Fuel Injector Cleaners and Fuel Additives

[Alpo714]

Hello. I have a 2004 Pilot EXL with Navi that has over 83,000 miles on it. I was contemplating using the fuel system cleaners that the automotive stores often sell. Does anyone know what Honda recommends concerning fuel injector / Fuel system cleaners? Should I avoid using them, or should I stick to certain brands?

I've often use GUMOUT or STP Fuel system cleaners in the previous cars that I have owned.

What do you guys recommend?

-Alpo714

[Spartus]

RedLine, Amsoil, Gumout Regane, BG44k, Techron Concentrate and Shell V-Power fuel injector cleaner are all good.

Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and use the fuel injector cleaner a few tanks before your next oil change.

Put the fuel injector cleaner in at the gas station, right before fueling up.

Most manufactures of vehicles don't recommend using any oil additives or fuel additives.

Using a good FI cleaner such as the ones mentioned above, every 15k miles will ensure your injectors are clean and spraying properly.

Go for it, as it will not hurt a thing. Stay away from cheap stuff such as STP and store brands.

[Alpo714]

Originally posted by Spartus
RedLine, Amsoil, Gumout Regane, BG44k, Techron Concentrate and Shell V-Power fuel injector cleaner are all good.

Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and use the fuel injector cleaner a few tanks before your next oil change.

Put the fuel injector in at the gas station, right before fueling up.

I'm sure they are good cleaners, but are they safe to use on the engine? Will they harm the engine over time?

[Spartus]

Originally posted by Alpo714



I'm sure they are good cleaners, but are they safe to use on the engine? Will they harm the engine over time?

Will not harm a thing. They will ensure efficiency and performance of your fuel injectors.

Stick with the 15k mile rule and you'll be fine!

Re-read my original post since I edited it, at the time of your posting.

[xGS]

You could also do as Honda recommends and simply buy a brand of gas that is known to have a sufficient concentration of detergent already added to it.
[http://www.toptiergas.com]
[http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html]

[whizmo]

It is difficult to know if you really need to use a fuel system cleaner above and beyond what is already in gasoline. I think you an argue either side. But if I doubt you can harm anything so perhaps it is a good insurance policy.

I've read enough about Chevron's Techron to believe it is probably the best of the bunch and may be the only one that really does much of anything. Costco sells a six-pack for a reasonable price and I've put one in the tank very 10K or so for a few years now. But I would never argue that it is a must do.

- Mark

[mfisher1967]

I treat the tank of gasoline used just before each oil change with a 15 ounce bottle of Red Line SI-1 fuel system treatment. I have also used Amsoil Pi at times instead. Both of these are top notch at removing combustion chamber deposits and contain Polyether Amine. This is the primary ingredient in Chevron's Techron additive. With that being said, Chevron's Techron concentrate is the most readily available fuel system treatment. Just make sure you use the Techron Concentrate Plus version and not the Pro Gard version.

You may ask why I add a fuel system just before each oil change. The short answer is that inevitably some of the additive will end up in your engine's oil. This is called Fuel Dilution.

Fuel Dilution is a common occurrence in vehicles that are used for short trip driving and/or idle for long periods of time. Even in well maintained vehicles it is normal for used motor oil to contain some fuel, typically less than 1%.

Many fuel system additives contain solvents. The presence of solvents in motor oil will eventually break down the oil's viscosity, causing increased wear. By changing the engine oil immediately after using a fuel system treatment this issue is negated.

It is important to note that if you take this approach, be sure to use the entire tank of treated gasoline before performing an oil change. That will ensure that no additional additive/solvents will end up in the new motor oil.

[Fast Eddy]

I like to use the Lucas Oil Products such as Upper Cylinder Lubricant & Injector Cleaner (Fuel Treatment). This real quality stuff, I still have my winter beater; a 1995 Ford Taurus stationwagon which runs on this product. I have 235k on this car it runs like charm. On the Pilot I use it only after the third gas fill up, I have only 30K on the Pilot.

[CO_Pilot2]

Just went to Big O for some maintenance, and they want to do a 3 step fuel system cleaner and power steering flush for about $200. "Its not in the manual but recommended" ? I did some looking around and it appears that aside from topping off the power steering fluid, it doesn't really have to be changed unless the rack is replaced. I see this and other threads saying an FI additive the tank before an oil change cant hurt but isn't necessary. Have an '07 with 70k miles on it. Thanks for your comments.

[GETFURIOUS]

Originally Posted by co_pilot2

just went to big o for some maintenance, and they want to do a 3 step fuel system cleaner and power steering flush for about $200. "its not in the manual but recommended" ? I did some looking around and it appears that aside from topping off the power steering fluid, it doesn't really have to be changed unless the rack is replaced. I see this and other threads saying an fi additive the tank before an oil change cant hurt but isn't necessary. Have an '07 with 70k miles on it. Thanks for your comments.

I put fuel system cleaner in my 2004 Pilot 2 or 3 times a year.....I believe that it "cannot" hurt to do this.....As far as the power steering goes.....The manual says to change it.....And it is a cheap form of protection for your rack and pinion system.....

[CO_Pilot2]

Thanks I will have to look through the forum on DIY for the power steering fluid change, and the preferred additives.

[RegDunlop]

Use Techron.


As far as PS fluid goes, I think you can just remove as much as you can from the reservoir with a turkey basted and refill. Drive around a bit and repeat.


That method should work just fine.

[mmm666]

Honda doesn't recommend any fuel injector cleaners or additives... It is recommend that you use top tier gas all the time..

I have 2006 Toyota Camry V6. I always use chevron gas. It is 214,000 miles. No check engine light or other problems. The car drives like from the day one..

So you should always use top tier gas.