I know this is controversial and most people say injector cleaners are a waste of money but that's not my question.

Can you do any actual harm using a decent cleaner. I'm thinking of the Forte brand available in the UK.

And I suppose someone will ask why I'm doing this and the answer is because I have higher LTFT on one bank and that bank was run with a bad coil pack for while and I am wondering if the injector is blocked up at all. Everything works, no errors but I want to tackle the LTFT step by step with as little disruption as possible because everything is working and I'm not into kicking sleeping dogs. And, yes, I know that's not ideal but I want to creep up on this hoping for an easy fix!

Thanks

Mike

 

I have added the odd additive now and then just for the heck of it. When doing so I have usually put in only half the amount at a time just to be safe. Maybe in the old days the additives made some kind of difference but these days the computerized engine controls generally keep the engine running fine. Although an injector cleaner now and then seems like not a bad idea.

 

I like chevron techron at 1/4 tank and some vp racing octane boost

 

Another Techron user here. A 20-ounce bottle at every oil & filter change....

 

I agree with Jon and Scott but I'll add that Chevron Techtron (sounds like and early sci-fi villain) is kinda harsh and could be a little rough on rubber parts if you leave it in too long. It's best if you run it through in a short period of time and fill up with fresh gas after. I use Seafood on a semi-regular basic in all the vehicles which can be used for storage too. I've had good luck with each so I don't bother buying anything else. my .02, TM

 

Seafood? Would that be canned tuna or albacore? How about oyster soup? Does it make your exhaust smell fishy?

Guessing that you meant to type Seafoam, Tom, but I like the whole concept of dumping squid ink into the gas tank much better!

 

I use BG44K twice a year and that is what Jaguar uses.

Gus
JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

 

I also subscribe to Seafoam, Techron, Berryman, etc. I use high concentration on low tank and run it good and hard.

But, I highly recommend just pulling injectors and getting them cleaned and flow tested. Probably less than an hour to pull them. I took mine to a shop who first tests ohms and flow rate, then 3 stage of ultrasonic cleaning, 3 hours per stage. Then ohm and flow tested again. Of course new seals installed. $18 each. Mine improved flow rate 3% with improved spray pattern. This was at 140k miles.

 

So you guys would say you can't do any harm using a cleaner. So, I will.

 

Damn auto-correct !!! LOL Yes, Seafoam is what I use. Fish oil works better than snake oil TM

 

At the risk of sounding pedantic, I'd say read the directions and follow them, especially when it comes to concentration. These fluids in higher concentration make rubber parts swell like mad, like cartoon-level peanut allergy type of swell. I once cleaned an injector in a jar with barely diluted cleaner and accidentally left an o-ring in there. It easily doubled in size. Obviously an extreme situation, but directions are nevertheless there for a reason.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

Thank you, I will bear that in mind and I'll follow the instructions - hoping they don't involve a full tank of petrol.

 

Just to add to this excellent discussion, Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus is the fuel injector cleaner of choice of some of our local auto dealerships (GM, Honda) and it is the product BMW repackages as its own injector cleaner in the 20 ounce size. The 20 ounce bottles are sometimes a little hard to find, even online, and are sometimes expensive when you find them, but two 10 ounce bottles work just as well.

I use Techron in its concentrated form to clean fuel injectors in my home-built pressure cleaning rig, which switches the injector valve while forcing the Techron through the injector at 20 psi. You can actually watch the spray pattern go from a dribble to an atomized mist. I haven't had any trouble with Techron damaging plastic injector bodies or O-rings, but I haven't soaked parts in it.

I don't know how effective Techron is diluted in a tank of gasoline/petrol, but I add a bottle at every oil change for good measure. BMW claims that using it every 3,000 miles will help reduce the formation of deposits in injectors and on valves and in the combustion chamber.

If you do a little research, you'll find that most fuel injector cleaners are composed of one or more solvents from the paint thinner family (Naptha, Mineral Spirits/White Spirit, Stoddard Solvent, Xylene, Benzene, etc.). This is true of both Techron and BG 44k. A notable exception is the Lucas Fuel Treatment & Fuel Injector Cleaner, which is based on a paraffinic oil.

Cheers,

Don

 

The 20 oz bottles of Techron Full Fuel System Cleaner are available on Amazon, and much cheaper than the WalMart prices of two 10 oz bottles.

I probably use it too often, every 2nd or 3rd tank full of gas. But on the XKR, pulling the injectors is not as easy as it is on the 8’s.

And my detailed service records from previous owners make no mention of an injector service being done. . So at 176,000 + miles, I’m trying to baby the injectors along until they show some definite signs of clogging.

So far so good.

Z

 

One last point: If you expect injector cleaner to "melt" stuff and "burn" it in the engine, the same logic that applies to the caked-on carbon in the injectors probably applies to the content of the fuel filter. IOW, fuel filter maintenance factors in this injector cleaner application.

 

well stated.

It’s a prudent first step to replace the fuel filter if its age or mileage merits it. or if those indicators are unknown.

Then start with a recommended fuel system cleaner

Z

 

My halo shines (as PO) - I changed the filter just before using the cleaner.

 

Always used Shell V Power for my 99 XKR since I bought her in 2009... It is the best and cleanest and 99 RON. it has the injector cleaner in it so no need for an additive..

It is 10 pence per litre more than the Supermarket crap but as I only do 2 or 3000 miles a year, then I think she is worth it..
Would you feed Usain Bolt on greasy burgers and fizzy pop? 🤣🤣

 

To round off my thread: Well I used the Forte cleaner which is well recommended (or maybe marketed) in the UK and predictably it made no difference that I can see.

 

Forte is the equivalent of Redex - old-fashioned

Try your local garages, see who sells BG44k


https://bgprod.co.uk/products/fuel-and-air-intake/bg44k

In fact, tempted to go back selling the stuff myself - they do a large range of cleaners which really work