I put in STP complete fuel system cleaner about 3/4 tank ago. I changed my spark plugs this morning and found that the top of the pistons looked pretty much like new (especially in the center). The was some carbon around the outer edges - but they looked really good! I have 60k miles on the vehicle.

I had been using this stuff for years ever since I saw a review for it in Motor Trend and knew it also contained Techron - like the Chevron stuff - but was more concentrated, but never had a chance to see how it was doing first hand.

BTW - when I removed my intake to clean the EGR ports about 10k miles ago, the intake valves looked basically brand new. I usually use the stuff every 5 to 10k miles.

I highly recommend it - and I'm going to keep using it!

(no - I don't work for them!)

 

Do you think it would have the same, or similar effect if I just start using it now? (185 K)...Im pretty sure its not dirty but would still like to clean it a little....and also, would I have to alwys use it, like you use it every 5-10k?...

Thanks...

 

As I recall, the bottle says not to use it more often that every 4k.

I just made a habit of using it every oil change. I used to be on 5k oil change intervals, but realized that was overkill given the oil I was using. This is my first 10k oil change interval (on Amsoil 0w-30) and it cleaner worked very well.

I imagine you could start using it at any time. Perhaps now - and in 5k, and then every 10k from then on would work for you. You can always pull out a plug and shine a flashlight in there to see how the cleaner did.

 

Amsoil:

Sounds good...thanks

 

BTW - everything I'm posting is miles, not km.

Good luck!

 

Agreed. Been using it every 6-8 months on all my vehicles for the last 8 or 10 years I think. Always notice a difference in the reduction of any spark-knock and throttle response.

 

so do you think its worthless to use on my 66k miles car?

 

No. It's a cheaper alternative to getting those expensive fuel injector cleanings by the dealer.

It's probably never too late to use this stuff. If you've not used any fuel system cleaning agent, you may need a couple of back to back treatments. In any event, follow the instructions on the bottle.

 

You'll probably notice a big difference after a few treatments. 66K miles still seems to be in the safe zone...however, I'd be leary of using it on a car with too many more miles as I'd be afraid it would loosen large particles of build-up.

 

i use the fi cleaner evry oil change and the complete system cleaner every 8k

 

I've started using a fuel treatment/cleaner at 130,00+ miles and have not had any issues. FWIW though, I don't know anything before that, though I doubt they did, since all the fluids were in need of change when I got the car.

 

Hmm...I just picked up two bottles of this stuff for free at AutoZone after MIR.

 

how did you get it for free?

 

http://www.autozone.com/in_our_stores.htm

 

what's the difference between fuel injector cleaner and fuel injection service by dealer? Dealer charges a lot of money!

 

the one at the dealer they hook up a aerosol can right up to your fuel rail and clean the injectors that way.. works really well but im not sure how much they charge... not much to it but you need the actuall speacil tool and cleaner for it so they stick it to you

 

The dealer one is overpriced...

Grab one bottle of Redline SI-1 ?? and add the entire bottle when your tank is empty, fill up the tank, and drive 'till the tank is empty. Repeat once more. Of course, this is rarely necessary and is only needed under worse-case senario.

After that, disassemble your EGR valve, entirely. Clean it with B12 Chemtool or Carb Spray. Once its clean, reinstall it with a new gasket.

Do the exact same with the throttle body.

Now, you've just done the exact same thing as the dealer would do, for 1/4 of the cost. Just send me the amount of $$$ that you saved...

 

Gentlemen;

I use Chevron Fuel System cleaner every 10K miles. Some years back (not all that many) I used STP's products. Do you think STP is equal to or better than Chevron's product?

 

Nope. No clue.

Well actually, Chevron's "Techron" product, not the Procarb, is very good and when combined with Chevron's fuels (91 or 93) octane, work well in keeping the fuel system clean. The techron additive works well. Also, the lower grades of Chevron fuel (i.e. 87 or 89) actually do not contain the same level of fuel additive treatment as the techron.

As for how well the STP works, I have no clue. I'm only using it because it was near free, after the mail-in rebate, postage, and taxes. :p