General Recommendations for Fuel Additives that Clean System?

[rstrube]

I realize there are probably many opinions on this, but what do you, the Samba community, recommend?

My go to has always been Seafoam. I saw the @kourt recommended Berryman B-12 Chemtool. There's also Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubricant and Injector Cleaner.


Any opinions would be very welcome!
Rob

[kourt]

My prior reference to Berryman B-12 Chemtool was the sprayable version.

I have never used their additive fuel system cleaner product, except as a parts bath.

Techron has always been the standard by which I measured additives. I've used Techron and an "Italian tuneup" (aggressive driving) to get an old Volvo engine to pass emissions.

I have decided that Seafoam is too aggressive for me and I won't buy it anymore.

kourt

[mikemtnbike]

I use Techron annually it’s at least proven harmless over an effectively limitless sample beyond any of us. The seat of my pants also thinks it helps.
_________________
1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual

[HeyCrutch]

Since the terms additive and system cleaner get used, perhaps interchangeably, I thought I would inquire if this is the liquid Kourt and Mike are referring to:

https://www.chevronlubricants.com/en_us/home/products/techron-complete-fuel-system-cleaner.html
_________________
-2003 EV MV Weekender- Dragon Emerald Pearl- 24v VR6 - Forest
-2002 EV Camper- Arctic White - 24v VR6 - Ghost 2.0
-2003 EV GLS- Reflex Silver- 24v VR6 - (For Parts)

-1997 EV Camper- Arctic White- 12v VR6 (SOLD)

[bigfoot_ev]

I think of the additives as a cleaner, hopefully on the fuel injectors specifically. When I was trying to decide on whether or not to even use an additive I started to learn that the first thing one should do is select quality fuel. I now try to always use Chevron w/techron or Shell with V-power. The extra cost is worth it to me.

But, I also picked up a 6 pack of Gumout Regane to add periodically. No special reason over techron other than it was a good price.

If you really want to go down the rabbit hole there is always BITOG.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/chevron-techron-vs-gumout-regane.154814
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/which-gasolines-have-techron.86211/

[EuroTec]

Most "fuel system cleaners" are 90% Naptha with a bit of Acetone, both of which you can buy at the hardware store MUCH cheaper. I've used straight Naptha a few times.
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If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

[HeyCrutch]

I found this video to be informative ... some good history of Chevron as the pioneer in the field of detergents for gasoline. The additive isn't a fix, it's a preventer of build up, same as the detergents in gas. But I'm your huckleberry, so it's Techron at least once a year for me, from now on.

https://youtu.be/MAAJCEatYsY?si=7XTyguJUrydi0MX0

I also only use Top Tier gas in the vans and alternate between 89 and 93 (91 isn't common in my area).[/url]
_________________
-2003 EV MV Weekender- Dragon Emerald Pearl- 24v VR6 - Forest
-2002 EV Camper- Arctic White - 24v VR6 - Ghost 2.0
-2003 EV GLS- Reflex Silver- 24v VR6 - (For Parts)

-1997 EV Camper- Arctic White- 12v VR6 (SOLD)

[raygreenwood]