Maserati89

Does anyone know if fuel injector cleaners work? I've heard it also increases mpg. I have a 2007 RX350 and just wondering if its bad to use on this car this early? It has roughly 77k kms and eats 15mpg for city driving. Thanks!

salimshah

If there is a problem then a cleaner can help. Typically the fuel you purchase has some cleaning agents, [both Shell and Chevron(with techron) advertise it] and there is usually a shelf full of additives at auto part stores.

I have used redline product and cant say how it compares with others. I did not see any significant improvement. Your mpg may or may not improve after treatment.

Once you get past a point, a professional set up for cleaning out injectors may be needed.


Salim

jgr7

iTrader: (1)

The most important thing to remember about these cleaners is that they are very strong and should only be put into your gas tank at the gas station at the time of a fill up. DO NOT put in at home and drive to the station these harsh cleaners will ruin your fuel pump if used at to high of a concentrate.
Jeff

biff44

good point. The best time is to add when half a tank (for the small bottle of Techron). Techron once a year is cheap insurance!

mandyfig

I add fuel system-injection cleaner every ~5K. And add it before filling up. I try to empty the tank before refill to get the full effect of the cleaning.

Usually you have offers on B1G1 on the branded fuel system cleaners, when they do I stock up. I do this on all my cars.

Lexmex

Yes, they can. Try living in Mexico and you'll find out the wonders of what injection cleaners can do for you, but with U.S. gas the need is less so.

Still my favorite is Redline's cleaner, though Lucas, Techron and Amsoil are also good cleaners.

h265dcs

If you pump premium gas you don’t need any cleaners, all gas companies’ premium gas already have these additives.
If you are not the first owner and not sure what type of gas was used earlier, and then i suggest ask Toyota dealer to clean your injectors. ( not all dealers are equipped with the correct equipment” so do your homework Use premium gas. after the cleanup.

Redline, amsoil, or the gas companies have good quality additives, use them with regular (87 or 89) gas only.

kiwi

you are assuming you have clogged/dirty injectors. why do you think this? there are several other possible reasons for higher mpg besides dirty injectors.

not to mention nowadays a cloged injector will set a code/you will have a noticeable problem.

i am not saying dont try some injector cleaner, but i wouldnt expect any results

your attention would be better spent on regular maintenance, air filter, tire pressure, oil changes, even spark plugs (when they are due) and the biggest fix, how you drive.

Grumpa72

I am a firm believer in periodic injector cleaners. I also don't believe that even premium fuel is immune to injector maintenance. I don't mean to offend those that say that premium fuels don't require it but the main ingrediant that differentiates premium from "regular" is the additive package that raises the octane rating. I have used gasoline as a garage solvent (yeah, yeah I know better) when I am out of other solvents so we all know it works. But I believe that the combination of temperature in the cylinder and pressure will do a lot to cause injector issues.

Assuming that all of my argument is incorrect, it IS cheap insurance.

salimshah

Talking about cleaners, kerosene is the best cleaner and may be the major component in injector cleaner additive. It does not get burnt off and gets into the oil and thins it out. So do it before an oil change.

Salim