Gas additives??

[harriw]

Hey folks,

What's everyone's take on gas additives? In particular, I'm thinking of dumping in a bottle of fuel injector cleaner ('94 4.0L, 165k mi) to (hopefully) help it start a bit easier when its cold out. I'm also gonna change the fuel filter and clean out the TB, but wanted to check and make sure this stuff isnt' a 4.0 killer or anything?

Thanks!

-Bill

 

[polkat]

I use a product by Amzoil its P.i performance improver I think napa sells it; I have a 2000 4L and I did notice idle cleaned up i put it my wifes van also she had a ruffer idle and started getting poor milage poured that stuff in and it worked. the biggest diffrence is when I changed my fuel filter on the 4L ???

I also have a 92 with a 4L and all I put in that was seafoam never had any problems with it and i never changed the fuel filter I put 100,000 mi on it on the clock it has 196,000 The filter is probally original I was the second owner

 

[LearjetMinako]

Its good to use a bottle of injector cleaner once every oil change (3k~5Kmiles). Changing a fuel filter will probably be the best thing to do, if its close to clogged and never has been changed. I change my fuel filter every 15k~25K miles. Air Filter, every 15k~25kmiles.

 

[harriw]

Thanks guys - so no worries about using injector cleaner on an older engine (unlike high detergent oil on an old engine)?

-Bill

 

[north44]

Its good to use a bottle of injector cleaner once every oil change (3k~5Kmiles). Changing a fuel filter will probably be the best thing to do, if its close to clogged and never has been changed. I change my fuel filter every 15k~25K miles. Air Filter, every 15k~25kmiles.[/QUOTE]

Right on the button as far as I'm concerned.

Regularly change my fuel filter and air filter (from day 1) every 50,000 km/~30,000 miles - that way it won't even allow the filters any chance to get clogged - just good preventative maintenance.

As for additives, I like to use a product by Lucas (fuel injection and upper cylinder cleaner), or other name brand injector cleaners (e.g. Kleen Flo) - usually use about one bottle added to the gas a month (only works out to about 12 a year, and worth it IMO). Had the injectors cleaned out/flushed professionally by my mechanic a couple of years ago - probably will get it done again in about a year or so.

Speaking of additives, I also put in the occasional bottle of gas-line antifreeze to remove any condensation/water that collects in the gas tank - useful preventative maintenance in sub-zero temperatures, even though most gas companies add a similar additive to the gas that's marketed in cold weather climates.

 

[OilPatch197]

When it gets REALLY cold out, like 10 degrees or below I typically put some heet in the tank.

I don't really use any other additives, they already come in the gas, "v-power" is the best.

 

[Am4wag]

I use Lucas injector cleaner as mentioned above with good results.I have a 2.5 Mazda that has a "hair trigger" for CEL,and always codes out to being fuel trim.I clear the code,add a bottle of Lucas,and am good for about 5-6 months.

 

[JohnnyO]

They boys at www.bobistheoilguy.com swear by Chevron Techron FI cleaner so that's what I use. One bottle at every oil change, 5000 miles.