Hi All,

I was wondering what are peoples thoughts are on using a fuel injector cleaner with a nikasil lined 4L motor? If so, what brand of cleaner is recommended?

Thanks in advance.

 

I think Techron is what most people recommend. The only thing to worry about with Nikasil is bore wash. So, once you start it, don't shut it off until it reaches a warm temp. That should prevent bore wash. I've heard the high sulfur fuel problem is a thing of the past anyway.

 

Another vote for Chevron's Techron product....

 

Years ago Jaguar recommended some products as per TSB XJ303-05 Rough Idle/Hesitation – Contaminated Fuel Injectors – Cleaning Procedure

The Motorcraft Injector Cleaning kit, CM-1000 and cleaner, CM-1001 can be obtained
through Excelda Manufacturing.

Additionally the Wynn’s brand Injector cleaning kit and cleaner are also recommended,
and can be obtained from a local distributor.

Our dealer also used BG products and the injector cleaner was a good choice.

 

My opinion: Techron is fine.

I would NOT run a professional fuel injector cleaner through for fear of damaging the $catalytic converters$ Not worth the risk IMHO (FWIW, I'm ASE...)
And yes, I am going AGAINST Jaguar's TSB- advice. YMMV!

If you really think you've got a fuel injector problem --- dead injector, one cylinder demonstrably running lean ($mode 6?)
I would ship your injectors off to AUS in Tempe ARizona and have them rebuild for $20 a crack.

I once chased fuel injector problems, low flow, on a Honda CRV B-20 motor that kept burning valves and can talk to anyone who THINKS they've got an injector imbalance problem.

15? 20 years ago I used what I at that time considered "Snake Oil," BG-44 fuel injector cleaner on an old turbo fuelie Subaru (got a free sample, NOTHING TO LOSE as the cat was already gutted, and actually achieved 1-1.5 MEASURED better MPG's on a regular 110 mile daily commute. That's HUGE.

I was amazed. The only possible explanation is that one or more cylinders were so lean compared to the one(s) with partially obstructed injectors that the ECM was "correcting" excess 02 in the combined exhaust by enriching them all, with one or more cylinders therefore running rich. With the lean ones flowing better, the ECM was perhaps able to enlean all of them a tad.

 

I ran BG-44K through my 97 a few years ago. No problem, but no change. I think the additives in the fuel we buy are sufficient to keep the injectors clean.

 

I'd add that before throwing a solvent in the tank, consider replacing the fuel filter if not done recently. Assume that whatever can dissolve grunge from injectors can do the same to some of what is in the filter and move it downstream where you do not want it.

 

My experience and learned knowledge of Techron is that it works good but it's harsh on the rubber if left in too long. It's best to use it in a heavy dose and run it out and then tank up again to dilute it. Having MANY internal combustion engines to TCO I have been using Seafoam. I usually get it in a gallon container when I see a sale and pour it into all the old pint cans I have for easy use later. It can be used for storage stabilizing too.
No association with this company, just a happy customer trying to help. TM

 

I've used Techron with no issues. I used Redline SL-1 once, and it seemed to foul one of my spark plugs by not combusting properly and leaving weird residue. That was a dreadful night, but an easy fix.