Redline SL-1

[TheRuss]

Hi folks, I've recently been advised to try Redline SL-1 to help solve a problem of a stumbling idle on my 2009 BMW 135i (with 37,000 miles).

It's one of many things I'll be trying, but I just wonder if it's possible for this product to harm my engine? I'd always thought that additives did more harm than good, but a few Google searches appear to show that SL-1 is fairly safe and at worst will do nothing, and at best could clear up my idling issues and help clean out my fuel system.

Also, I seem to read conflicting ideas on whether it's worth changing the oil after using this product. I don't really want to change my oil yet if I can help it, as I only did it approx 1000 miles ago.

What's the general thoughts on this product?

Many thanks

TheRuss

 

[kr_bitog]

Mmmh. It is SI-1 and not SL-1 and it is a fuel additive and not coolant additive.
It is quite safe, but if you overdose on old poor maintained car, it may dislodge the crud and make your fuel injection system erratic. It does not destroy the engine but it may need you to bring to workshop to manually clean up the gunk

 

[TheRuss]

Thanks, I did wonder if it was SI or SL, and yes, I know it's a fuel additive - I didn't say anything about adding it to the coolant...

Thankfully, my car isn't that old, or high mileage, so I'm hoping that there isn't too much of anything built-up in there.

 

[dparm]

That 135 needs premium. I doubt it's a gasoline problem as it has likely had a healthy diet of "good" gas its whole life.

 

[kr_bitog]

just wonder why this thread is on this section

 

[JHZR2]

I run the redline as a maintenance dose in my 11 135i with the N55.

Make sure it isn't a sign of a bad hpfp, which would be my greatest concern.

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted By: TheRuss
Thanks, I did wonder if it was SI or SL, and yes, I know it's a fuel additive - I didn't say anything about adding it to the coolant...

Thankfully, my car isn't that old, or high mileage, so I'm hoping that there isn't too much of anything built-up in there.

You posted in the coolant and additive section and Redline makes a coolant additive also.

Redline SI-1 is a very good FI cleaner but i doubt you have really clogged injectors.
BMW use a relatively large nozzle that really isn't prone to clogging up early.
If they are clogged enough to cause stumble then more than likely the filters in the injectors themselves are dirty and nothing short of changing them will help.

On the other hand they maybe slightly dirty in which case it will probably help. Without having them on a flow bench its hard to say but its cheap enough to give the product a shot.
Look for an ASNU service centre to service the injectors off the car, they are based in the UK.

You do not need to change the oil after using this product in fact it is recommended for continuous use at 1.5oz per U.S. gallon.

 

[demarpaint]

Its a very good product and certainly worth a try. No need to change your oil after using it, although many of us prefer to use it before changing our oil. Run the tank down to a 1/4 tank, add the product at the gas station and then fill it. Around town driving, errand running, and shorter highway trips seem to work best. It gives the product some time to sit in the injectors while the engine is off, and break the junk down better than filling up the tank and driving on a long highway trip. Run the tank down to a little under 1/4 tank, just don't run it out of gas.

 

[TheRuss]

Ah darn - didn't see that it said coolant. Thanks whoever moved the thread.

I just found a topic on these forums that suggested that Redline SI-1 can cause extra wear on the engine, resulting in increased wear metals in the oil... is this correct? Last thing I want to do is cause extra wear for possibly no gain.

 

[TheRuss]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I run the redline as a maintenance dose in my 11 135i with the N55.

Make sure it isn't a sign of a bad hpfp, which would be my greatest concern.


Don't think it's HPFP - the car has had it changed once, and seems to be starting OK. I think if it was the HPFP it'd have totally failed by now.

 

[Ibrahim]

SI-1 works well, I have tried and tested in many of my vehicles including BMW. It should be something part of the routine maintenance, but I think you may have something (problem) else brewing, anyways give it a try for couple of tanks and see if it helps

 

[maketracks]

Originally Posted By: TheRuss
I just found a topic on these forums that suggested that Redline SI-1 can cause extra wear on the engine, resulting in increased wear metals in the oil... is this correct? Last thing I want to do is cause extra wear for possibly no gain.


What topic is that one?

And I have heard people say to put only 1oz. in the tank! What is up with that?

 

[TheRuss]

Originally Posted By: maketracks
Originally Posted By: TheRuss
I just found a topic on these forums that suggested that Redline SI-1 can cause extra wear on the engine, resulting in increased wear metals in the oil... is this correct? Last thing I want to do is cause extra wear for possibly no gain.


What topic is that one?

And I have heard people say to put only 1oz. in the tank! What is up with that?


It was this thread: https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=306552&page=2
It mentions that SI-1 can lead to higher wear metals, particularly for softer metals. Why that didn't seem to be much of a concern to anyone, I don't know.

Last thing I want is to increase wear in my engine for any period of time.

 

[TheRuss]

Originally Posted By: Ibrahim
SI-1 works well, I have tried and tested in many of my vehicles including BMW. It should be something part of the routine maintenance, but I think you may have something (problem) else brewing, anyways give it a try for couple of tanks and see if it helps

I'm considering it might be the dreaded intake valve deposits, or something else. I felt two more powerful "wobbles" when the car was idling this week, a couple of days after having new plugs fitted. Not sure if it's related to incorrect gapping of the plugs, a damaged coil pack, or even injectors. So many possibilities, but shoving some stuff in the fuel tank is the easiest to do, though I've also ordered things for checking the spark plug gaps and will check the coil packs for damage when I check the plugs, plus check the serial numbers on the injectors to see if any are from the "bad" batch.

 

[cchase]

Originally Posted By: TheRuss


It was this thread: https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=306552&page=2
It mentions that SI-1 can lead to higher wear metals, particularly for softer metals. Why that didn't seem to be much of a concern to anyone, I don't know.

Last thing I want is to increase wear in my engine for any period of time.


Higher wear metals don't necessarily mean higher wear.

I did inquire with Blackstone Labs about PEA-based cleaners impacting UOAs, and they said that they have never seen a connection between the use of fuel injector cleaners and wear metals in a UOA.

 

[Trav]

I wouldn't worry about running it one bit. Someone gets elevated wear metals and there is panic and anything used is to blame.
I have used it for years with no problems whatsoever.

 

[Ibrahim]

TheRuss, I think you are on the right track, could be any number of things you have stated including a software glitch. I am not sure if your vehicle runs on a Diesel or Petrol, here in North America, Shell Octane 91 gasoline is said to be carrying the most additives which helps keep engines clean and conditioned.

Not sure what else is available there in UK in terms of Complete Fuel System Treatments, I would try other brands as well along with Redline's just to be sure. Keep us posted.

 

[TheRuss]

Thanks all for your comments and experiences. I think I'll give it a go and see if it helps. It's by far the quickest and easiest thing I can try in an attempt to cure my rough idle. The idle isn't even as bad as I'm probably making it sound. Most of the time it's fine - just occasionally the car wobbles a bit when stationary. Sometimes it doesn't do it at all, other times I can feel it a few times in a journey. Sat in traffic and the car will suddenly jerk a bit. It happened twice on Monday and more violently than before, which is what caused me to start looking into things. Not felt it much since though, and no where near as harshly as on Monday. When driving the engine is as smooth as silk.

As for fuel, I always run Shell VPower 99 RON, which is the premium fuel here in the UK. (I understand the UK's RON ratings are different to those used in the US, so I'm not running race gas or anything!)

That said, I read that premium fuels use more Ethanol, which can also block/clog the injectors slightly over time. Not sure if that's correct or not?

 

[maketracks]

Can we discuss proper dosing of SI-1?

 

[vo_marz]

5CC per 1L is what i use for MAINTENANCE dosing.

10CC per 1L for pre-mo-oil change dosing, cleans more junk out (idles/accelerates smoother after the oil change)