Ragus

I have read mixed reports about using any additives, cleaners, etc. on the RL with most saying DO NOT USE, but wanted to check and see if fuel cleaner is exempt from this list, or should be used with caution.

If it is OK to use, can anyone recommend one? Is there an Acura specific one, aka OEM or dealership 'brand'?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Generally, our engines run CLEAN!

there is no reason to run a fuel cleaner in your engine.

Matt W

I have used seafoam in the intake manifold, oil, and fuel tank, and I have used Redline S1 Fuel System Cleaner.

And the only reason I used the fuel system cleaner was because I read posts that the TL guys were using it.

IanVS

I saw a thread where someone started having some problems after using seafoam, but I can't seem to find it. Gas these days already has a lot of additives, so adding more probably isn't necessary and may be harmful. I figure if it ain't broke . . . don't worry about it.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

if you tear into your intake manifold,I'm 100% you'll find that its pretty clean.
There isnt a need to run a fuel cleaner.

and the stuff that you do find, is a byproduct of the EGR and PCV valves doing their jobs.

Ragus

The reason I asked is, I believe my Fuel Pump is making a whinning noise, almost like a dull alarm. I posted another thread asking if this was 'normal' or 'expected' or a sign of it dying, and wondered if running a fuel cleaner would have any impact on this one way or another...in case there is a clog\build up on the fuel filter or something?


Acceloration is normal, so thinking preventively, instead of having to react to something fritzing out. (Fule Pump)

Anyway, I will stay away from fuel cleaners and appreciate the feedback.

IanVS

Seriously doubt it would be clogged unless you've been putting mud in your fuel tank or something. The more likely scenario would be impending failure. Your two options I can think of are:

1) Take it to a mechanic and let them diagnose whether you've got a problem, or
2) Take the risk, drive it, and see if it gets worse. Eventually it may go out and leave you on the side of the road, requiring a tow to a mechanic. At least then you'd know it was going bad.

This is assuming that option 3, (dropping the tank and swapping it out yourself) isn't really an option. At least I'm assuming you have to drop the tank, maybe not, haven't checked.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^the pump is in the tank.
and its designed to last the lifetime of the car.

unless, like ian stated, you put crappy fuel in.

Ballinger

The cars for which fuel cleaners can wreak havoc are those (such as Mercedes E-Class) with a particular type of air sensor that can be fouled by the additive (or even oil from a K&N). The Acuras are fine.

I've used Lucas Fuel System cleaner in ours, same as the Jeep, Ford and Ferrari get. Wait, the Ferrari is a HotWheel, forget that one.

IanVS

Yeah, but "designed to last" and "will always last" are two different things. Anything can fail. The other way to hurt a fuel pump is to consistently run at near-empty, since the fuel is used to cool the pump. At least that's one theory, not sure it's ever been proven.

Ragus

From what I read, it is located under the back seat, and access to it is easy. Pop off the back seat, undo a few screws, unplug, replace.

Haven't seena DIY video\pics of it, but there is a DIY step by step around here somewhere...

Megatron

Ragus is correct. There is indeed an access panel under the rear seat that allows easy access to the fuel pump. So if you can't stand the noise, I'd rather just spend the money to replace the pump than waste it on fuel cleaners that probably won't do a thing to eliminate noise from the pump.

IanVS

I'm assuming you have a 2005-2008, not sure if it changed in 2009 or not.

Looks like OEM part is 17708-SJA-A02, Delrey has it for $275 (http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no)

Or you could take your chances with an aftermarket part for about half that price: DENSO Part # 9500217 for $125 at RockAuto, for instance.

Ragus

Yes, I have an 06. DENSO is a reputiable after market brand from what I understand.

Any concerns going with them over an OEM fuel pump?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Denso parts are great!

Denso actually makes a lot of parts for our cars.

Matt W

Im almost 99% sure that the Acura pump is the desno pump or a rebranded DENSO pump. I would know because I've taken apart every part of the interior and almost every sensor says DENSO/electrical part says DENSO on it. I find it funny that people are calling DENSO aftermarket.

Also I HAVE DONE REDLINE S-1 FUEL CLEANER, it didn't effect the whining noise.

I don't know what myths Ian has been hearing but THERE IS A DIY THREAD about the whole process of sea-foaming. I have done it twice and it has seemed to improve the idle each time. I have also have done it in the oil and the gas tank and it didn't have any negative effect. SEAMFOAMING HAS NO NEGATIVE EFFECT

IanVS

I guess by "aftermarket" I just meant not purchased from the dealer. I didn't look into who makes Acura's fuel pumps.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Denso makes a lot of parts for our cars

Matt W

By the way my pump has gotten much louder so I think I am going to be replacing the fuel pump

Ragus

Great, if you do, please keep the forum posted.
Will it be a DIY? If so, maybe snap a couple pics to upload

Matt W

Sure thing. I actually have pictures for 4 DIY's (Oil Change, Transmission Fluid Change, Differential Fluid Change, and Transfer Case) along with about 200 pictures of my car's interior being taken apart...im just a lil lazy to post them lol!

Ragus

All would be useful to a :noob: like me

As far as 200 of taking the interior out, maybe a couple for removing the back seat to get to the fuel pump door??

Matt W

Removing the bottom of the back seat is super easy. There is two clips under the front-middle area of the driver and passanger side. Go to the driver side and press firmly down on the front medal area of driverside rear seat and while doing this reach under and pull the clip forward. You will know when it releases. Go to the passanger side and press firmly on the front middle area of the seat and while doing this reach under and pull the clip forward....awesome now you can pull the seat out.