Fuel Injector Cleaner?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: CA
Fuel Injector Cleaner?
I am looking for fuel injector cleaner for my 2002 LS430, but can't decide between STP and Lucas. A worker at our local auto store told me that Lucas work better. I searched online for awhile and found so many mixed up reviews on both brands. Just wondering what are you guys using in your LS430 and recommend to others? I am not committed to purchase one of these, so recommendations for other fuel injector cleaners are also welcome.
Thanks..
Thanks..
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 251
Likes: 18
From: Florida
It was a while back, so my memory might be failing me, but I looked at both and I seem to remember they use the exact same chemicals. SO.. it really won't make much of a difference which one you use.
If this is the case (take a look at the packages, they sometimes have the "ingredients") then just get the cheaper one.
Good luck!
If this is the case (take a look at the packages, they sometimes have the "ingredients") then just get the cheaper one.
Good luck!
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 215
From: Ontario, Canada
This article on AOL Autos says that "Pouring This Stuff In Your Car Is Money Down The Drain" and that "Only a professional fuel system cleaning can clean fuel delivery systems effectively" -- http://autos.aol.com/article/automotive-alchemy/
Some reader comments disagree with him.
I would ask an experienced mechanic to diagnose your problem and to make a specific product recommendation.
If you aren't having any problems, try only using Top Tier gas (www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html) as a preventative measure and you probably won't need to use an off-the-shelf cleaner.
More reading material:
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/200...ector-cleaner/ (lots of info in the comments)
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2005/0...-injectors.htm
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...oard=37&page=1
Some reader comments disagree with him.
I would ask an experienced mechanic to diagnose your problem and to make a specific product recommendation.
If you aren't having any problems, try only using Top Tier gas (www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html) as a preventative measure and you probably won't need to use an off-the-shelf cleaner.
More reading material:
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/200...ector-cleaner/ (lots of info in the comments)
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2005/0...-injectors.htm
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...oard=37&page=1
Last edited by StanVanDam; Nov 11, 2010 at 09:24 AM.
I use Redline SI-1 because my friend recommended to me and Redline is a good famous brand.
But in my mind I think they are all the same, just a cleaner.
I might try Lucas next time since Walmart carry it and it might be cheaper. But then they are all within $1~$2 of each other.
Kragen carry the Redline:
http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=80&pcid=12
But in my mind I think they are all the same, just a cleaner.
I might try Lucas next time since Walmart carry it and it might be cheaper. But then they are all within $1~$2 of each other.
Kragen carry the Redline:
http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=80&pcid=12
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,293
Likes: 64
From: Toronto, Canada
Had the car a month and just put STP in mine, for $5 why not ?
I did it cause maybe the previous owner used low octane gas ??????
I think they are all the same - just a mild cleaner that won't do much harm or that much cleaning either - I mean what do you expect for a $ 5 cleaner, lol
I did it cause maybe the previous owner used low octane gas ??????
I think they are all the same - just a mild cleaner that won't do much harm or that much cleaning either - I mean what do you expect for a $ 5 cleaner, lol
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Not all cleaners are the same.
I use to use Lucas, but it's more of a conditioner with some cleaning ability. Redline SI-1 along with Gumout REGANE and the older Chevron Techron stuff are the ones you should use if you want more effective cleaning power.
I use to use Lucas, but it's more of a conditioner with some cleaning ability. Redline SI-1 along with Gumout REGANE and the older Chevron Techron stuff are the ones you should use if you want more effective cleaning power.
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Pit Crew
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 174
Likes: 4
From: West Palm Beach
Redline Si-1 Contains PEA according to the MSDS
Techeron Plus also contains PEA but its newer MSDS do not show % of PEA any more.
Redline Si-1 has been shown to be a very effective cleaner. Which is why I use it.
Whats PEA?
Its the only known chemical to actually clean and not leave anything behind. Lucus and many others which do not contain PEA are just snake oil. Some Fuel system cleaners are just Kerosene!
Redline Si-1 can be found locally at pepboys. Its cheap and it works.
Techeron Plus also contains PEA but its newer MSDS do not show % of PEA any more.
Redline Si-1 has been shown to be a very effective cleaner. Which is why I use it.
Whats PEA?
Its the only known chemical to actually clean and not leave anything behind. Lucus and many others which do not contain PEA are just snake oil. Some Fuel system cleaners are just Kerosene!
Redline Si-1 can be found locally at pepboys. Its cheap and it works.
Redline Si-1 Contains PEA according to the MSDS
Techeron Plus also contains PEA but its newer MSDS do not show % of PEA any more.
Redline Si-1 has been shown to be a very effective cleaner. Which is why I use it.
Whats PEA?
Its the only known chemical to actually clean and not leave anything behind. Lucus and many others which do not contain PEA are just snake oil. Some Fuel system cleaners are just Kerosene!
Redline Si-1 can be found locally at pepboys. Its cheap and it works.
Techeron Plus also contains PEA but its newer MSDS do not show % of PEA any more.
Redline Si-1 has been shown to be a very effective cleaner. Which is why I use it.
Whats PEA?
Its the only known chemical to actually clean and not leave anything behind. Lucus and many others which do not contain PEA are just snake oil. Some Fuel system cleaners are just Kerosene!
Redline Si-1 can be found locally at pepboys. Its cheap and it works.
Of course I could be wrong since I know nothing about you, you could be 110 years old and drive 250k miles a year like this guy:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/man-repo...our-years.html
But generally speaking, let's say you are 40 years old like the most of us and drive 10k~15k miles a year, which means you put less then 10k miles on each of the 32 cars that you owned. So none of them needed to be clean
I only clean the fuel system on my car every 15k~20k miles.
Having problems and not running at optimal performance are two seperate things. Some people never flush the coolant out of their cars and never have problems, but we all know the coolant isn't as effective as it was brand new. You dont' have to have problems with the car in order to benefit from fuel injector cleaning. ALL CARS WILL HAVE BUILDUPS no matter what.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 31
From: wi
I guess you are right. I should add an 8 oz bottle of cleaner into my high detergent 20 gallon tank of premium gas even if it is not misfiring, running rough or has no decrease in fuel economy. Thanks!!