tlmane03

What product named or not named above do you prefer for fuel system cleaner? and why do you prefer it over other brands?

I am familiar with lucas and seafoam but recently the guy at the store recommended strongly techron concentreate plus, he was really ranting and raving about it so thought I would try it.

Tell us about your experiences and preferences for these type of products?

Karanx7

iTrader: (2)

SeaFoam seems to be the preferred product on the forum.

All I can say is stay away from Lucas. Terrible, terrible quality control from them.

tlmane03

assuming your talking about "lucas fuel system cleaner" (white/blue bottle) but what do you think about "lucas fuel treatment" (see through bottle with yellowish fluid)??

Karanx7

iTrader: (2)

No I'm talking about Lucas as a company. Their products are made very cheaply, and they have no advantage over competition other than price.

3.2TLc

Yeah, gotta agree .....it's on top with Ziner's, if ya have not yet read the previous threads regarding it's recommended use....check out by searching !

PS, by the way...."BG" is also a good product, often offered at dealerships.

TLer trash

I agree with 3.2TLc with regards to bg. Personally I like bg, wynns, techron, and redline over seafoam, although I've used them all. Techron comes in a variety of strengths, some more consumer oriented, some more professional. Techron is also the only one I've seen recommended by any oe manufacturer. Many of the oe mfgrs have their own branded fuel system cleaner. The last time I looked, the gm bottle looked suspiciously like a techron bottle. I haven't used or heard much about lucas fuel cleaner, but I've band-aided a couple transmissions with their transmission glue,.... er, ah, I mean transmission additive.

tlmane03

How much impact do you guys think ANY of these fuel system cleaners really make? for 10-15 dollars bottle on average is it worth the buy?

Do any of you use fuel system cleaner regularly? Like once a month?

Karanx7

iTrader: (2)

I'd use it like twice a year. If you have a dirty engine, it will definitely help clean it out.

If you have a relatively clean engine, it's obviously not going to do much.

AlanW

In my totally unsupported, non-scientific-based opinion, most of those mentioned are good FUEL SYSTEM CLEANERS. (I'm also not sold on the Lucas stuff)

My experience in running 2-cycle V-6 outboard boat engines over the years leads me to believe that SeaFoam does a better job at DECARBONIZING the entire engine, not just cleaning the fuel system.

poisx7

iTrader: (1)

Very self lubricating too ( not too harsh on the silicon/rubber parts of ur engine).

i once heard my mechanic tell me that buying those cleaners is no different than buying expensive repackaged kerosine.
he said i could mix some kerosine with a lil bit of 10 30w oil and get the same benefits but i choose to go the sea foam route anyway ...........

tlmane03

I wouldnt be surprised if you was onto something. I'd rather just buy it in the store to.

01tl4tl

look how much of other products are required to equal one can seafoam,
which is the stuff used in machine systems at the dealer!

instant decarbon of intake valves and pistons with spray and longer term scrubbing of lines with gas tank method
amount is critical
fuel 2 oz per gal Cleaning dose = 1 can to just under half a tank fuel
oil 1.5 oz per qt = 1/2 can to 5 qts 30-200 miles before change

01tl4tl

midyear dose of 1 can to 16 gal is maitenance dose
ok to do as 1 can to half tank if desired instead

tlmane03

on a new car I agree with what you said probably not that necessary to use much or at all. But with cars over 100k miles thats a different story. Cars near or over 200k miles another one.

3.2TLc

So ya apparently bought Techron......have ya tried it as of yet ?

If so, are ya pleased with the results of the product as ya were sold ? Would ya recommend it's use on our older cars ? Being familiar with Lucas and SeaFoam products......how would you compare the Techron's claims and your observed results ? Is it worth the money......or merely snake oil ? fill us in on the details !

01tl4tl

chevron makes techroline and adds a maitenance dose to pump fuel

our cars are old enough to need constant cleaning- stupid ethanol added to fuel eats parts, leaves behind a lot more unburnt material to settle on the valves and pistons, and clogs lines

parts counters rave about whats on sale- has bonus commission that month
seafoam simply works
techroline and stp come in a 3 bottle pack for a reason
made so weak it takes 3 to = 1 seafoam

CAB NY

is the gas tank method better then the old posted method

STGTLS

iTrader: (5)

I have always used BG products. 44k is the best fuel treatment I have used

tlmane03

Thats funny you say that about commission bc when the guy that was ranting and raving about it walked over to show me he was like o theres 1 last bottle left, few days later think it was the same autostore different location and it said buy 1 get one on their store window.

3.2TLc

So, how was the Techron ?

You've asked us, now tell us your thoughts on the product which you bought and tried !

tlmane03

Hard to say. 1 bottle isnt going to really make a big noticable difference so hard to say for sure. I think that when I change the spark plugs though that could make a good difference.

3.2TLc

Yeah, gotta agree.... if your system isn't really dirty, ya won't notice a difference. So ya didn't get the "BYGO" free offer ? Usually with a product like that, it may take the second bottle to realize any effect.

tlmane03

yea approaching 200k miles so I think its not a bad idea to use these type of products every once and again.

What do you think about those little bottles of fuel octane booster? stp makes a line that comes in a orange bottle. Ever use any? For high performance vehicles and sportscars they may be much more benefical is my guess.

01tl4tl

do not use booster in the TL for street use

seafoam in gas gets everything clean- over a longer time period of a week or two as fuel is used up
the old method thru vac port gets instant results on some parts,,,but misses entire fuel system,,so do fuel only or a bit of both~

dont forget the throttle air plate is seperate cleaning job and important!
vac port method done thru tb throat will take care of that!