I did not write this, it was sent to me.


I very recently ran across some information, that might be timely.
It explains a few things that started happening a few years
ago....and is particularly pertinent about fuel injectors, although
it is applicable to carburetor small jets. Up until a couple days
ago I was not able to quote my source, I now can.

There are some problems with modern fuels. We all know it, but now
it is official in some other areas, besides the leaning with
ethanol, the rubber deterioration, and so on....now there is reason
to believe plastic parts, especially older types, are being
destroyed slowly, and jets beginning to clog, injectors clogging,
and plenty of other 'ills'. SOME of this is being caused by the
cheapest fuels available in any local area, due to the great
reduction in the level of detergents in some fuels (not all of them
the cheaper fuels...).

Two problems in particular:
1. When alcohol is first introduced into the area's fuels, high
sulfates were detected in the fuels and causing injectors to clog.
This stuff passes through paper filters. The problem occurs when
the hot injectors cool off (engine turned off), the sulfates
solidify overnight. These problems were fairly often seen about
2 or 3 years ago.
2. Some hoses and rubber and so on are not overly compatible with
the new fuels......and this MAY be the reason we are hearing some
about deterioration of the components at the pump in our K bike fuel
tanks.
3. Contamination that in the past stayed well-stuck to the bottom
and sides of fuel tanks in vehicles is being dissolved by the
new-fangled fuels, and it is having fun and games with injectors and
carburetors. Tests showed that initial introduction of ethanol (or
many other alcohols, and several other chemicals) into the fuels has
caused lots of problems with dissolving old deposits inside vehicle
fuel tanks (and other tanks). Industry tried to pin the problems
on particular ingredients and failed. It appears that the overall
mixtures are synergistic. In EVERY instance, these contaminants
that ARE causing the problem, were dissolved in the liquid gasoline,
and thusly passed right on through the filters.
4. Some of the big automotive makers got together to specify an
improved detergent minimum package for fuel, as they found they were
having rather substantial warranty and other claims, from fuels that
left deposits in injectors...left deposits in injectors...<WBR
problems were coming from fuels that had had their level of
detergents LOWERED (50% or more in some fuels). The website, with
industry behind it, with some information is www.toptiergas.ind

Because vehicles are hardly being manufactured these days with
carburetors, the problems folks with carburetors are having with
clogged or restricted jets is not publicized. The deposits are
also being seen on valves, especially the underside, where deposits
interfere with mixture.

My comments come from an insider industry publication I get (haven't
permission to quote from it yet...trying to get that) and from an
industry conference: comments from Bill Studzinski, the group leader
for GM's fuels group...part of GM Powertrain division.
Information on these problems is to be highlighted in an article in
another inside-industry magazine, "Motor", shortly.

I wish I could tell you all that using Chevron or adding Techron to
your fuel, will lessen problems, but I can not, yet. I also can
not, yet, tell you if the use of any other injector or carburetor
cleaners on a regular basis will solve the problems. Let you know
when I find out.

Snowbum