Fuel System Cleaners

ZeeOSix

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What's everyone using for a complete fuel system cleaner - one that also claims to remove carbon deposits on intake valves (for non-DI engines) and piston and heads?

I've typically used Redline SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner, but it's pretty expensive. I see Gumout has a few products out with PEA cleaners that seem to get decent reviews and are about 1/2 the price as Redline to treat the same amount of fuel.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004361AFQ/?coliid=IRX5DHN2BLFJ8

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004AYTRU6/?coliid=IDVOHCBA4DXJS

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XDRK8T6/?coliid=I282QVZ8UPGEUP
 
Originally Posted by TheLawnRanger
+1
I just use Chevron gas. Does the bottle of techron do a better job?

Using Chevron's patented Techron is wise but the amount (concentration) of PEA at the pump is lower.

Higher conc of PEA do a better job of attacking carbon deposits. Redline for example is reported to have 50% PEA. Techron conc is something like 30% and Gumout system cleaner and it's sibling Regane are around 30% as well, IIRC. There's a point of diminished returns so I can't help but wonder if 50% PEA is about that and justifies it's higher price.
 
Techron is a excellent stuff. I am not a friend of big and bigger PEA concentrations. Especially for first usages.

Deposits on the injectors can be granite-hard. What, if a 0.04inch (or also a half large) morsel "depart" from it? Whither fly that? Between piston rings and?
wink.gif


Slow but steady effect make imho more sense. That means not, broths with bigger concentrations are bad. But be care with your own addition.
 
Techron

Note that there are two new Techron formulas, Marine, and Small Engine...

https://www.chevronlubricants.com/en_us/home/products/by_brand/techron.html

Gallon jugs are around $60 at Amazon...

TECHRON 266708183 Protection Plus Marine Fuel System Treatment, 128oz, 128. Fluid_Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K9F7T8H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_LCFHDb1G51237

TECHRON 266707183 Protection Plus Powersports & Small Engine Fuel System Treatment, 128 oz, 128. Fluid_Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K98R6RY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_GDFHDbEZF9PVV
 
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Originally Posted by Snagglefoot
So far from the videos through the spark plug hole, none of the products have been very successful at cleaning carbon off pistons. If you have seen one that does, go ahead and post it.


TCW3 from this thread TCW3

[Linked Image from bobistheoilguy.com]
 
Originally Posted by krismoriah72
Originally Posted by Snagglefoot
So far from the videos through the spark plug hole, none of the products have been very successful at cleaning carbon off pistons. If you have seen one that does, go ahead and post it.


TCW3 from this thread TCW3

[Linked Image from bobistheoilguy.com]



Before and after please.
 
That picture again … so I'll ask again … why does this "method" miss the stuff inside those letters ?
Seems some other methods do that
 
Read that the carbon products with outboard OEM labels are just heavyweight doses of Techron …
Even then, the OEM wants them used as PM …
Said differently … I have always viewed them as something you use early in the life of an engine as a preventative measure … pretty hard to get all that off once it has been there a long time, and it's going somewhere if you do.
Just put Gumout PEA in my Z71 at 13k (1st dose) … alternating when Gumout or Techron is on sale.
I tend to do before an oil change and try to have a small stash from the sales.
 
Originally Posted by Snagglefoot
So far from the videos through the spark plug hole, none of the products have been very successful at cleaning carbon off pistons. If you have seen one that does, go ahead and post it.

There are no magical elixirs that work overnight. Plus you don't want big chunks breaking off. But if you've been consistently using a TT fuel, deposits should be at a minimum. Now whether or not a concentrated system cleaner is right for you, that's another discussion.

There are standardized tests to measure fuel detergency and cleaning effects of additives. Both Gumout and Chevron test their additives/fuels.

SAE technical paper 922261 & 972838
ASTM D6201

Ford IVD TEST - Same as ASTM D6201

ASTM D5500

Chevron Mrktg Info - effects of it's additive pk
 
Originally Posted by 4WD
That picture again … so I'll ask again … why does this "method" miss the stuff inside those letters ?
Seems some other methods do that

Exhaust side of pistons will show less effects of cleaning (compared to) than the intake side. My guess is that the leftover deposits on the crown are a result of this effect/phenomena???

See the link in my previous post to the Chevron paper, it shows pics of this exact thing. Scroll past all the marketing fluff to get to the good stuff.
 
Last edited:
I use Chevron Techron or Gumout w/ Regane, depending on which is cheaper at the time --> usually once per oil change. I'm not overly concerned about the cleaner getting into the oil; it's just easy to remember.
 
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