mzeitlin

Has anyone had a professional fuel injection cleaning service done on their car?
Did you notice and before and after difference in engine performance (i.e. fuel trim numbers getting rock solid around zero)?

I am trying to decide if its worth it for a 98,000 mile 20 year old ES300. Engine chugs a bit on strong acceleration (highway freeway ramp)

daredeil95

IMO, it's a waste of money. The next couple times you fill your gas tank, use Techron fuel injection cleaner or Marvel Mystery Oil. Some people use seafoam but, I prefer Marvel becuase it's less expensive and does a better job (IMO). When the engine chugs/stumbles, does a check engine light illuminate?

Richardsr

How’s the hardware in front of the injectors like the air filter, MAF and the Throttle Body? Some CRC sprayed on the MAF and cleaning the Throttle Body with it and scrubbing the backside of the throttle plate and where it seats on the TB walls does wonders for chugging problems. Half a can of Seafoam in the gas tank or the ones Daredeil95 suggested won’t hurt either.

mzeitlin

No check engine light, DTC or pending codes (although the evap monitor and catalyst show "not ready" and have been like that for hundreds of miles.)

mzeitlin

MAF sensor is new (one year) and I cleaned it just in case.
I haven't checked the throttle body, but the car idles fine (nice and smooth and normal). The chugging is on acceleration from 1,500 rpm to about 2500 rpm. The throttle plate is open during this time, so not sure why a dirty throttle body would have any effect?

Richardsr

Because you’re right there at the Throttle Body is why you clean it. Besides, uneven engine acceleration – stuttering engine or slowed acceleration are signs of a dirty throttle body.

Romanova

I run Redline Fuel System Cleaner through all three of my Lexus vehicles every 3,000 or so. I believe that, combined with regular use, is enough to keep things clean.