Rank these fuel system cleaners

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: Dyoel182
Originally Posted By: Pablo
I can now run low grade fuel all day without a ping. I definitely could not do that before the PI.


Lower octane or perceived lower quality gas?


Lower octane. 87 octane.

 

[Dyoel182]

Instead of 89?

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: Dyoel182
Instead of 89?


On a good day. Mostly 91 if I wanted the best MPG. Now all three give me the same MPG.

 

[DmanWho]

My interpretation...

1. Shell V-Power = Techron + UCL
2. Techron = Good stuff, but has a "drying" quality. (Use Chevron gas/w Techron instead, and add UCL.)
3. Gumout Regane = Chromium (The bad kind.)

 

[sprintman]

Redline SI-1, Techron and Lucas UCL which I have a heap oF but unused for years. SI-1 is BMW approved it will do me.

 

[Eddie]

Many years ago BMW had intake valve issues with carbon buildup on the back of the valve. BMW established a test to evaluate additives to elevate that problem. Chevron worked with BMW on additive development and TECHRON was the result. Before TECHRON BMW dealers used to use walnut shells to blast off the carbon. I don't know if TECHRON is still the best but, it in my opinion is still one of the top tier fuel additives. Since Chevron spent the $$ and research to develop a good additive I will continue to use it until definitive proof is available that something is better. JMW Ed

 

[glennc]

Interestingly (well I think so anyway) I have one of the cars that had that specific problem. I started using MMO in it in the recommended dose and when I later removed the intake manifold for an unrelated reason the valves were almost pefectly clean, and coated with a visible oily layer. I have continued to use it since.

The walnut blasting was something of a debacle at the time for BMW as many cars had continuous problems, most likely a fuel/driving style issue.

 

[[RT] ProjUltraZ]

Originally Posted By: glennc
at the time for BMW as many cars had continuous problems, most likely a fuel/driving style issue.


or design issue

 

[badtlc]

1) Lucas UCL
2) Amsoil
3) Shell V-power
4) tied for all the rest.

 

[Eddie]

The BMW intake valve issue was caused by intake & exhaust valve overlap i.e. both valves open at the same time. The overlap and the "ram" tuned intake intake forced fuel onto the intake valve back under some pressure. All this effort produced an engine that produced outstanding torque & hp. The downside was to drivers who constantly drove in the lower rpm region. Sort of buying a race horse and used it only for Sunday walks.

 

[dlafoy]

Does anyone have any experience with BG44k ?

 

[VK56VD]

BG44k is a boutique product and is one that is top of the line. It is industrial grade with many dealerships and quality shops that use it for fuel induction service.

It is also stronger and pricer than the others named above.

 

[Dave Hess]

Does anybody really know whats in Lucas UCL that makes it an injector cleaner ??

 

[Rabbler]

From what I was told by my local parts guys (He's actually one of my best friends for over 15 years)
Lucas was originally marketed as simply a top end lubricant. Later on as a side effect it was discovered to have some cleaning ability and now that has been added to the label.
I use it regularly but don't consider it much of a cleaner, although I find my engine idles smoother with it in the tank.
I certainly wouldn't buy it to solve a dirty fuel or injector problem.
I find most add to tank cleaners to be very ineffective. (although I never tried any of the Techron style cleaners)
The pressure fed cleaners work much better.
The best thing I've seen for carbon dissolving and gum removal was GM 'CLEENS' and 'Mopar Combustion Chamber Cleaner' (CCC)
We used to mix 10% Cleens and run it through the fuel line. It works fantastic and was the only thing that would clean GM Poppet valve Injectors properly.

 

[Eddie]

What is "GLEENS"?

 

[Gary Allan]

Amsoil PI
Renewable Lubes bio stuff

Regane (Complete FSC) - best OTC for me @ that price (was $3.69)

Techron (not the $10 stuff) did NOTHING

Never tried V Power

Seafoam = good for ping/cc deposits - otherwise like Techron.

 

[Rabbler]

'Cleens' is a GM product. I've only seen it at GM dealers.
It's a top end (combustion chamber) cleaner. It is an excellent cleaner for removing carbon and varnish from fuel and intake systems. We used it as an injector cleaner mixed with gas also. Very effective!

 

[kang]

I rate them the same way:

1. Shell V-power
2. Gumout Regane
3. Techron

But this is for my engine, the way I drive, the climate I live in, how I maintain my car, the gas I use, etc, etc. I have this gut feeling that different fuel system cleaners respond differently to each engine. What works for my engine, the way I drive, etc, may not work as well for your engine, the way you drive, etc.

 

[dlafoy]

finally some one raked them the same as me, I was starting to feel like a "dork". lol

 

[ARB1977]

MMO and LUCL would be more cost effective per fill up. Using MMO currently in both vehicles.