Fuel Injector Cleaner for Maxima?
02-21-2006, 03:24 PM
#1
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Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 209
Fuel Injector Cleaner for Maxima?
Well, my '01 Maxima has about 64K miles on it and it seems to have lost some power (or throttle responsiveness, so to speak).
I am planning to use a bottle of the so-called fuel injector cleaner (of course, the name brand Chevron, no STP whatsoever).
Will it do any good or am I ruining my Maxima's O2 sensors/cat converter? I have used 91 gas since it was new.
Any experience or comments?
I am planning to use a bottle of the so-called fuel injector cleaner (of course, the name brand Chevron, no STP whatsoever).
Will it do any good or am I ruining my Maxima's O2 sensors/cat converter? I have used 91 gas since it was new.
Any experience or comments?
02-21-2006, 04:07 PM
#2
Originally Posted by jzwu
Well, my '01 Maxima has about 64K miles on it and it seems to have lost some power (or throttle responsiveness, so to speak).
I am planning to use a bottle of the so-called fuel injector cleaner (of course, the name brand Chevron, no STP whatsoever).
Will it do any good or am I ruining my Maxima's O2 sensors/cat converter? I have used 91 gas since it was new.
Any experience or comments?
I am planning to use a bottle of the so-called fuel injector cleaner (of course, the name brand Chevron, no STP whatsoever).
Will it do any good or am I ruining my Maxima's O2 sensors/cat converter? I have used 91 gas since it was new.
Any experience or comments?
If you've never used it before then I'd recommend doing so because it can only help. Shell actually puts this stuff directly into their Premium fuel.
02-21-2006, 04:17 PM
#3
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Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 209
Thanks! I know Seafoam is the thing to avoid at all cost.
I searched the net. It seems safe to use the fuel inject cleaner but the results are mixed at best.
Another suggestion I got is to use different brands of premium (91?) gas since all oil companies put cleaner additives into it and they work in different ways. By using them all, you reap the benefits of them all (I hope).
I searched the net. It seems safe to use the fuel inject cleaner but the results are mixed at best.
Another suggestion I got is to use different brands of premium (91?) gas since all oil companies put cleaner additives into it and they work in different ways. By using them all, you reap the benefits of them all (I hope).
02-21-2006, 04:19 PM
#4
The dealer actually has a fuel injector cleaner service. They disconnect the fuel rail and actually run the cleaner through the injectors. I had that done with a throttle body service and thought it made everything run a bit nicer.
02-21-2006, 04:46 PM
#5
If you do get some cleaner, get the BG 44K cleaner. 
http://www.bgprod.com/products/fuelair.html
I've used it before, as have many others on the forum.
I should probably order another can soon. Check around for the best price. (and no, that is NOT soda pop)
http://www.bgprod.com/products/fuelair.htmlI've used it before, as have many others on the forum.
I should probably order another can soon. Check around for the best price. (and no, that is NOT soda pop)
02-21-2006, 05:51 PM
#7
I've been told from a wrecker service that i used to work for that fuel injector cleaners... when put through the fuel tank are not really good for the car. I did it to my '95 max and it seemed to hurt it more than help it. I've also been told that using it repeatedly... such as 500 miles before every oil change is a big "no no"
Just my .02
Just my .02
02-21-2006, 07:02 PM
#8
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 180
Have you advanced the timing on your Max to 17*? I had a 2000 Max with over 100K miles on it, I thought it was getting a little bit doggy, so I replaced the plugs, which was certainly due by any standards and had the local dealership advance the timing. When I left the dealership, I was pleased with the added spunk off the line and the car just seemed to run better all around. I had always used premium fuel and I finally found a way to take advantage of it! If you haven't advanced your timing yet, you might want to consider it.
02-21-2006, 07:30 PM
#9
Originally Posted by ressling
I've been told from a wrecker service that i used to work for that fuel injector cleaners... when put through the fuel tank are not really good for the car. I did it to my '95 max and it seemed to hurt it more than help it. I've also been told that using it repeatedly... such as 500 miles before every oil change is a big "no no"
Just my .02
Just my .02
02-21-2006, 07:48 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Sandy, Utah
Posts: 125
Surprised that this post has gone this long before someone said "maybe it isn't your injectors..." so I'll say it... Maybe it isn't your injectors. Or fuel system at all... What other symptoms are there? I'm sure you would have changed your air filter at least before coming to the conclusion that it is your fuel system. As far as fuel injector cleaner goes... If your injectors are plugged or otherwise screwed up, a bottle in the tank isn't going to do ****. Well, the BK44 might do a little but for $15++ a can I would look elsewhere first... My $.02 worth
02-22-2006, 03:18 AM
#14
Waaaiiiit a sec.... i thought Seafoam was like one of the best things to happen to engines around here, at least thats what it seemed like from reading old threads, i havent used it in a while but it didnt affect my O2's or anything. Guys put it in the gas, crankcase, run it through the engine through the brake booster line, all that stuff. I also thought Lucas Oil's fuel injector cleaner was pretty good, along with chevron
02-22-2006, 06:28 AM
#16
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 33
Originally Posted by carsarecool
Waaaiiiit a sec.... i thought Seafoam was like one of the best things to happen to engines around here, at least thats what it seemed like from reading old threads, i havent used it in a while but it didnt affect my O2's or anything. Guys put it in the gas, crankcase, run it through the engine through the brake booster line, all that stuff. I also thought Lucas Oil's fuel injector cleaner was pretty good, along with chevron
seafom through the brake booster is one of the first things i did to my 2002 SE when i got it (used with 40k on the odo) because of everyone raving about it on the org.
i had no problems using it. did not make a night and day difference but the car ran smoother afterwards. also i had a nice feeling that the gunk in the intake manifold was cleared out
02-22-2006, 08:10 AM
#17
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Posts: 209
Originally Posted by bvenvert
Have you advanced the timing on your Max to 17*? I had a 2000 Max with over 100K miles on it, I thought it was getting a little bit doggy, so I replaced the plugs, which was certainly due by any standards and had the local dealership advance the timing. When I left the dealership, I was pleased with the added spunk off the line and the car just seemed to run better all around. I had always used premium fuel and I finally found a way to take advantage of it! If you haven't advanced your timing yet, you might want to consider it.
Well, I have changed out the air filter multiple times so it is not the issue. Advancing timing is a good idea. But again, isn't the ECU supposed to do that when you drive aggressively, i.e., ECU learning? Once you start normal driving, it will retard back the timing.
Perhaps ECU learning is only to a certain degree. Can I advance the timing myself somehow? I hate the dealer(stealer)ship. Last oil change took me a whooping full hour.
02-22-2006, 04:18 PM
#20
I always thought quailty gas had plenty of cleaners. So fuel injection cleaner seems like a waste of money. I mean come on I've seen some costing .99 and others costing 15.00. How big a difference is it gonna make in your cars performance.
02-23-2006, 12:45 PM
#27
From my understanding, the type of fuel cleaners that you insert into your gas tank are bad due to the chemicals used to break up deposits that originally clogged your fuel line.
So in theory, the chemicals are breaking up deposits stuck into your fuel filter and making them travel downstream where they eventually plug up the fuel injectors.
Now don't go all crazy on me now, this is what i've been told and isn't my personal opinion.
So in theory, the chemicals are breaking up deposits stuck into your fuel filter and making them travel downstream where they eventually plug up the fuel injectors.
Now don't go all crazy on me now, this is what i've been told and isn't my personal opinion.
02-23-2006, 01:39 PM
#28
Originally Posted by jackwu
I use one can of BG 44K every 5000 mi . It works very well.
02-23-2006, 06:08 PM
#31
Originally Posted by soonerfan
people (newbies) that post stuff like they are an authority crack me up.
seafoam - will not hurt your O2 sensors
cevron - no better then STP
BG44K - the only injector cleaner that actually works
seafoam - will not hurt your O2 sensors
cevron - no better then STP
BG44K - the only injector cleaner that actually works
NOT cool dude.
And what is "cevron"? I don't know much about cars and I've never heard of it... Maybe you do know a lot more after all. So I'm sorry, I take my previous remarks back.
I'm sorry jzwu if I mislead you. I see after reading my original post that it sounds like I was sure seafoam messes up your O2's when in fact that's not my opinion. I always start my thoughts with "I think" so it doesn't sound like I'm making any kind of definite statement... but it didn't work out so well that time. What I was thinking at the time was that I know fuel injectors shouldn't effect O2's but the only time I've seen seen people say somthing was ruining their O2 sensors was when they were talking about Seafoam.
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?p=3109528
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=391825
Seafoam shouldn't hurt your O2's but some people suspect that it might. I actually plan to use Seafoam this summer for the first time...
02-24-2006, 09:26 AM
#32
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Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 209
I see all these opinions/arguments. Everyone is entitled to express one's thoughts. This is actually a good demonstration of democracy, not often seen in my native country.
For myself, I have poured in one bottle of Chevron Techron fuel inject cleaner in the gas tank. Whatever it does or not do, so be it.
Peace, guys. The sky won't fall whatever you do to your car.
For myself, I have poured in one bottle of Chevron Techron fuel inject cleaner in the gas tank. Whatever it does or not do, so be it.
Peace, guys. The sky won't fall whatever you do to your car.
02-24-2006, 11:32 PM
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Posts: 1,994
Originally Posted by Metal Maxima
Chevron Techron is the only one I would ever put in my car. I use it 500 miles before every oil change.
Yes, different oil companies use different fuel injector cleaner additives in their gasoline. Some put a higher treatment rates in their premium gasoline than the other grades. All put the government mandated minimum treatment rate in all of their grades. My experience is that most do not put in a high enough dosage to keep the injectors (and combustion chamber) clean. And certainly the mandated minimum is not enough. So those who say you should not use any additive are using it when they buy gasoline -- only at a lower treatment rate.
The oil company I worked for (not Chevron) used Techron in their gasoline (this company now has a different name due to merger and probably uses a different additive). I know from talking to the research scientists when I was working that Techron was among the best of these fuel system cleaners. So I stick with what I know. (Unless your Max has a carburator, don't waste your time with Gumout.)
02-25-2006, 12:36 AM
#39
still brewin'
Join Date: May 2005
Location: MA, lost in GA
Posts: 317
has anyone used the valvoline FI cleaner. It's a 3 step process simmilar to seafoam. Bottle for the gas tank, hookup with apparatus for vacuum line, and TB cleaner with a little brush. My 2nd gen's MAF unit was put out of commission because of this product; it would'nt start. A call to Valvoline HQ confirmed this as soon as I told the tech my symptons.
02-25-2006, 01:51 PM
#40
Originally Posted by soonerfan
DING DING DING
Originally Posted by SilverMax_04
I worked for an oil company for 35 years before I retired in 1998. I'm also a Mechanical Engineer by training.
Originally Posted by SilverMax_04
The oil company I worked for (not Chevron) used Techron in their gasoline (this company now has a different name due to merger and probably uses a different additive). I know from talking to the research scientists when I was working that Techron was among the best of these fuel system cleaners. So I stick with what I know. (Unless your Max has a carburator, don't waste your time with Gumout.)
Techron