Fuel injector cleaner . . . WOW!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sufferin' Prius Envy @ Oct 9 2006, 03:18 PM) [snapback]330154[/snapback]</div>

Since my knowledge of auto operation is pretty much limited to "gas pedal on the right, brake on the left", I couldn't tell you whether it was your injectors or a fluke.

But I'd be really interested to see what kind of results you get going forward. If you maintain the higher MPG, I'd say it's not a fluke.

 

I like to throw in a bottle of fuel injector cleaner that has the 'water removal' bullet on the label every winter, but am worried about that bladder that gives us PZEV status. I haven't seen any 'bladder' rated additives on any shelves yet, so I guess any water in my fairly new Pri's tank will have to remain.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SaintStephen @ Oct 9 2006, 04:16 PM) [snapback]330192[/snapback]</div>

Me too, same dilemma. I'd hope anything that was alcohol based would be pretty safe, but you never know. I probably need to figure this out before I drive my Prius to the frozen north this year, too.

 

Wow, same story here!

I bought the Chevron Pro-Guard 4 pack for $10 and everytime i use the a bottle my mileage jumps about 3-4mpg, BUT not forever. It usually lasts me only 2,000 to 3,000 miles. I haven't figured out the math to see if it is actually financially beneficial, but at least it keep the injectors cleaner!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(silentak1 @ Oct 9 2006, 06:22 PM) [snapback]330299[/snapback]</div>

Well, we can do the math for ya then :-p

It really depends on your current mileage as to your savings. if you get 50 MPG prior to adding the cleaner, and get a 3 MPG improvement over 2000 miles (using the minimum numbers to get the smallest improvement), you result in:

2000 miles / 50 MPG = 40 Gallons
2000 miles / 53 MPG = 37.7 Gallons

So a 2.3 Gallon savings.

Lets say, instead, you're only getting 40 MPG before, and you realize a 4MPG improvement over 3000 miles (for the maximum savings)

3000/40 = 75 Gallons
3000/43 = 69.7 Gallons

So a 5.3 Gallon savings.

From this, it's fairly clear that you can imagine graphing a plane in 3 dimensions (current MPG, effected distance, and improvement), where the high point would be at low current mileage, high improvement, and long effected distance.

Regardless, you said a 4 pack was 10 bucks... which means that each bottle (i assume it only takes 1 bottle per applique?) only costs 2.50, or a little more than current gas prices here in MN.

I'd say that if nothing else you're going to break even on it.

 

We have one Costco user; what kind of crappy gas do you other guys use?

 

eagle, thanks for the mathematical analysis.

Even if i were to lose $.50, i'd be happy. I actually don't pour that stuff for gas mileage increase but to keep the injectors clean. Either way, it's a win/win so far.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(richard schumacher @ Oct 10 2006, 09:13 AM) [snapback]330557[/snapback]</div>

This might be at the root of it. I always buy Chevron. I have a friend who uses El Cheapo "flavor of the month." Unscientifically, we both came to the consensus that Chevron gas with detergent/Techron does seem to yield a very slight MPG improvement, over several tanks.

I've never tried the fuel injector cleaner. Sounds like a Red Bull...

 

Ok, I should have been more scientific about this but I added some injector cleaner to see if my milage would come back up.

I added it to a full tank. I had been getting about 39-41mpg in the last 3-4 tanks. I also started driving just a tad bit slower. After that tank (39mpg) I refilled and drove 270 miles and refilled. I calculated it out to 51mpg and the computer said 47.8 or so.

I refilled before heading to the Bay Area and I'm still on the same tank. The computer is saying 47mpg and I am driving basically the same as I was before. 65mph average. Sometimes 70mph for a short distance and sometimes having to "floor" it to merge into traffic. SO with this same driving technique I am seeing about 6mpg better than I was prior to the injector cleaner according to the computer. Maybe be more or less once I calculate it out by hand.

Sorry for the non-exact numbers. I never write the stuff down but it is a marked difference when I first notice them. lol

My car is still under 15k miles.

 

Oh and to add to this discussion. I know that the EPA has some tests to show that a lot of "cheap" fuel injectors cleaning don't work but i wanted to try it myself.

I bought the typical white GUM OUT fuel injector cleaning at Autozone on sale for $1/each. Well, it didn't do anything! No noticeable MPG difference.

Stick to the Chevron Progard. Get it at Costco $9.79/4pack

 

Re: Fuel injector cleaner . . . WOW!


I was wondering how if you continue to use the Chevron Pro Guard and about how often? I have an acquaintance who is a mechanic and he swears by fuel injection cleaners for regular car and uses it every 3-4 fill-ups but that sounds like a lot.
thanks,
GS

 

Re: Fuel injector cleaner . . . WOW!

That sounds about right. I use the lucas injector cleaner and it gives about a 5% increase in MPG, the cost of it offsets the increase in mileage, but for the next few tanks, I feel the engine runs more smooth.

The problem with things like this "Mechanic in a bottle" stuff (Fuel Injector cleaners/Oil additives) are it is very had to prove any benefit. But based on what my mechanic tells me, and personal experience, I would say its worth it. Just an opinion tho.

 

Re: Fuel injector cleaner . . . WOW!

Has anyone tried different gas for a couple of month to see if any makes better milage? Also I use costco gas because of the price but was told that they have a higher than the allotted 10% ethenol? I was told this by someone who had a BMW and had motor trouble and the dealership wouldn't repair under warranty because of this. The owner went to Costco got gas in a container and had it checked and it was almost 25%? Anyone else hear of anything like this?

 

The consensus I've read is that Shell adds the best additives to their gas to keep an engine cleaner.

Immoral corn subsidies to big agribusiness (Ethanol) octane differences and additives aside, I remain skeptical of mpg differences between fuel companies on the fuel itself.

I will be able to test this in a not very scientific way because I had to refuel with Sunoco on my current tank, while for the past 4 years of ownership I have used Shell ~95% of the time.

 

same here. it helps, but it's not permanent and I think running a bottle every other month would suffice.

 

Re: Fuel injector cleaner . . . WOW!

You should be skeptical! Measuring fuel economy while driving on our roads is probably the least scientific way to compare one gas with another. Variables are countless - consider traffic, speed, weather, road surface and the list goes on. Many people find that they get better mileage after pouring in a bottle of fuel additive. I've tried that but have not been convinced of any improvement.

However I do find that my car runs better after washing and waxing. But that varies somewhat depending on the brand of wax.

 

Re: Fuel injector cleaner . . . WOW!

I agree. It's really hard to quantify the effects with eliminating most of the variables.

My post above is very old and i'm not sure I would have come to the same conclusion today. I am aware of more variables now.