Notices
Series I Tech Garage The place to discuss anything technical about the RX-8 that doesn't fit into any of the categories below.

Fuel Injector Cleaners

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 03-03-2005 | 07:51 AM
  #1  
Brice-RX8's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 882
Likes: 2
From: Winston-Salem, NC
Fuel Injector Cleaners

I have read topics on how the inside of the rotary gets pretty carboned up from normal driving and that high revving is kinda like a self cleaning action for the engine. I want to know if injector cleaners like STP and Chevron's Techron are ok for the rotary and do you think it will clean out the carbon from the chambers that high revving won't get? I was thinking that putting some of this in every oil change or so might be really good on the rotary.
Old 03-03-2005 | 08:37 AM
  #2  
army_rx8's Avatar
X-Sapper
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,392
Likes: 0
From: where angle's fear to tread
hehe or you could just rev her to 9k+ more often liek i do:p
Old 03-03-2005 | 09:04 AM
  #3  
rx8wannahave's Avatar
Follower of CHRIST!!!!!!!
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,241
Likes: 0
From: Planet Earth
lol, yeah that's one method but I too have thought about that stuff. Is it bad for the rotary?

I actually used Chevron gas so I guess you could just get the fuel and keep from buying the stuff on the side.

But, please help us...is it OK to use fuel system cleaners on the rotary engine???
Old 03-03-2005 | 09:09 AM
  #4  
guy321's Avatar
Humpin legs and takin nam
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,433
Likes: 0
From: Clearwater, Fl
I don't see why it wouldn't be.

My dealer tries to charge me (alot) for BG fuel treatment every time scheduled maintenence comes around.
Old 03-03-2005 | 09:15 AM
  #5  
rx8wannahave's Avatar
Follower of CHRIST!!!!!!!
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,241
Likes: 0
From: Planet Earth
I wonder if the RX8 DVD they sent to alot of 8 owners talked about that???
Old 03-03-2005 | 09:29 AM
  #6  
expo1's Avatar
He's as bad as Can
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,309
Likes: 2
From: Manchester, NJ
Originally Posted by rx8wannahave
I wonder if the RX8 DVD they sent to alot of 8 owners talked about that???


The DVD only mentions Octane.

91+ for best performance
87-90 Ok, BUT reduced performance
Below 87 DO NOT USE.
Old 03-03-2005 | 09:45 AM
  #7  
rx8wannahave's Avatar
Follower of CHRIST!!!!!!!
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,241
Likes: 0
From: Planet Earth
Oh OK, Thanks...I'm useing 93 (we don't have 91 in my area) so I guess I'm OK. I guess we can call the dealership to see what they say. Or, can we call Mazda direct???
Old 03-03-2005 | 12:59 PM
  #8  
Go48's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 2
From: Fayetteville, PA
My understanding is that most gasolines today already have additives for the purpose of cleaning the fuel injectors. Anyone confirm that?
Old 03-03-2005 | 01:15 PM
  #9  
crossbow's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 839
Likes: 2
Go48,

The EPA recently performed a study showing less then 50% of gasolines contain the proper amount of required additives. Fuel quality is in sharp decline as prices skyrocket. Everyone is trying to find ways to keep the same profit margins, which means that the additive levels of gasoline have been dropping steadily over the past year or so.

I'd consider running some sort of fuel cleaner now part of required maintaince on any new vehicle.
Old 03-03-2005 | 01:20 PM
  #10  
HottRodder's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
I throw in a bottle of fuel injector cleaner at every oil change. I did this for over 10 years with my '85 vette and it rarely stumbled when I sold it.
Old 03-03-2005 | 01:24 PM
  #11  
crossbow's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 839
Likes: 2
If you can, run the injector cleaner about a week "prior" to the oil change. That way in case it is cleaning anything out of the fuel system, it'll drop in the used oil, instead of your fresh recently changed oil. Then when you change the oil, you flush everything out.
Old 03-03-2005 | 01:40 PM
  #12  
Rotario's Avatar
Long Member
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
Originally Posted by guy321
My dealer tries to charge me (alot) for BG fuel treatment every time scheduled maintenence comes around.
I haven't put anything in my '8 yet (only 1700 miles), but when I do, it will be the BG. It's expensive, but it's one of the best fuel injector cleaners available. I'll pour in a bottle every 5k miles or so which is what I've done with previous cars.

My $0.02,
Bill
Old 03-03-2005 | 05:29 PM
  #13  
bxb40's Avatar
Rotary Newbie
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 427
Likes: 0
I used the Techron Guard fuel injector cleaner just before winter hit NJ and I'll use it again when winter goes away Chevron gasoline has it anyway, but at lower concentrations. When not using the cleaner, I run 1 in 4 gas fills Shell V-Power, as it suppose to have a lot of cleaners (I use Shell 89 usually). When the cleaner is in, exaust can have a sulphurous smell, similar to rotten eggs... But don't be alarmed, all the cars I used this cleaner for did that.
Old 03-03-2005 | 06:53 PM
  #14  
hac's Avatar
hac
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Bainbridge Ga
Fuel Additive

Originally Posted by Go48
My understanding is that most gasolines today already have additives for the purpose of cleaning the fuel injectors. Anyone confirm that?
Your correct. The EPA mandates that all fuels are to be additized. It is for first, enviromental (cleaner burning) as well as cleaning injectors. Currently Shell 93 octane has the best fuel additive package and BP as of Feb 17th just increased their additive amount in there premium (93 octane) gas as well. Shell and BP/Amoco are the only two majors that have done this so far. I have seen the first hand results of engines that have been "tore down" (although piston) and there is no need for additional additive/cleaners. I have also seen "tore down" engines that have used "Unbranded" (not one of the majors) and I would have probably used a additive booster if I purchased their gas on a regular basis.
I read a reply something to the effect that 50% dont contain "the proper amount". I would tend to agree. The EPA states "it must be additized". Companies (majors and non majors) send in their additive and injection ratio for e EPA approval and they must approve it before it can be sold. Even though the EPA states they do not contain the "proper amount" they did approve it and these companies are within their legal right to not use as much as a major does. Additive is VERY expensive and is NOT all the same.
How many of the Majors mentioned do you see in comparison to non majors (unbranded)? I assure you for every Shell, BP, Texaco, Chevron, Exxon station you see you will also see a unbranded...(Speedway, Racetrac, Flying J, Pure, Sunnco, and the list goes on and on) thus your 50%. Stay with the major or buy the bottle of additive. The cost will be the same either way.
Old 03-03-2005 | 07:16 PM
  #15  
hac's Avatar
hac
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Bainbridge Ga
Off base

Originally Posted by crossbow
Go48,

The EPA recently performed a study showing less then 50% of gasolines contain the proper amount of required additives. Fuel quality is in sharp decline as prices skyrocket. Everyone is trying to find ways to keep the same profit margins, which means that the additive levels of gasoline have been dropping steadily over the past year or so.

I'd consider running some sort of fuel cleaner now part of required maintaince on any new vehicle.
Correct on the 50% but WAY off base on the profit margins. I will never deny that the prices are higher than ever but so are the "Profit Margins". Additive levels can't have ever droped without EPA approval. Cheaper additive formulas can be approved.
Old 03-04-2005 | 05:45 AM
  #16  
Go48's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 2
From: Fayetteville, PA
Originally Posted by hac
Correct on the 50% but WAY off base on the profit margins. I will never deny that the prices are higher than ever but so are the "Profit Margins". Additive levels can't have ever droped without EPA approval. Cheaper additive formulas can be approved.
I guess you are saying that all gasolines in the US have EPA-approved additives, but that the additives some companies add to their product are better or higher in quantity than what other companies add. And that the EPA has minimum thresholds for additives. So, do you have information on the relative "quality" and amount of additives by oil company? Of course, that could change over time but it would be interesting to know that information.

Since you seem to know about these things, maybe you can answer a question I have about the "cheap" gas outlets. I have always heard that stop and shop stores like 7-11 purchase their gasoline from a major oil company (or companies) that refines and provides the fuel to them at a wholesale price. True? So if that is true, it's possible that the gasoline you are filling up with from a 7-11 pump is the same as what you would be filling up from a major oil company station. TIA!
Old 03-04-2005 | 06:58 AM
  #17  
crossbow's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 839
Likes: 2
Looks like I'll eat crow on that one. I just remembered the EPA study, didn't remember the reasoning why, assumed it was due to pricing/profit reasons. At least my foot fits in my mouth easily.
Old 03-04-2005 | 08:33 AM
  #18  
Brice-RX8's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 882
Likes: 2
From: Winston-Salem, NC
Well I put some STP fuel injector cleaner in last night at 14000 miles and am going to hope it cleans the engine up (not that I will know if it does or not).
Old 03-04-2005 | 08:42 AM
  #19  
hac's Avatar
hac
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Bainbridge Ga
Originally Posted by Go48
I guess you are saying that all gasolines in the US have EPA-approved additives, but that the additives some companies add to their product are better or higher in quantity than what other companies add. And that the EPA has minimum thresholds for additives. So, do you have information on the relative "quality" and amount of additives by oil company? Of course, that could change over time but it would be interesting to know that information.

Since you seem to know about these things, maybe you can answer a question I have about the "cheap" gas outlets. I have always heard that stop and shop stores like 7-11 purchase their gasoline from a major oil company (or companies) that refines and provides the fuel to them at a wholesale price. True? So if that is true, it's possible that the gasoline you are filling up with from a 7-11 pump is the same as what you would be filling up from a major oil company station. TIA!
I dont use the term cheap, lets say unbranded, due to the fact we sell to them too. (LOL) I have tons of information/documentation on any subject concerning fuels. However I signed a confidentially statement that can land me in jail and cost me way to much money. This is why I omit details and am vague at times and only post what the general public can access if they know where to look. Shell for example, after releasing their new additized Shell V Power last year has the highest share among all Premium grade gas phurchased in the USA. The marketing (not R&D) of this V Power additive package alone was in excess of 30 million. Only your Majors have the kind of money it takes to accomplish this R&D and marketing. If you advertize it and what it can do (clean injectors, add mileage, ect) it MUST do this or you are open to major law suits/ Fraud by anyone that can prove it. As far as refining....all "BASE GAS" (unadditized) is basically the same depending on what EPA region your in. The difference is what additives are injected into it that distinguishes the difference, we have 6 different additives here and some have up to 10. Gas terminals not refineries inject the additive. A 7-11 has a different additive than say BP, the base gas is the same and comes from the same terminals. Additive can cost 4 to 18 $ per gallon. I cant tell you the injection ratios for any gas here but the stuff you buy at the parts store is usuall has a .025cc of (pure) additive per bottle. Now there is some good money in selling that bottled stuff. Even the cheapest additive injected at a terminal is far superior to the bottled stuff. I posted a while back the difference between gas brands, majors and non majors. Just dont know where on the forum.
Crossbow...the problem is the general plublic only is told what the government and oil companies want you to know. You are in the dark 90% of the time and left to hear rumors and half truths which over time people take as truth and facts. This is not your fault nor anyone elses. Even the owners stations and small oil companies only know what limited info they are privy to.
Old 03-04-2005 | 09:07 AM
  #20  
Go48's Avatar
Registered
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 2
From: Fayetteville, PA
Thanks Hac, that's the general info I was looking for. I'll do a search for your previous posting on the topic.

Last edited by Go48; 03-04-2005 at 11:25 AM.
Old 03-04-2005 | 09:08 AM
  #21  
Rotario's Avatar
Long Member
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
Originally Posted by hac
Additive can cost 4 to 18 $ per gallon.
Do you mean 4 to 18 cents per gallon? I assume that's what you meant, but it's not entirely clear from your previous post.

Thanks,
Bill
Old 03-04-2005 | 10:21 AM
  #22  
hac's Avatar
hac
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Bainbridge Ga
Originally Posted by Rotario
Do you mean 4 to 18 cents per gallon? I assume that's what you meant, but it's not entirely clear from your previous post.

Thanks,
Bill
No sir..that would be dollars per gallon.
Old 03-04-2005 | 12:45 PM
  #23  
rx8cited's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 1
From: DC Metro Area, USA
Originally Posted by hac
.... I posted a while back the difference between gas brands, majors and non majors. Just dont know where on the forum. ....
Here -> https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/type-gas-octane-company-varies-performance-greatly-20976/
Old 03-04-2005 | 05:43 PM
  #24  
crossbow's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 839
Likes: 2
Hac,

Have you ever investigated fuel power by lube control? http://www.lubecontrol.com

Its got some pretty decent backings through UOA's. One of the rare additives that actually treats the fuel instead of just cleaning the system.

http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/...?ubb=forum;f=5

Searching for FP or Fuel Power in that forum will bring up a few hundred threads. Just curious if you've seen it before, thoughts, yadda yadda.
Old 03-09-2005 | 10:48 AM
  #25  
Brice-RX8's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 882
Likes: 2
From: Winston-Salem, NC
Well I put a bottle of STP Fuel Injector Cleaner in the tank and have run it through and the idle is a little smoother and that is about all I can tell if it did anything or not. Do you think that the cleaner will remove some of the carbon from the spark plugs if there is any? That is what fouls plugs anyway isn't it?


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: Fuel Injector Cleaners



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:22 AM.