Fuel System Cleaner

joegeeZe · 01-01-2011, 09:39 PM

I've done research on this but I haven't really found a definitive answer to my question.

So, Monday I am going to change the oil. I've read a lot about chevron techron fuel injector cleaner and I want to start using it as part of preventative maintenance.

My question pertains to when to pour the stuff in. Right now I have about an 1/8th of a tank of gas left. So I planned on going to buy the cleaner, pouring it in right after I buy it, driving around for a few miles/running errands, drive home and change the oil.

Is this the best way to do it? Or should I change the oil first, fill up on gas, go and buy the cleaner and pour it in after the purchase?

Thanks guys.

VTECaddict · 01-01-2011, 10:40 PM

Pour it in at the gas station right before you fill up. Then change oil after you burn through the new tank of gas.

ShastaMan · 01-01-2011, 10:44 PM

It should be added to your gas tank now (you are at 1/8 full now) then fill the tank until completely full.

viperssd · 01-01-2011, 11:36 PM

Does the stuff actually work or will you still need to do something like seafoam to keep the injectors clean?

viperssd · 01-02-2011, 12:53 AM

Good to know, thanks for the info!

ttbmer · 01-02-2011, 01:35 AM

Great info!! I was abt to post some like this too. Should be getting mine done in the next 3 weeks. Can I buy this cleaner at auto zone ?? The concentrated and tge regular one

ttbmer · 01-02-2011, 01:37 AM

Oh and is it there an oil system cleaner or there not such a thing? And is it necessary as well??

rosskie · 01-02-2011, 01:40 AM

sea foam?

ttbmer · 01-02-2011, 01:52 AM

Techron

Chriztofor · 01-02-2011, 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viperssd

Does the stuff actually work or will you still need to do something like seafoam to keep the injectors clean?

Yes, it works. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=390060

ChasVS · 01-02-2011, 07:35 AM

Techron. You can order the concentrate on-line ( every 3000miles) us or in the less concentrated form (every 1000 miles) at places like COSTCO.

joegeeZe · 01-02-2011, 11:46 AM

What about the fuel filter? I looked at getbmwparts.com and its over $200? Anyone know where the fuel filter is and if its an easy DIY?

Why isnt the feul filter part of the scheduled maintenance?

Tag · 01-02-2011, 12:19 PM

Red Line SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner

FTW

Use with a full tank and then get your oil change. Cleaners break down carbon which gets in your oil as well as some of the solvent which affects your viscosity.

Bartman619 · 01-02-2011, 01:02 PM

you shouldn't really need to use any type of fuel system cleaner as long as you use any of the Top Tier gas that BMW recommends. If not, I would suggest Chevron Techroline, or Red Line S-1. If you want to really clean your system, use something like Seafoam or BG in your fuel, crank case and vacuum lines...guaranteed it will clean any deposits. Be sure to change your oil after using Seafoam and BG.

Chriztofor · 01-02-2011, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joegeeZe

What about the fuel filter? I looked at getbmwparts.com and its over $200? Anyone know where the fuel filter is and if its an easy DIY?

Why isnt the feul filter part of the scheduled maintenance?

Fuel filter is located in the gas tank under the seat and I believe it is integrated with the sending unit; the part alone is over $250. Instead of replacing it I use chevron techron fuel injector cleaner and works like a charm. Too bad the fuel filter is not like the e46 which was located under the car and cost about $50 for the part (and it was HUGE).

DTRJ · 01-02-2011, 04:40 PM

The BMW fuel system cleaner is Techron concentrate relabeled as BMW. It is the best and highly recommended. Cost is about $13 at Bmw or get it at autozone for a couple of bucks less

ttbmer · 01-02-2011, 08:00 PM

I got one bottle today at cheveron gas station for 13$ the concentrated one, and a box of six containers the non-concentrated one for 15$ at cosco.
Many people in my town (Vegas) is telling not to use seafoam!! So I'm going with the techron staff

SupremeTeam · 01-06-2011, 01:56 PM

I was just at autozone yesterday and they had the techron concentrated for 7.99.

I actually bought the gumout fuel system cleaner, the guy at the counter recommended it over the techron and told me mechanics have been buying boxes of it since it was on sale.

Does the bg or bk44 stuff help with the carbon buildup on the valves? The more I research DI the more I dislike it. I would rather give up 10-20hp and 1-2mpg and have the N54 use port-injection instead.

Chriztofor · 01-06-2011, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SupremeTeam

I was just at autozone yesterday and they had the techron concentrated for 7.99.

I actually bought the gumout fuel system cleaner, the guy at the counter recommended it over the techron and told me mechanics have been buying boxes of it since it was on sale.

Does the bg or bk44 stuff help with the carbon buildup on the valves? The more I research DI the more I dislike it. I would rather give up 10-20hp and 1-2mpg and have the N54 use port-injection instead.

Always do the OPPOSITE of what the guy behind the counter tells you.

AWD Addict · 01-06-2011, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chriztofor

Always do the OPPOSITE of what the guy behind the counter tells you.

He's right. The Gumout stuff is effectively snakeoil.

Anyone use xylene or toluene mixes for this? It's cheaper, and you'll get an octane boost.

aah78 · 01-13-2011, 03:18 PM

Why is it recommended to change oil after using the fuel system cleaner?

I have a bottle of the Techron Concentrate Plus 20oz. and the instructions don't call for changing oil.

I also went through a couple of other forums, where members have used this additive but nobody mentioned getting an oil change.

Thanks!

MatchesMalone · 01-13-2011, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aah78

Why is it recommended to change oil after using the fuel system cleaner?

I have a bottle of the Techron Concentrate Plus 20oz. and the instructions don't call for changing oil.

I also went through a couple of other forums, where members have used this additive but nobody mentioned getting an oil change.

Thanks!

I've seen lots of people on here say that after running through a bottle of the stuff, it can liberate deposits of built up gunk/sludge. However, I don't fully understand how any significant amount would get from the fuel system into the oil. Personally, I've always done it to be safe.

01-01-2011, 09:39 PM	#1
joegeeZe Private First Class 14 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2007 328i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Freehold iTrader: (1)	Fuel System Cleaner I've done research on this but I haven't really found a definitive answer to my question. So, Monday I am going to change the oil. I've read a lot about chevron techron fuel injector cleaner and I want to start using it as part of preventative maintenance. My question pertains to when to pour the stuff in. Right now I have about an 1/8th of a tank of gas left. So I planned on going to buy the cleaner, pouring it in right after I buy it, driving around for a few miles/running errands, drive home and change the oil. Is this the best way to do it? Or should I change the oil first, fill up on gas, go and buy the cleaner and pour it in after the purchase? Thanks guys.
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01-01-2011, 10:40 PM	#2
VTECaddict Where'd my VTEC go? 481 Rep 6,067 Posts Drives: 06 330i 6MT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (4)	Pour it in at the gas station right before you fill up. Then change oil after you burn through the new tank of gas. __________________ AW/Terra \| ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| iDrive \| CA Mods: BC BR coilovers \| Blacklines \| M-tech rear \| dual exhaust \| M3 steering wheel \| BMW SSK \| ZHP shift knob \| High-kick CF spoiler \| NBT Retrofit M3 front control arms \| M3 rear guide rods \| Manzo rear toe and camber links \| Monroe rear shock mounts \| Varrstoen ES1 19x9.5+20 Front, 19x11+25 rear
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01-01-2011, 10:44 PM	#3
ShastaMan Colonel 5 Rep 158 Posts Drives: 2009 335i E90 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Shasta County, Calif. iTrader: (0)	It should be added to your gas tank now (you are at 1/8 full now) then fill the tank until completely full.
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01-01-2011, 11:36 PM	#4
viperssd Private First Class 17 Rep 184 Posts Drives: 2023 AW X7 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ohio, USA iTrader: (2)	Does the stuff actually work or will you still need to do something like seafoam to keep the injectors clean? __________________ 2011 335i xDrive E92 Montego Blue (Ret.) 2004 Z4 3.0i E85 Black Black Sapphire (Ret.)
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01-02-2011, 12:53 AM	#5
viperssd Private First Class 17 Rep 184 Posts Drives: 2023 AW X7 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ohio, USA iTrader: (2)	Good to know, thanks for the info! __________________ 2011 335i xDrive E92 Montego Blue (Ret.) 2004 Z4 3.0i E85 Black Black Sapphire (Ret.)
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01-02-2011, 01:35 AM	#6
ttbmer Lieutenant Colonel 69 Rep 1,943 Posts Drives: space gray on black 07 335i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: las Vegas nv iTrader: (15)	Great info!! I was abt to post some like this too. Should be getting mine done in the next 3 weeks. Can I buy this cleaner at auto zone ?? The concentrated and tge regular one __________________ PROCEDE, PWM Vishnu Kit, AR catless DP, BMS DCI, Helix IC, P3 gauge, 25% window tint, mattblack window trim, mattblack roof wrapped. Vorstainer CSL trunk, CF wrapped interior, 18'' Forgestar F14 Matt black, quaife LSD, M3 suspension bits, Mtech front bumper). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8JIB8C8HDA
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01-02-2011, 01:37 AM	#7
ttbmer Lieutenant Colonel 69 Rep 1,943 Posts Drives: space gray on black 07 335i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: las Vegas nv iTrader: (15)	Oh and is it there an oil system cleaner or there not such a thing? And is it necessary as well?? __________________ PROCEDE, PWM Vishnu Kit, AR catless DP, BMS DCI, Helix IC, P3 gauge, 25% window tint, mattblack window trim, mattblack roof wrapped. Vorstainer CSL trunk, CF wrapped interior, 18'' Forgestar F14 Matt black, quaife LSD, M3 suspension bits, Mtech front bumper). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8JIB8C8HDA
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01-02-2011, 01:40 AM	#8
rosskie Major 34 Rep 1,118 Posts Drives: 335 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: albany or iTrader: (11)	sea foam?
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01-02-2011, 01:52 AM	#9
ttbmer Lieutenant Colonel 69 Rep 1,943 Posts Drives: space gray on black 07 335i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: las Vegas nv iTrader: (15)	Techron __________________ PROCEDE, PWM Vishnu Kit, AR catless DP, BMS DCI, Helix IC, P3 gauge, 25% window tint, mattblack window trim, mattblack roof wrapped. Vorstainer CSL trunk, CF wrapped interior, 18'' Forgestar F14 Matt black, quaife LSD, M3 suspension bits, Mtech front bumper). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8JIB8C8HDA
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01-02-2011, 07:35 AM	#11
ChasVS Colonel 40 Rep 2,431 Posts Drives: 2012 MB ML350 Bluetec Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Central FL iTrader: (10)	Techron. You can order the concentrate on-line ( every 3000miles) us or in the less concentrated form (every 1000 miles) at places like COSTCO.
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01-02-2011, 11:46 AM	#12
joegeeZe Private First Class 14 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2007 328i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Freehold iTrader: (1)	What about the fuel filter? I looked at getbmwparts.com and its over $200? Anyone know where the fuel filter is and if its an easy DIY? Why isnt the feul filter part of the scheduled maintenance?
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01-02-2011, 12:19 PM	#13
Tag this is the way 18345 Rep 8,553 Posts Drives: N-1 starfighter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Chicago iTrader: (3)	Red Line SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner FTW Use with a full tank and then get your oil change. Cleaners break down carbon which gets in your oil as well as some of the solvent which affects your viscosity.
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01-02-2011, 01:02 PM	#14
Bartman619 Captain 25 Rep 701 Posts Drives: Bimmer Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: SDCA iTrader: (2)	you shouldn't really need to use any type of fuel system cleaner as long as you use any of the Top Tier gas that BMW recommends. If not, I would suggest Chevron Techroline, or Red Line S-1. If you want to really clean your system, use something like Seafoam or BG in your fuel, crank case and vacuum lines...guaranteed it will clean any deposits. Be sure to change your oil after using Seafoam and BG.
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01-02-2011, 04:40 PM	#16
DTRJ First Lieutenant 65 Rep 351 Posts Drives: 2024 X4 M40I Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: EAST COAST iTrader: (0)	The BMW fuel system cleaner is Techron concentrate relabeled as BMW. It is the best and highly recommended. Cost is about $13 at Bmw or get it at autozone for a couple of bucks less
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01-02-2011, 08:00 PM	#17
ttbmer Lieutenant Colonel 69 Rep 1,943 Posts Drives: space gray on black 07 335i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: las Vegas nv iTrader: (15)	I got one bottle today at cheveron gas station for 13$ the concentrated one, and a box of six containers the non-concentrated one for 15$ at cosco. Many people in my town (Vegas) is telling not to use seafoam!! So I'm going with the techron staff __________________ PROCEDE, PWM Vishnu Kit, AR catless DP, BMS DCI, Helix IC, P3 gauge, 25% window tint, mattblack window trim, mattblack roof wrapped. Vorstainer CSL trunk, CF wrapped interior, 18'' Forgestar F14 Matt black, quaife LSD, M3 suspension bits, Mtech front bumper). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8JIB8C8HDA
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01-06-2011, 01:56 PM	#18
SupremeTeam New Member 0 Rep 28 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: SO CAL iTrader: (0)	I was just at autozone yesterday and they had the techron concentrated for 7.99. I actually bought the gumout fuel system cleaner, the guy at the counter recommended it over the techron and told me mechanics have been buying boxes of it since it was on sale. Does the bg or bk44 stuff help with the carbon buildup on the valves? The more I research DI the more I dislike it. I would rather give up 10-20hp and 1-2mpg and have the N54 use port-injection instead. __________________ Do what thou wilt.
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01-13-2011, 03:18 PM	#21
aah78 - 12 Rep 96 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335i, 2014 BMW 550i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NYC / BOM iTrader: (3)	oil change required Why is it recommended to change oil after using the fuel system cleaner? I have a bottle of the Techron Concentrate Plus 20oz. and the instructions don't call for changing oil. I also went through a couple of other forums, where members have used this additive but nobody mentioned getting an oil change. Thanks!
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