Diff in fuel system cleaner and fuel injector cleaner?

[simmons1]

Difference between "fuel system cleaner" and "fuel injector cleaner"?

STP makes a "Complete Fuel System Cleaner" and also a "Fuel Injector Cleaner" what is the difference? They both go directly into the tank and follow the same path so how can one just be an "Injector cleaner" and the other a "Complete fuel system cleaner". Are they actaully the same product packaged differently? STP is not the only mfg that has these two additives. I am just using it as an example. Are there any real advantages to spending the extra couple of dollar for the "system cleaner" rather than the "injector cleaner". If you want to add "Gas Treatment" to the mix. They all seem the same to me. Can anyone with more knowledge then me answer this?

 

[simmons1]

No one has any info on this???? I can't believe it with all of you gurus lurking around.

 

[XplorerKid]

The only thing i can think that is different is that maybe one or the other might have a few extra additives to clean more ares..... like say that product A is complete fuel cleaner its gunna have every need additive to clean EVERYTHING
and ifi u go with product B which is the fuel Injector cleaner it might only have the additvies to clean the injectors

but DONT qoute me on ne of this becuz im not sure about it

PEACE

 

[jackrod]

I'm not an expert and the info I give here is just my opinion.

I've searched for information on numerous fuel additives - most do not offer any info on what additives are used other than it uses petrolium distillates(in the warning section).

Most of the fuel additives only offer varying amount of cleaning properties. Using the STP example, the fuel injector cleaner cleans the injectors (remove carbon deposit build-ups?) - the fuel system cleaners have additional additives (to also remove varnish?). A few also have lubricating additives for the upper cylinders.

I've tried most of them - injector cleaners and system cleaners. I didn't notice any difference with any of them except Lucas fuel additive. To be specific - I didn't notice any performance or gas economy improvements, but I did notice that the engine runs/feels smoother.

I don't have any means to varify or measure any kind of protection/improvement that any of these products may or may not give, but that smoother "engine" feel make "me" feel better.

 

[RiverRat]

This is just my opinion. I have no facts to back this up but I don't think they do anything. The only FI cleaners that are good are the ones that dealers use. They disable your fuel pump and inject the cleaner right into the fuel rail.

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

The best "pour in" cleaner is BG44k. Many dealers use this, and it does work. Its EXPENSIVE though, $20 for a single tank treatment.

Your local autoparts store won't sell it. Chevy dealers often carry it.

 

[mosinman]

injector cleaners

Try Chevron Techron. They invented and own the patent on this synthetic cleaner. It's in their gas and is also sold as a kit to dealers. about $6.00 at Wal-Mart or Pep-Boy.

 

[The"X"]

I'll go along with Chevron Techron. Its a good, easy to find, off the shelf product.

 

[Bill Kemp]

Ever listen to the STP commercial? They show injectors sputtering and then flowing great. They say" A clean injector works better than a dirty one. Use STP injector cleaner with every oil change." Not once do they say STP will clean an injector. Wonder why? Fed Law says what you say is gotta be true.
Whatever you use just be sure there is enough gas in the tank. Dont mix it with two gal. if it says 10 or 20 gal. Too much concentrate can damage the fuel pump windings over time. More is not always better...

 

[RandyD]

A fuel "system" cleaner also has chemicals in it to remove water from your gas tank.

A fuel "injector cleaner" has solvents in it to clean your injectors, including varnish.

A fuel injector "detergent" has "detergents" in it that clean your injectors. Supposedly the "detergents" can be stronger and therefore clean better than the solvents, without damage to your system.

Apparently solvents at a high enough concentration to clean well, also damage seals. It looks like this is the reason shops use the injector cleaner that they hook up to the fuel line and bypass the gas tank.

I have used Redline Fuel Injector "Detergent" in my old 86 IROC Camaro. It brought a totally dead injector back to life and it even passed a smog test. I was looking for some last month, but couldn't find any for sale in PepBoys, AutoZone or a NAPA parts store.

RandyD