What will fuel system cleaner do to oil?

[JoeFromPA]

Hi all,

I've seen alot of UOAs where the person mentions using a fuel system cleaner as if it would result in some negatives things in a UOA.

I had to use up a few bucks on a gift certificate (use it or lose it type) and I chose to buy a bottle of Redline Fuel System Cleaner.

Planning on using it in my 06 Civic Si after it's had 60,000 miles or so of use without anything but random 92-93 Oct. fuels put into it...but I don't want it to shorten the life of my oil (unless I put it in during the last fuel-up before the next change?) or mes with any UOAs.

Thanks for any/all feedback.

Joe

 

[Saturn_Fan]

Originally Posted By: JoeFromPA
Hi all,

I've seen alot of UOAs where the person mentions using a fuel system cleaner as if it would result in some negatives things in a UOA.

I had to use up a few bucks on a gift certificate (use it or lose it type) and I chose to buy a bottle of Redline Fuel System Cleaner.

Planning on using it in my 06 Civic Si after it's had 60,000 miles or so of use without anything but random 92-93 Oct. fuels put into it...but I don't want it to shorten the life of my oil (unless I put it in during the last fuel-up before the next change?) or mes with any UOAs.

Thanks for any/all feedback.

Joe


I'd be interested to hear from Johnny, Gary, and others think about this. From what I have gleaned here, most people who run a full dose of a fuel additive, it is done on the last tank before changing the oil.

 

[Smokescreen]

Redline is a pretty respected fuel system cleaner. When it comes time I will use this.

"last tank before changing the oil" is exactly what I would do as well, that way any impacts (if any) it has on oil would have minimal time to make an effect.

 

[Saturn_Fan]

Originally Posted By: Smokescreen
Redline is a pretty respected fuel system cleaner. When it comes time I will use this.

"last tank before changing the oil" is exactly what I would do as well, that way any impacts (if any) it has on oil would have minimal time to make an effect.


When it comes time to try to the Redline stuff, get it from Amazon.com. I bought it recently for 63 bucks for 12 (15oz) bottles with FREE shipping. Cheapest I have found.

 

[JoeFromPA]

Yeah, I bought it today from a parts dealer at a local dealership chain for $7 for a single 15 ounce bottle.

Not as good as that price, but how often do you really need this stuff? I figure once every 2 years/50,000 miles...

Joe

 

[hate2work]

Is the Redline a better product than the Amsoil product?

I think it's called PI, or Performance Improver.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: JoeFromPA

Not as good as that price, but how often do you really need this stuff? I figure once every 2 years/50,000 miles...

Joe

I believe they recommend every 4000 miles.

 

[ThirdeYe]

It can show elevated lead in some readings.

 

[[RT] ProjUltraZ]

Originally Posted By: hate2work
Is the Redline a better product than the Amsoil product?


i don't think so, used both and i think they're both tops

 

[INDYMAC]

My experience with chronic Techron concentrate useage and UOA's has lead me to believe two things:

1. vehicles with significant fuel dilution issues will show elevated wear metal readings (Pb in my cases).

2. vehicles without significant fuel dilution issues don't appear to be affected.

My recommendation would be to only use the stronger solvent type fuel additives on your last tank of fuel (maybe even 1/2 tank) before your next oil and filter change. If you feel you have to run a fuel additive in every tankful of gas, I'd recommend one of the safer chemistries like FP+ or RLI.

As a side note, I remember buying a small can of Toyota fuel injector cleaner a couple of years ago that stated on the instructions to use only in a 1/2 tank of gas and make sure to use up that 1/2 tank of gas within one week or your fuel system could become severely damaged.

 

[Gary Allan]

Quote:
From what I have gleaned here, most people who run a full dose of a fuel additive, it is done on the last tank before changing the oil.


Well, I'd say use it anytime you want. There's empirical evidence that suggests that it can mess with your UOA. I don't think the risks outweigh the (keep scale in mind here) the benefits in any real sense.

Here's my routine for such things. First I use my sample pump to draw a sample and send it off. When I get the results I determine if the sump is going to be changed or not. If it needs fuel treatment, I add it. I've already got a "before treatment" sample in the can. I should be able to integrate an improved fuel component (if you're using Terry you get a bit more data) accompanied with some blip on a few of the elementals ..you've got a rational explanation for them.

If you're doing perpetual/continuous fuel treats, then it's a seamless production anyway.

 

[lexus114]

BG-44K