cons of using fuel system cleaner too much?
08-09-2007, 12:58 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
cons of using fuel system cleaner too much?
i ordered a one gallon bottle of lucas fuel system cleaner and by accident they sent me two. now this is good for 49 fill ups. they recommend a treatment every 3k miles which translates to a 12 year supply. so i was thinking maybe i should dump a treatment at every fill up which would last me two years. is there a downside to doing this? i drive 80% city driving and always use shell or chevron 91 octane (highest offered in CA). they say too much of anything is bad so i was wondering if there are any downsides of using a treatment at every fill up ??
08-09-2007, 03:34 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Posts: 1,994
There have been unconfirmed reports that using a heavy dose of fuel injector cleaner will increase the viscosity of the motor oil in that engine. Note that I say this has not been fully proved, but is a concern that should be watched. Therefore, I only do a fuel system clean treatment about 500 miles before I plan to change the motor oil. I was changing my oil every 7,500 miles (Nissan's maximum recommended OCI), but will be going to 10,000 miles with my next change (the powertrain warranty expired when my Max hit 60 K miles) because I used Mobil 1 and a good quality oil filter and will also get a lab test of this first longer OCI change.
I have no eperience with Lucas -- I only use Chevron's Techron. But I find that this schedule of treatments is sufficient for me. How do I know? Well, I've not taken the engine apart, but don't seem to be getting any knocking from engine deposits when burning regular grade gasoline all of the time.
Final point: All brands of gasoline must contain a minumum amount of fuel injector cleaner -- not enough in my opinion, but it is there. If you do put some of the Lucas in your gas at each fill-up, you should probably minimize the volume.
I have no eperience with Lucas -- I only use Chevron's Techron. But I find that this schedule of treatments is sufficient for me. How do I know? Well, I've not taken the engine apart, but don't seem to be getting any knocking from engine deposits when burning regular grade gasoline all of the time.
Final point: All brands of gasoline must contain a minumum amount of fuel injector cleaner -- not enough in my opinion, but it is there. If you do put some of the Lucas in your gas at each fill-up, you should probably minimize the volume.
08-09-2007, 03:34 PM
#4
Remember those are often pretty harsh chemicals in that stuff. don't use it too often or you can risk eating away the brass on the precisely machined orifices and such. seen it happen before..
My recommendation is to sell the other bottle to someone.
My recommendation is to sell the other bottle to someone.
08-10-2007, 05:50 AM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
this particular product does not contain solvents. it is also known as UCL (upper cylinder lube). its primary function is to lubricate fuel pumps, fuel injectors, and the valves, etc. it is also supposed to clean, but I'm not sure how much cleaning it can do without solvents.
using the recommended dosage every fill up is probably fine. you could also share it with family/friends.
using the recommended dosage every fill up is probably fine. you could also share it with family/friends.
08-10-2007, 09:38 AM
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
A powerful blend of oils and additives that contain no SOLVENTS. Designed to increase power and fuel mileage and also lower exhaust emissions through a more complete combustion.
Lucas Fuel Treatment is formulated for both gasoline and diesel engines, carbureted or fuel injected. It gives your fuel system what it really needs - a blend of super slick oils and additives with a high detergent action that allows the engine to operate at maximum efficiency. Also, it cleans and lubricates the carburetor and injectors and causes the fuel to burn more thoroughly for increased power and less fuel consumption. Lucas Fuel Treatment should definitely be used in vehicles that require leaded fuel because it actually replaces the benefits of lead in gasoline without causing harmful emissions. Use it to pass smog tests. Finally, it totally neutralizes the harmful effects of low sulfur diesel fuel.
Lucas Fuel Treatment is formulated for both gasoline and diesel engines, carbureted or fuel injected. It gives your fuel system what it really needs - a blend of super slick oils and additives with a high detergent action that allows the engine to operate at maximum efficiency. Also, it cleans and lubricates the carburetor and injectors and causes the fuel to burn more thoroughly for increased power and less fuel consumption. Lucas Fuel Treatment should definitely be used in vehicles that require leaded fuel because it actually replaces the benefits of lead in gasoline without causing harmful emissions. Use it to pass smog tests. Finally, it totally neutralizes the harmful effects of low sulfur diesel fuel.
08-11-2007, 08:32 AM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 6,190
I wouldn't use that product every fillup even if someone paid me to do it.
Sell the 2nd bottle and use it every 3,000 miles at the most.
However, I personally would only use it just before every oil change.
Your car has gone this long without that dosage.
If it ain't broke don't fix it!
Sell the 2nd bottle and use it every 3,000 miles at the most.
However, I personally would only use it just before every oil change.
Your car has gone this long without that dosage.
If it ain't broke don't fix it!
08-11-2007, 11:09 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Posts: 1,994
There are times when Bobo and I don't agree -- but I certainly agree with his advice above.
This product is for both gasoline and diesel engines ?? I'm a little suspicious.
More information on one point made in the detailed quote, above. Many people did not realize that lead in leaded gasoline provideed a lubricating effect. When lead was removed from all gasolines, vehicle makers had to increase the hardness of engine valves to help compensate for the lack of lead lubrication. With newer engines, this lubrication (IMHO) is no longer needed.
This product is for both gasoline and diesel engines ?? I'm a little suspicious.
More information on one point made in the detailed quote, above. Many people did not realize that lead in leaded gasoline provideed a lubricating effect. When lead was removed from all gasolines, vehicle makers had to increase the hardness of engine valves to help compensate for the lack of lead lubrication. With newer engines, this lubrication (IMHO) is no longer needed.
08-24-2007, 12:44 AM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 866
Lucas UCL is perfectly safe to use in every fill up at the recommended dosage of 3 oz/10 gals fuel. This is not a "powerful" cleaner like Techron or Regane. It's primary purpose is to lubricate upper cylinders, fuel pumps, and fuel injectors. It's cleaning ability is very small. It is much more effective in preventing deposits than cleaning them.
I have been using it routinely for years in two different Nissans. I have also tracked my mileage in a spreadhseet for many years in both vehicles. I have a very consistent trend of better mileage with Lucas UCL (and even MMO) than without. In my case, the mileage improvement easily pays for the Lucas treatments. An added benefit is my engine is quieter and smoother at idle than without it.
I carry two of the 5.25 oz Lucas bottles in my trunk, with approx 4 oz Lucas in each. I refill them from the gallon at home. My 4 oz in a bottle will treat my usual fill up of approx 13-13.5 gallons. I have found that increasing the dosage does not increase the results. And when doubling the dose, the results actually decline slightly.
If you need more information, check out bobistheoilguy.com forums. Plenty of info about it on there.
Dave
I have been using it routinely for years in two different Nissans. I have also tracked my mileage in a spreadhseet for many years in both vehicles. I have a very consistent trend of better mileage with Lucas UCL (and even MMO) than without. In my case, the mileage improvement easily pays for the Lucas treatments. An added benefit is my engine is quieter and smoother at idle than without it.
I carry two of the 5.25 oz Lucas bottles in my trunk, with approx 4 oz Lucas in each. I refill them from the gallon at home. My 4 oz in a bottle will treat my usual fill up of approx 13-13.5 gallons. I have found that increasing the dosage does not increase the results. And when doubling the dose, the results actually decline slightly.
If you need more information, check out bobistheoilguy.com forums. Plenty of info about it on there.
Dave
08-30-2007, 06:05 AM
#14
remember these cleaners are acetone based liquids. they are corrosive by nature. too much of this CAN damage your seals/hoses. use it sparingly, and only do the additive thing once per oil change (preferably right before you change the filter as well)_
08-30-2007, 09:35 AM
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by ROCKART
remember these cleaners are acetone based liquids. they are corrosive by nature. too much of this CAN damage your seals/hoses. use it sparingly, and only do the additive thing once per oil change (preferably right before you change the filter as well)_
its main ingredient is "petroleum hydrocarbon" which is another term for mineral oil - and that is exactly what lucas claims the product to be: a 40wt mineral oil with a stiff dose of additives & detergents (just like motor oil), and no solvents (acetone is a strong solvent). hence the term UCL, or "upper cylinder lube".
10-10-2010, 11:21 AM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Illinois
Posts: 399
Lucas UCL is perfectly safe to use in every fill up at the recommended dosage of 3 oz/10 gals fuel. This is not a "powerful" cleaner like Techron or Regane. It's primary purpose is to lubricate upper cylinders, fuel pumps, and fuel injectors. It's cleaning ability is very small. It is much more effective in preventing deposits than cleaning them.
I have been using it routinely for years in two different Nissans. I have also tracked my mileage in a spreadhseet for many years in both vehicles. I have a very consistent trend of better mileage with Lucas UCL (and even MMO) than without. In my case, the mileage improvement easily pays for the Lucas treatments. An added benefit is my engine is quieter and smoother at idle than without it.
I carry two of the 5.25 oz Lucas bottles in my trunk, with approx 4 oz Lucas in each. I refill them from the gallon at home. My 4 oz in a bottle will treat my usual fill up of approx 13-13.5 gallons. I have found that increasing the dosage does not increase the results. And when doubling the dose, the results actually decline slightly.
If you need more information, check out bobistheoilguy.com forums. Plenty of info about it on there.
Dave
I have been using it routinely for years in two different Nissans. I have also tracked my mileage in a spreadhseet for many years in both vehicles. I have a very consistent trend of better mileage with Lucas UCL (and even MMO) than without. In my case, the mileage improvement easily pays for the Lucas treatments. An added benefit is my engine is quieter and smoother at idle than without it.
I carry two of the 5.25 oz Lucas bottles in my trunk, with approx 4 oz Lucas in each. I refill them from the gallon at home. My 4 oz in a bottle will treat my usual fill up of approx 13-13.5 gallons. I have found that increasing the dosage does not increase the results. And when doubling the dose, the results actually decline slightly.
If you need more information, check out bobistheoilguy.com forums. Plenty of info about it on there.
Dave
This in combination with premium gas and the yearly seafoam treatment has kept the engine running smooth as butter...
09-23-2012, 08:35 AM
#21
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 2
i ordered a one gallon bottle of lucas fuel system cleaner and by accident they sent me two. now this is good for 49 fill ups. they recommend a treatment every 3k miles which translates to a 12 year supply. so i was thinking maybe i should dump a treatment at every fill up which would last me two years. is there a downside to doing this? i drive 80% city driving and always use shell or chevron 91 octane (highest offered in CA). they say too much of anything is bad so i was wondering if there are any downsides of using a treatment at every fill up ??
09-23-2012, 08:41 AM
#22
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 2
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jmlee44
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
8
10-02-2022 02:13 PM
My Coffee
New Member Introductions
15
06-06-2017 02:01 PM
