2012 v6 fuel system clean

So I am at the dealer now and they told me my cabin and engine air filters are getting dirty and to replace them is $45 each. Lol right. Will do that myself...Amazon ordering

But then he said my fuel system is built up with carbon. Recommendation is a fuel system clean for $150. Are these things more than just pouring in a bottle of cleaner. Sounds like dealer up pricing.

If it is filthy and needs a cleaning how can I do it without spending a ton at the dealer.

 

Oh Lord.Scummy dealer recommending black magic carbon cleaning. SKIP.

Do the engine and cabin on your own. Amazon that shit like you said and save yourself $.

 

Generally a "fuel system cleaning" refers to a combination of a fuel tank additive, as well as running a cleaner into a vacuum line on the intake manifold to clean intake runners and valves. Depending on the shop, the service can also include a throttle body cleaning.
With that being said, the fuel additive can be bought and put in yourself (something like Techron or Lucas). Throttle body cleaning is a good idea every now and then, particularly to clean up a rough idle issue. Now the cleaner into the manifold? Not really a manufacturer recommended service, I have seen engines overheat, cats overheat, etc during this service. I'd skip it...

 

oh boy desperate for work. We have had three Tacoma's and two 4 runners all over 200K with no fuel system cleaner at all ever! LOL good stuff dealers are funny!

 

Did they also offer a power steering fluid flush - recommended by them every 30K? I would find another dealer or better yet, an independent repair shop if you don't feel up to it.

 

He is full of shit.

Most vehicles never actually need a fuel additive for cleaning ever in their life. In fact some fuel cleaners can do damage. Usually if you think you need a cleaner, fuel pump/line damage is done and you might as well get a new one. Very uncommon problem.

 

Run!!!!

 

They hook up a canister of concentrated cleaner to the fuel line under the hood and use shop air to pressurize it. The car's fuel pump relay is pulled and the engine is run on the cleaner. The maintenance booklet for my 2011 Subaru actually has this included as required scheduled maintenance. Toyota does not. Haven't heard of high-milage 2nd gens Tacos (plenty of them out there!) with performance issues caused by clogged injectors, so I would consider this unnecessary.

 

No, it's sad everyone trying to make a quick buck off the customer. Today's government standards, require gasoline manufacturers to put detergents into gasoline so you're engine runs clean and more efficient. You're doing good as far as looking for the best price weather Amazon, Ebay, or parts store. With that said once a year I'll run a can of seafoam in my gas tank, and every 30,000 miles wipe out the throttle body with throttle body cleaner. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41yFXjibtLY

 

Thanks. May try it out. Have had no issues though except for the gas mileage at 15. But if I wanted great mileage should have bought a Prius. Lol.

Thanks again to all of ya.

Love the dealer for the free synthetic oil changes for life of truck every 5k miles. Other than that going to be very wary indeed

 

just redline it a few times, that will clear some carbon

 

Interesting enough, Toyota Canada does recommend the fuel system flush at 80,000 km (50,000 miles), though it is not a required maintenance item in the booklet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=v=78oHW4NnpP0

EricTheCarGuy has a DIY video on it, too, though he uses it just to move a 4Runner without fuel pressure into the shop.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fizKtru7RcU

 

You know why it's not in the manufacture booklet. Cause the manufacturer doesn't recommend it. The dealership needs to make money to pay bills that's what it's for! Service Depts are known as Revenue Departments in the car industry. Nice cartoon pictures though!