How effective are fuel system cleanings at quick oil change centers?

Question

I'm curious to know if anyone knows really how effective those fuel system and fuel injector cleanings offered at quick change oil stations are? if anyone out there really is an expert, maybe a full rundown of the standard services offered at these stations and your opinion on each would be helpful.

Thanks

Answer 1

Fuel injector cleaner that is put in your tank will do no harm, it also does no good either. That is why it is a big money maker. These shops know you will never see the difference but the psychology of having this service done on your car will make you think it runs better. Skip it. Find your manufactures recommended service schedule either on line or in your owners manual. Stick to the intervals and recommended services and fluids. Do not let these Quickie service places up sell you on things not specified. I would avoid them all together and simply rely on a good full service garage. That way when you do have a more pressing problem you will already have a rapport with a good mechanic.

Answer 2

They all use the same method. They should disconnect power to the fuel pump, hook up an aerosol can to the fuel rail/line, start the car and let it run until the can is empty. Then they pour a bottle of cleaner in the gas tank if it is full or tell you to pour it next time you fill up.



The alleged need for this service generally stems from the use of fuel that has a high alcohol content and no additives or detergents. Not too often the inside of an injector is "dirty" but the older style fuel injection does leave room for the temperatures inside the intake manifold to be high enough so that when the car is shut off the gasoline can boil inside the injector which leaves deposits. The new direct injection systems should eliminate this problem. Kind of like the old VW "Jetronic" fuel injection. I don't recall ever hearing of a need to clean the old "Jetronic" fuel injection.



Little chunks of crud will collect on the body of the fuel injector and corrupt the even spray of the gasoline while the car is running. Sometimes these little chunks (like stalactites) collect in the intake manifold or on the fuel injectors and break off and lodge in the EGR-valve and this makes the car run rough or stall when at idle. Most of the time the EGR valve is removed and cleaned but the problem can persist from deposits inside the intake manifold.



Best bet is to use a product like Gumout in the gas tank every oil change to keep these fuel injector and cheap fuel problems in check. Or use a fuel brand that says it has cleaners or detergents added.



The one small problem that can exist on the current fuel injection cleaning method is attaching the aerosol can to the fuel rail. This bypasses the fuel filter so it's possible to get something in the fuel line between the aerosol can and the injectors.



Good Luck!

Answer 3

As a repair shop owner for many years.. I now regard most of these services as "Wallet flushes"



As fuel formulations and car technology's change many things come and go. Motor vacs and chemical injector & rail flushes are useful on some models and materials and worthless on others.



A motor vac service/injector cleaning on many vehicles will indeed make them run smoother and achieve higher vacuum due to the removal of valve deposits and injector pattern improvement... the problem is that It only lasts for a few thousand miles. I have at least 40 cans of rail cleaner and motor vac chemical that I have not used in years.... I just don't feel that I am doing my customers a service unless its a model with injector issues (like Chevy vortecs) or a very high mile engine with compression issues due to valve carbon buildup.

Answer 4

I think this service is a money grab for the ones that opt for it. the same think can be achieved by using a good injector cleaner like STP and added yourself every three or four tanks. I will partake in the oil and filter changes and that is about it. My belts are always cracked and my wipers are always rotted, but darn, they keep on working also. i just say no thanks and inspect these items on my own.



The STP may be just a placebo for my brain also, but it does give me that warm fuzzy feeling I am doing the right thing. Havent had a fuel problem in all the yrs I have done this (knock on wood)

Answer 5

waste of money modern gas has detergents in it to clean the system as you drive and you can always put a bottle of injector cleaner in the gas if you want to, quick change oil stations are also risky many times I have seen them rev the engine after an oil change BEFORE the filter has had time to fill with oil and you can hear the bearings knocking and lifters rattling until the oil starts to circulate, that's 10000 miles of wear right there

Answer 6

I wouldn't recommend it, that's for sure. I've heard horror stories of people being pushed to get these services, and then having their engines die the next day, only for the place to deny any responsibility. Plus, most manufacturers don't recommend cleanings, or at least not in the way that these places do them.

Answer 7

Their more effective in slow oil change centers, where the premium is based on return clientele and not out-the-door,-NEXT!