gas system cleaners

So saw some articles on top tier fuels actually doing what they claim......and that where I have been getting my gas is not a top tier place. Well that's gonna change next tank but it got me thinking about additives. Wiki gives a few examples of detergents but that's about all I can find; understandable as they are protected info and all.

Now I've found plenty of "lists" on "best fuel additives" but none offer hard evidence. There are claims of "proven" that are a little convincing and these "best fuel cleaners" tend to contain at least one of those chemicals listed on the wiki article

for the record the top three seem to be Lucas, chevron, and redline going in order of least to most harsh...most frequent use to least frequently added

The problem is these lists don't show which actually IS the best, most effective, or actually compare them between each other. Nor do they show how they are "proven" to work.

Anyone know of such data? Doesn't have to be from a hard core research scientists (though is preferred) just something showing basic research methods.

 

You want to use a fuel system cleaner that contains the additive PEA.

Redline SI-1 is an outstanding fuel system cleaner. I use it in my vehicles and it works well.

The below links are to a website / forum used by automotive enthusiasts. It contains a lot of good information, including a section dedicated to fuel additives. Also doing a search here on TW will show previous discussions regarding fuel system additives.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/forums/fuels-and-fuel-additives-gasoline-and-diesel.37/

 

i would think just a thought since we have so many different regional blends of gasoline in different parts of the country .

You would almost need to match a cleaner to the blend your getting as the different blends most likely cause different deposits .

I can`t recall ever using any.

 

Gasoline itself is probably somewhat of a cleaner.

Additives from the shelf tend to be snake oil that "clean" your wallet out of cash.
There are all kinds of things you can do. What you do is up to you.
Such as running water through the engine to decarbonize it. Dissassembling the engine to mechanically and chemically remove carbon.
Removing the injectors and mailing them off to an injector service shop for them to get an ultrasonic clean, rebuild, and flow-match service.
Most people are not down for that. So they grab a $6 bottle off the shelf at Wal-mart and pour it in the gas tank.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eqpczQpzig

 

really appreciate the replies. One page I came across noted that while gasoline is a good solvent, in engines, before firing, it causes buildup but apparently it's not understood fully why. But that's only on the intake side. But that stuff usually comes off with even a half assed carb cleaner spray usually cleans most of it out. Best it sucking the cleaner through a vacuum port.

Most "harfmfull" carbon accumulates on the exhaust valves and piston after combustion.

When I removed the heads on my saab to be rebuilt I spent a lot of time cleaning the piston heads carefully...machine shop cleaned the heads though. Of course it had 126k and I bought it with 120k, truck has 49k now so I'm trying to be preventative mostly, just hate the idea of buying snake oil as mentioned.

PEA was one of those listed on wiki and I believe it is what's in chevron *with techron, and is what's in chevrons fuel additive too. As mentioned, I found data showing "top tier" gas DOES remove carbon buildup so finding those detergents in additives is what I'm after and y'all provided some great info for me, thanks again

I'll spend some time reviewing the info provided, much thanks!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPdz6BMj8EA&feature=emb_rel_end

Hmmm...another interesting vid...well...at least they did do something

 

actually depends on predominant type driving conditions

stop/go commuter driving results in inefficient running ...... more pollution + residual deposits

cleaners/additives are most effective moderate to extended duration hi-way driving