similar fuel delivery system,injectors,with no problems.

You may have a mechanical issue but FP use isn't causing it. Amplifying it maybe.

Are the plugs fresh ? Spec Gap ? Sounds like they might have expanded gap contributing to the issue.

Intake modified at all ? Air filter loaded with dust or otherwise restricted ?