Why the need for Fuel Injector Cleaners?

SOLSTER · 03-17-2005, 02:22 PM

I don't dispute the need for fuel injector cleaners, I've personally had a problem at 30K miles that BG44K solved, it was a rough idle - lack of fuel issue.

My question, on the MX-5 Mazdaspeed Forumn(miata), the question of fuel cleaners came up the consensus there is they are a waste of money. These guys seem sharp, so I wonder why they are thinking differently. They mostly think good fuel with detergants does the job.

Seems Something like additives (i.e. Techron) is almost required for the Rodeo. Is it possible it would not be requred by another car. Is there a difference between cars that could explain this.

I figure this is good food for thought, and would love your opinions.

Thanks
SOLSTER

marcre · 03-17-2005, 03:17 PM

Solster,

I have had the same questions about this as you. All my previous cars I never used these cleaners (89 323, 91 MR2, 99 Civic, 99 Eclipse). I always used a quality gas and my mechanic, who I trust, told me that that is all I need. I am no car expert, I admit to this. All of the Isuzu forums I read, most say to use it. So when I got the rodeo I use it once a month. As long as it doesn't hurt the vehicle, I don't think it is a problem.
It does seem to be a good idea and maybe some vehicles that are prone to specific problems, it may help. My Rodeo is a totally different vehicle than all the others. It has experienced problems I have never seen. So I try to treat it a little different so it will be with me for a long time, because I love this ride. Example, my civic was so smooth, you did not even know it was running. I changed the oil in that about every 4k. My rodeo, I get nervous at the 2500 mark. I dump the gas treatment in in hopes that it helps, if it doesn't, well it is only about 7 bucks I waste.

If I had to guess if the stuff does anything worth while, I would say probobly not, or maybe very little. You never know. I hope some one has something to say about this with some site address with good info, because as I said, I am currious as well.

Marc

amigo-2k · 03-17-2005, 03:34 PM

I think it depends on the car and the age/mileage. My last truck I Put my first bottle of cleaner in at 120k. two tanks full (ea with a bottle of cleaner) solved the problem.

Isuzu's (at least the +98's) are known to use oil. Which we should have good reason to beleave that there is a good amount of carbon deposites on the valves (and those dang little oil drain holes) that it cleans.

All cars need to have the injectors clean at least once during there life (100k is a good number). If you do it this way, you should have it hooked up to a can of cleaning fluid (pull the fuel pump fuse) to really clean them up.

The way we do it now (techron) helps use to keep the oil consumption down and keeps own MPG constant by having super clean injectors and combustion cambers.

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