ajay60610

Went on You Tube looking for some recommendations for a fuel injector cleaner....now am totally confused....guy by the name of Scotty Kilmer raves and raves about Gumout Multi-FuelSystem Cleaner[@$4]; other people like B-12 Chemtrol[$4+], and others like BG44K [Chemical Guys@$40]...have 2009 RX-350 AWD [117K]....dealer wants to do a fuel injection flush @$200....was wondering if anyone has used a product that actually works...my thinking that i would ask and avoid the hype on You Tube and Lexus dealer...thanks.

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

If you use 91+ octane gasoline from a Top Tier approved company and you keep up with regular oil changes, no need for those cleaners or services. For my cars I pump junk gas (4 cylinder toyotas) into, I use Techron Complete and once in awhile do the same procedure the dealer does for a fuel injection flush. Might do the flush on my RX for the heck of it but I doubt it is needed.

RedGemini

I've always used Chevron Techron. Many dealers have it rebranded as an OEM formula, but it's simply just Techron for a LOT more money.

pablo87

I use Liqui-Moly Jectron. At first it made a difference but now I don't notice it anymore. It has good reviews on amazon and in general I trust this company's additives.

05RX330AWD

When I first purchased my RX330 I am quite sure the previous owner was pumping regular fuel to save a few dollars per fill up.
Check engine codes were coming out.
Most additives in a bottle are temporary solutions, since ownership I have been filling up with Esso 91 which claims to have 7 additives, the RX330 runs perfectly with no check engine codes..
no need for more additives.
Also, it is good practice in colder climates with fluctuating temperatures to not to allow the fuel level to go down below the half mark in order to avoid condensation or moisture to build up in the fuel tank.

takeshi74

First off, stop relying on Youtube for anything like this.

ajay60610

Not sure what gas station sell Esso 91...have been going to Shell stations and filling up with their 89 grade regular....now am thinking about starting to use their premium brand....117K miles 2009 RX-350AWD...thnaks

ajay60610

Good point but where would i get reliable information about my car....not a mechanical person....dealer service rates are now $160/hour...want to make my car last a long time?

Lexuswiz

iTrader: (1)

For a premium car, I would not pump anything under 91 octane in it although I am aware it will run on 87. You can feel the difference on Lexus compared to Toyota when using different octanes. My belief is Lexus uses a different compression ratio vs. Toyota although it's the same engine, but this is speculation and I have no proof.

I recommend Costco 91+ gas. It fluctuates between 91-93 octane depending on region but I've had good results even in other states. I like the savings through Costco plus I go shopping there on top of filling up.

Your owners manual is your best friend.

05RX330AWD

Actually, my post comes from Canada & a TV ad from Esso informs consumers of the 7 additives.
Esso also has a 93 grade although only available in one major city in Canada.
There should be an equivalent available in the USA although I would stay away from anything Regular, Premium 91+ is much better for a couple of bucks more per fill up.

05RX330AWD

It's never too late to learn....
My profession is a Professional Photographer, was always too busy to get interested in understanding why a car will not start although eventually got tired of being charged $300. every time I brought my vehicle in for something I absolutely knew nothing about.
I said to myself, this is strange, why is it not $150. or $500. for a change, therefore I took mechanic's night classes, not for a career move but to have a better understanding & perhaps it can grow to be an interesting hobby.
Eventually I repaired & maintained my own vehicles, friends & family's vehicles on Sundays, didn't charge anything but parts to gain valuable experience for later down the road.
With that initial step, I eventually learned how to build computers, refurbish classic film cameras, never thought I had that in me.
Maybe you are a mechanical person, you just do not know it yet.

cdnewton

The 3.3L V6 in the RX 330 is rated at 230 horsepower SAE and 238 lb-ft of torque with a compression ratio of 10.8 and as the RX330 owner's manual states, "Select Octane Rating 87 or higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating 91".

The 3.3L V6 in the Highlander is rated at 225 hp with 242 lb·ft of torque with a compression ratio is 9.6 and calls for 87 octane. For comparison, the Honda Pilot's compression ratio in the 2017 Pilot is 11.5 and it requires 87 octane. At what point for a compression ratio is premium required? Another good debate.

The 87 vs 91 is always an interesting debate. I have seen posts that say running 87 will cause the catalytic converter to fail, I am missing out on extra HP, people feel the car is like a rocket ship on 91, etc, but at least from my experience, the improved knock sensor used on the 3.3L works. I use SAMs club 87 octane fuel (I actually run 85 octane since I live in Colorado) and we are getting ready to turn 217,000 miles and our 13 year RX330 is runnng nicely. As always, YMMV.

05RX330AWD

You are correct, 91 definitely improves performance & at the same time did clean the system due to additives, no more clogged up catalytic converter, in my case.

cdnewton

That is pretty funny ... I was saying just the opposite and that I haven't seen any of those issues with running 85 octane.

Edit: If you are saying running 91 octane cleaned up a clogged catalytic converter, it would be interesting to know more details.

05RX330AWD

I am chiming in for your debate, you are correct for what you mentioned in your post was worth debating, improved performance & unclogged cat with 91, in my case.
My bad, should have elaborated more.
Some say CatClean will solve the issue, filling up with 91 for a couple of months worked for me, as I posted, the previous owner was no doubt filling up with low grade fuel for several years to save a couple of bucks per fill up which caused deposits.
Every case is different, if you owned the vehicle for years filling the vehicle with the same grade 85 fuel with no issues, great. Colorado has great pot & gas.
Also the grades of fuel may vary from state to state, more so in different countries with different climates.