I have a 2012 MDX Tech with 48,000 miles. I use only top tier premium gas. The dealer says I should have the fuel system flushed. Is this really necessary?

Thanks!

Gordon

 

umm.. no


they want your money. that's it.

/endthread

 

top tier premium fuel carries its own detergents and cleaning agents!

so, as long as you're using 91+ you wont ever need any additional cleaning services, like the one your dealer is offering.

 

<p>Make sure they flush your blinker fluid too!</p>

 

Fuel system flush reminds me of the good old days with 2/4 bbl carburetors and they actually put lead in the gas. Those were the cheap crappy gas days you get from U Pump It.

I can see needing a fuel system flush if you park your car +12 months and it is not running well or there is condensation in the gas line (car won't start below freezing temps). You can add alcohol based additives to get water out of the tank and gas line.

I have +120,000 miles on my TSX and RDX. I use Sam's and Costco gas about 85% of the time. It is not part of routine maint, do we need to change out the fuel filter in X amount of time or mileage?

 

mrgold, I know the sedans (TL and TSX) have inaccessable fuel filters. (it's hidden in the gas tank)
so, the assumption there is that it should work for the life of the vehicle, especially if using premium fuels.

not to sure where they are on the SUV's, but knowing honda and their frugal penny pinching ways, I'm assuming its in the same spot

 

And don't forget to spring for the synthetic version too. It makes a big difference.

 

Big scam from dealership. If you want to clean your fuel systems, a bottle of Chevron Concentrate 20oz every 5k miles works best.

 

Chevron is a top tier gas so they are looking for a few gullible buyers who also buy the blinker fluid.

Flushing your fuel system is a relic from the 60's.

 

"Fuel System Flush" is dealer language. Here is the English translation: Wallet Flush for suckers.

 

You may need to replace your blinker fluid. That could be the reason you hear that clicking noise when you use your blinkers.

 

Its not something that is necessary, but something that will help keep your car running longer and better. Most dealerships do a mixture of gasoline and seafoam cleaner. They spray it into the Vacuum line and produce a fairly good cleaning. You can do this at home with a can of seafoam and some 3/8" tubing.

You can also do a "longer" cleaning with Redline SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner. It uses P.E.A rather than harsh detergents to clean the fuel system. It raises fuel octane by a few points (like 1 octane point) and it returns a MUCH higher fuel efficiency right after dumping it into a tank of gas.

I'd gain 2MPG on a tank with seafoam in my 760. I started using redline after I started having a lumpy idle on the V12 and was told I had carbon buildup on the valvetrain and needed to dish out 3K for walnut shell blasting. I ended up holding it off until 105K with the use of redline SI-1. Also I ended up needing less fuel pump sensors with the redline SI-1. The sensors' contacts would rust, went though 4 in the first 50K. After I started using redline at 50K, I only went though 2 until 105K.

Best place to buy redline is off amazon.com. I ordered a case and dump in a bottle every oil change in the gas tank. It's cheap insurance to keep the cars running until 500K.

 

The best fuel cleaning is to use Chevron gas. It has Techron so your fuel system is always being flushed. As a proud Chevron buyer, I never worry about fuel flush at all.

 

Techron is the same PEA stuff used in Redline SI-1, however it's in a much lower concentration.