Ask the Best and Brightest: Fuel Injector Cleaner?

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

TTAC commentator greenblood has a question for the group:

Since our first child was born, we don’t have time for everything we used to do. So my wife has been taking her ’09 Escape to a Valvoline instant oil change location nearby. They have been pushing fuel injector cleaner every 3,000 miles. Although we aren’t dumb enough to pay the add’l labor charge to dump a 1/2 qt of cleaner in the fuel tank, I am wondering about the benefits of fuel injector cleaner in general and the need to use it periodically. Something tells me every 3k is ridiculous, but I would like to know what the Best & Brightest have would recommend.

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

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  • Rikki0212 Rikki0212 on Nov 01, 2012

    This is a good article, and all great posts! Thanks for sharing! Knowing and understanding a little bit more about fuel injection services is very important! Thanks again for posting!

  • Alex Nob Alex Nob on Jul 06, 2014

    Well, i will recommend you to use cleaning kits for your engine (something like: SUR&R FIC203 or Mityvac brand. Probably, they're more expensive than normal cleaning oil but it work well and can be applied for different kinds of engine (gasoline & diesel-based) Alex Nob - founder of http://fuelinjectorcleanerreviews.com

  • JackTerry JackTerry on Sep 16, 2014

    I think it's best to use liquid cleaners as fuel additives to prevent clogging issues in the first place. I wouldn't hope too much that adding some to your fuel will completely clean an old, dirty injector set, even though it's an extremely cheap solution to try. Some products like the Berryman B-12 chemtool are extremely powerful solvents and might just get the job done. However, if you are suffering from dirty injector related issues and the liquid cleaner didn't work, it is probably best to clean the injectors manually. Going to a repair shop is the easiest choice, but will probably set you back a nice chunk of change. You can clean them yourself if you aren't afraid to get your hands a little bit dirty. You can use some cleaning kits and with the help of an air compressor, you can get the job done in 15 minutes and in the long run (depending on how many vehicles or engines you need to maintain over how many years), you can save a lot of money on cleaning bills. If you have a gasoline Engine give the Berryman B-12 (http://www.fuelinjectorcleanerhq.com/berryman-b-12-chemtool-carburetor-fuel-treatment-and-injector-cleaner-review/) a shot first. If the liquid additive doesn't work, perhaps try the cleaning kit if you aren't afraid to learn a thing or two about mechanic work: http://www.fuelinjectorcleanerhq.com/s-u-r-r-fic203-fuel-injection-cleaner-kit/ Good luck!

  • Shirley Queen Shirley Queen on Dec 30, 2017

    I thing using fuel injector cleaner additives have some benefits. i can assure you that its worth the money you are paying. and most of the fuel injector cleaners improve your mileage. So the product usually pays for itself. But remember to choose the best fuel injector cleaner in order get the best experience.

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