So I've been seeing a lot more commercials lately for fuel injector cleaning additives (Lucas, Gumout, etc...) and I've been wondering if they really work. Has anyone here bothered with these products? Do they really help clean the caked-on grease and improve MPG as well as performance, or is it all smoke and mirrors?

 

Don't expect it to act like a miracle cure if you're having running issues because of a clogged injector or three. Been there, tried that with a clogged injector. After three tankfuls with using Lucas injector cleaner, it was no better. Only thing that worked like an instant charm was physically removing and cleaning the injector by hand. Using it as "preventative medicine", sure go ahead.

 

Those chemicals are cleaners, not uncloggers. If the injector is clogged, the cleaner won't pass through it, so it won't be cleaned.

 

Guess I should have said "restricted" instead of "clogged". lol

 

BG 44K is the best fuel injector cleaner money can buy. It costs around $23.00 for the can but it really works very well. You will notice a difference in the smoothness of you idle as well as throttle response in in fact you have dirty injectors. I speak from experience. Its worked for me on 2 separate occasions and others I have told about it reported back good results as well. Its not usually sold over the counter so its not real easy to find, but if you have an independent parts house near you, they may have it. Also some NAPA's have it because some are franchises and will carry it. Try it if you can get your hands on it.

 

I've always used Lucas and have always seen a few MPG difference compared to not using it. I've tried the Techron stuff and Gumout. Techron is good too. Gumout doesn't really work all that well. Just my opinions.

 

i dont use injector cleaner, if i think that an injector is not operating correctly i send them all in to a injector shop and have them cleaned and flow tested. sides doesnt the new expensive gas have cleaners in it.

 

I used to use that stuff, but has two fuel pumps go out on two different vehicles shortly after using it. Coincidence? Maybe, but I don't want to chance it anymore. I just take them somewhere and have a fuel injector service performed every few years.

 

^ That "put sand in your gas tank to help scrub the injectors" trick probably didn't help much either.

 

And I watched the youtube how-to video and all!