ajay60610

Have a 2009 RX-350 AWD, 90,000miles...dealer recommends a fuel injection system cleaning as there is some carbon on the manifold....should i get this service done[$179.] or is there a way i can do myself....not a car guy...thanks for any suggestions.

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

This pure profit for them.

Just buy either some Chevron Techron or Toyota injection cleaner:

https://www.toyota.com.au/owners/par.../fuel-injector

LSBen

I agree with the Alchemist. It's pure profit. You can research the board on which fuel injector cleaner to use, people have been getting success with Gumout, Techroleen, Chemtool B-12 Seafoam, STP, Toyota Injector cleaners. After watching a few youtube videos and reading the reviews on this board, I decided to use Chemtool B-12 for $4 a can. Based on reviews, it seems to be the strongest cleaner over the counter for the money.


Another interesting video on Fuel Injector cleaners.

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

Interesting videos...thanks. I may try that Chemtool B-12 next oil change.

cdnewton

Surprised that BG-44K is not on the list.

I have found it is good to run a bottle of fuel injection cleaner before your oil change. I used BG-44K at the beginning of an oil change and the oil analysis report stated it was best to change your oil after using it.

ajay60610

Thanks for all those who responded.....went to both the lexus and toyota dealerships this morning and was told the same thing.....they use a valvoline cleaning product that is put through a vacuum hose type machine which flushes the cleaner through the fuel injection system...cost is $179.

Think i will try and find the chemtool b-12 sea foam product...appreciate the help.

ajay60610

Meant to write,"i will try the chemtool b-12 cleaner".........looks like i just pour a can of chem b-12 into gas tank...is that correct?..............thanks

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

yes correct. Dealer uses something similar but runs it pressurized through the fuel rails not through your tank. They use a machine like this:

https://www.bgprod.com/catalog/gasol.../#bg-product-4

ajay60610

Is the "pressurized through the fuel rails" @$179 worth it?

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

not in my opinion, but for $100 I will pour a fuel system cleaner in your tank for you

ajay60610

Thanks ,alchemist, if i win the Illinois lottery i will take you up on your offer...i do appreciate all of your helpful comments...you're a fine person.

lexsc4

Usually I just pour a bottle of either Gumout, Techron or Seafoam at every the oil change. That's would be 10K miles since I use Mobil 1 and change it at 5K no matter what. Then plan a 2-3 hours drive/weekend trip and let it do it thing. plus I use only Shell, Chevron or 76 gas, suppose to be tier 1 gas.

diverchris

I will play Devil's advocate on this on. I only use Shell V-power and typically add Lucas fuel treatment to most tanks. I had a gift certificate and I used it on the forced induction cleaning at the dealership. Since I wasn't out of pocket I was not too concerned about my believed-notion of it being a cash-cow for the dealership.
I was able to watch as they did the treatment. To my surprise the cleaning of my RX smoked out the garage, my RX did have 220k kms on the odometer when I had this done. To be honest I was shocked by the results due to the Shell claiming its a tier 1 gas and has more cleaning agents than all other gases.
This was my experience and based on it I will do it again, and most definitely do it on my IS250 before the spark plugs get changed
Chris

mandyfig

Seafoam! Every 7~8K miles which is my oil change.

tomit

Chevron Techron (4 pack from Costco) - 1 every oil change (5000 mi). No fuel problems for 183,000 miles on an Avalon and 103,000 on the RX. Pat Goss recommends BG 44K, but it's pricey.