Fuel additives?

mkgarrison5 · 02-07-2007, 04:50 AM

hey guys got a 02 4x4 tacoma 3.4 with 78k miles and i have never put anything but fuel in the tank.. i have heard that fuel ( injector cleaner) can be bad. i run nothin but 87. every now and then it will spark nock up steep hills on road but other than that i get roughly 19mpg give or take. i drive over 25k miles a year and i have to have this thing to last lol.. any tips?? thanks guys

mike

***midiwall*** · 02-07-2007, 06:29 AM

There are two popular threads on here talking about SeaFoam... Most of us swear by it:

http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=69490
http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=64836

Past that... Do you have any engine mods?

btw, welcome to YotaTech - don't forget the SEARCH button.

mkgarrison5 · 02-07-2007, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by midiwall

There are two populare threads on here talking about SeaFoam... Most of us swear by it:

http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=69490
http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=64836

Past that... Do you have any engine mods?

btw, welcome to YotaTech - don't forget the SEARCH button.

i have read about seafoam but i have also read about cel lights going off and burning plugs also.... couldnt i just stick with an over the counter injector cleaner or bk's 44? thanks for the reply btw

j944 · 02-07-2007, 06:51 AM

I use Chevron Techron from Walmart on every oil change.
I dont know if its doing anything but it makes feel better.

X-AWDriver · 02-07-2007, 06:52 AM

I use BG44K once a year and the tops of my psitons are carbon free. Seafoam is great for a neglected engine but if you've always used a good FI cleaner most of it's life you'll be ok.

I raced a '93 Eclipse for 8 years (from 22k miles) and only used BGs44k and tore the engine down at 115k and it was surprisingly pretty clean for that many miles.

mkgarrison5 · 02-07-2007, 07:02 AM

i am assuming my engine is not neglected. for one its on the highway most of the time and i avg around 19mpg and have since i owned it at 52k miles and i have 79k miles now. no skips, bad idles or anything. i have put like stp fuel injector cleaner in it once or twice but thats it.. i dont stump jump it at all either. its very well taken care of...

nrgetic99 · 02-07-2007, 07:34 AM

Great advice in this thread.

My personal recommendations :

1. Buy a known brand FI cleaner. (Chevron, STP, Pennzoil etc)
2. For your first treatment, use two to three times the recommended treat rate with a full tank of gas. Do not use on an empty tank.
3. Use regular treat every tank of gas for the next 4 or 5 tanks
4. Use regular treat every oil change with a full tank of gas.

I highly recommend changing the fuel filter after the first 4 or 5 tanks if you have not done so before. The affects of this exact approach on my much loved 93 SR5 with 175K were dramatic to say the least.

If you like the STP products, use the SILVER bottle which is a little more expensive but has a far higher additive concentration. In the end, it pays off.

David

X-AWDriver · 02-07-2007, 08:30 AM

Instead of using the under $10 FI cleaners just use one can of BG44k which is about $20 a can but is stronger than any of the cheap stuff and works very well with one use.

Beartracker · 02-07-2007, 09:18 AM

I vote for the Tech tron. It's not cheap and it works better than Sea foam in my experience. Buy the large container and ad it to about 3/4 of a tank and run the hell out of your vehicle. It will clean the intakes out like new.
Replace the gas filter and clean the MF and throttle body while your at it, Your engine will love you for it.

nrgetic99 · 02-07-2007, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X-AWDriver

Instead of using the under $10 FI cleaners just use one can of BG44k which is about $20 a can but is stronger than any of the cheap stuff and works very well with one use.

Thats a pretty broad generalization.

As far as off brand stuff, probably true. As far as STP Silver, not true.

MTL_4runner · 02-07-2007, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nrgetic99

As far as off brand stuff, probably true. As far as STP Silver, not true.

Never heard of "STP silver" before.

BG44K is an excellent fuel injection service used in many garages and dealers. Seafoam, GM top engine cleaner and other top end cleaners are also very effective at carbon deposit removal. Techtron is also very good, but not quite on the same level with the others mentioned above. As with any of these, you can have issues if you don't run it through in a tank of gas prior to running it full strength either via a vacuum line or in the case of BG44k, via the fuel injector rail.

nrgetic99 · 02-07-2007, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTL_4runner

Never heard of "STP silver" before.

BG44K is an excellent fuel injection service used in many garages and dealers. Seafoam, GM top engine cleaner and other top end cleaners are also very effective at carbon deposit removal. Techtron is also very good, but not quite on the same level with the others mentioned above. As with any of these, you can have issues if you don't run it through in a tank of gas prior to running it full strength either via a vacuum line or in the case of BG44k, via the fuel injector rail.

Just the STP in a SILVER bottle.

Excellent point about a BG system flush. I personally witnessed a newish but high mileage (150k plus) Escort go from 15 mp to 28 mpg with a new fuel filter and a BG system flush connected to the fuel rail.

My point was additives treated into the tank are give or take, the same concentration of actual performance additives dissolved in some kind of carrier.

David

MTL_4runner · 02-07-2007, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nrgetic99

Just the STP in a SILVER bottle.

Excellent point about a BG system flush. I personally witnessed a newish but high mileage (150k plus) Escort go from 15 mp to 28 mpg with a new fuel filter and a BG system flush connected to the fuel rail.

My point was additives treated into the tank are give or take, the same concentration of actual performance additives dissolved in some kind of carrier.

David

David, you're probably going to kill me for asking, but since you are a wealth of info on additives of all kinds, maybe you could do something for us on fuel additives too? (in addition to the Dextron writeup)

snwbdr · 02-07-2007, 06:59 PM

FYI- Chevron gas has techron in it.....around here, a container of techron from autozone or wherever runs around $10.....chevron gas here is less than ten cents more per gallon than the cheapo independent stations......10 cents x 18 gallon tank (02 taco 4x4) is $1.80 more than a normal tank....just something to think about.....

jjrgr21 · 02-07-2007, 07:17 PM

costco has a 4 pack of tech-ron for $11

mkgarrison5 · 02-08-2007, 04:37 AM

interesting stuff

Nic · 02-08-2007, 10:07 PM

As already suggested, BG44k

I used it skeptically and discovered it actually works. A bit pricey per can but worth it.

CJM · 02-08-2007, 10:10 PM

I BG44K used it too and love the stuff!

mkgarrison5 · 02-09-2007, 04:37 AM

well i just got some seafoam yesterday and ill do the treatment this weekend and change the plugs and filter next weekend. ill see if it works or not lol..

MTL_4runner · 02-09-2007, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjrgr21

costco has a 4 pack of tech-ron for $11

Ditto, I get all my Techtron at Costco in the states......I thought only the high-test has Techtron at the Pump.

02-07-2007, 04:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
mkgarrison5 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: burlington, nc Posts: 1,494	Fuel additives? hey guys got a 02 4x4 tacoma 3.4 with 78k miles and i have never put anything but fuel in the tank.. i have heard that fuel ( injector cleaner) can be bad. i run nothin but 87. every now and then it will spark nock up steep hills on road but other than that i get roughly 19mpg give or take. i drive over 25k miles a year and i have to have this thing to last lol.. any tips?? thanks guys mike

02-07-2007, 06:29 AM	#2 (permalink)
*midiwall* Sponsoring Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Seattleish, WA Posts: 9,102	There are two popular threads on here talking about SeaFoam... Most of us swear by it: http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=69490 http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=64836 Past that... Do you have any engine mods? btw, welcome to YotaTech - don't forget the SEARCH button. __________________ ~ Mark '96 4Runner Limited S/C MI - 370cc injectors, Air! horns, Airaid MIT, ATS A-arms, 285/75/R16 BFG MTs, Bored TB, Brembo slotted, Cobra 75 WXST, Deckplate, Downey headers, Hayden cooler, IPT valve body, Level 10 torque convertor, Meanstreak exhaust, OME/OME rears, On-board PC (XM, Nav, WiFi, etc), Port 'n Polish, Remote Start, SAW fronts, Hilux console, SMT-5, Stubb's sliders, Supra MAF, TJM-17, 2.0" pulley, Viair 450c, Walbro 190, Weasy2k cams Last edited by midiwall : 02-07-2007 at 06:55 AM.

02-07-2007, 06:51 AM	#4 (permalink)
j944 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Bonney Lake, WA. Posts: 128	I use Chevron Techron from Walmart on every oil change. I dont know if its doing anything but it makes feel better. __________________ Dont taze me Bro

02-07-2007, 06:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
X-AWDriver Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Littleton,CO Posts: 9,545	I use BG44K once a year and the tops of my psitons are carbon free. Seafoam is great for a neglected engine but if you've always used a good FI cleaner most of it's life you'll be ok. I raced a '93 Eclipse for 8 years (from 22k miles) and only used BGs44k and tore the engine down at 115k and it was surprisingly pretty clean for that many miles. __________________ '99 4Runner Highlander 4wd E-locker,rear diff and deckplate mod * 265/75/16 Nitto TerraGrapplers * Yakima Load Warrior rack * clear corners/signals * Tacoma skidplate * Silverstar lamps/fogs Alpine CDA-9831,Bazooka EL Series 250w amp,MTX 10" sub

02-07-2007, 07:34 AM	#7 (permalink)
nrgetic99 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: VA Posts: 1,045	Great advice in this thread. My personal recommendations : 1. Buy a known brand FI cleaner. (Chevron, STP, Pennzoil etc) 2. For your first treatment, use two to three times the recommended treat rate with a full tank of gas. Do not use on an empty tank. 3. Use regular treat every tank of gas for the next 4 or 5 tanks 4. Use regular treat every oil change with a full tank of gas. I highly recommend changing the fuel filter after the first 4 or 5 tanks if you have not done so before. The affects of this exact approach on my much loved 93 SR5 with 175K were dramatic to say the least. If you like the STP products, use the SILVER bottle which is a little more expensive but has a far higher additive concentration. In the end, it pays off. David __________________ 98 Limited: Taco/Tundra TRD/OME lift, diff drop, LC rims, 32" REVOS, TJM T-17, Magnaflow 93 SR5 V6 4WD * TOTALLED OME lift, Aisin hubs, 31x10.5 Dueller ATon 15x8 AR23's, clears, Silverstars, K&N, Dynomax, Yakima ... 03 V8 Sport. Jaos Center Protector, Landmaster Dual beams, Silverstars, RD leather interior , TRD rims/X-Terrains - gone :-( 99 SR5 "Highlander", SC'd, SAW/Downey,32's,Addco,deck plate, TRD cat back, 1.5Kw stereo ...gone , not forgotten 96 SR5 Dune... 1.5kw stereo

02-07-2007, 07:02 AM	#6 (permalink)
mkgarrison5 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: burlington, nc Posts: 1,494	i am assuming my engine is not neglected. for one its on the highway most of the time and i avg around 19mpg and have since i owned it at 52k miles and i have 79k miles now. no skips, bad idles or anything. i have put like stp fuel injector cleaner in it once or twice but thats it.. i dont stump jump it at all either. its very well taken care of...

02-07-2007, 08:30 AM	#8 (permalink)
X-AWDriver Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Littleton,CO Posts: 9,545	Instead of using the under $10 FI cleaners just use one can of BG44k which is about $20 a can but is stronger than any of the cheap stuff and works very well with one use. __________________ '99 4Runner Highlander 4wd E-locker,rear diff and deckplate mod * 265/75/16 Nitto TerraGrapplers * Yakima Load Warrior rack * clear corners/signals * Tacoma skidplate * Silverstar lamps/fogs Alpine CDA-9831,Bazooka EL Series 250w amp,MTX 10" sub

02-07-2007, 09:18 AM	#9 (permalink)
Beartracker Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 868	I vote for the Tech tron. It's not cheap and it works better than Sea foam in my experience. Buy the large container and ad it to about 3/4 of a tank and run the hell out of your vehicle. It will clean the intakes out like new. Replace the gas filter and clean the MF and throttle body while your at it, Your engine will love you for it. __________________ 2001 Tacoma SR5 4x4 , step side, 2.7 , extended cab, Auto. Mobile 1 syn 5w30 , Valvoline 75-90 syn in front and rear diffs and transfer case. Factory 16" wheels ,31" Wild Country TXR 265/75/R16, Aluminum Betterbuilt bed tool box, CB , 55W Halogen light mounted on tool box for back up, Elbow air box mod, 2 500 Hella running lights, Nissan Clinometers/Altimiter custom mounted on dash with red back lights.Red dome and mapp light.

02-07-2007, 06:59 PM	#14 (permalink)
snwbdr Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Hemet CA Posts: 191	FYI- Chevron gas has techron in it.....around here, a container of techron from autozone or wherever runs around $10.....chevron gas here is less than ten cents more per gallon than the cheapo independent stations......10 cents x 18 gallon tank (02 taco 4x4) is $1.80 more than a normal tank....just something to think about..... __________________ http://www.customtacos.com/gallery2/...l_s_slide2.jpg

02-07-2007, 07:17 PM	#15 (permalink)
jjrgr21 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,418	costco has a 4 pack of tech-ron for $11 __________________ 2003 4WD TRD Tacoma 1986 4Runner

02-08-2007, 04:37 AM	#16 (permalink)
mkgarrison5 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: burlington, nc Posts: 1,494	interesting stuff

02-08-2007, 10:07 PM	#17 (permalink)
Nic Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Decatur, Alabama Posts: 1,042	As already suggested, BG44k I used it skeptically and discovered it actually works. A bit pricey per can but worth it. __________________ Nic 1997 Tacoma 4X4 Xtra Cab 2.7L 5 speed

02-08-2007, 10:10 PM	#18 (permalink)
CJM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4,580	I BG44K used it too and love the stuff! __________________ 96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

02-09-2007, 04:37 AM	#19 (permalink)
mkgarrison5 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: burlington, nc Posts: 1,494	well i just got some seafoam yesterday and ill do the treatment this weekend and change the plugs and filter next weekend. ill see if it works or not lol..