Fuel system cleaner

[Dog5911]

I am wondering what methods of fuel system cleaning have you all found works well and what's not worth the time or money? Are there and pour on the tank for time to time up keep? Thanks in advance!

 

[Gatafly]

I used to put Seafoam in the gas tank every other oil change. Now I probably only do it once every year or two. Todays gas has so much detergent in it that I dont think it is necessary like it used to be.

 

[daka320]

Mechanic told me to pour a bottle of Chevron Techron every month or so. Can buy it at Wal-Mart.

 

[MikeInNH]

One of the designs I don't like our vehicles is the filter. It's part of the pump INSIDE the tank. With an external filter the dirt is removed from the system every time you replace the filter. Since you don't change the filter on the 4runner regularly like vehicles the dirt is left in the system.

So it might be good practice to put some cleaner in the tank every once in a while to keep the injectors from getting clogged.

As for detergent in gas...well it's not as much as you might think. And that doesn't eliminate any sediment that sits at the bottom of the underground tanks. When I had my pathfinder I replaced that filter every 3 months (about every 12k miles)...and it was FILTHY. My 4runner is now 8 years old...I can't imagine the amount of dirt is in the tank or the filter.

 

[Gatafly]

Sediment in the tank has nothing to do with a "pour in the tank" fuel system cleaner.

 

[Quatre Coureur]

I used Lucas F. I. Cleaner and it helped it run smoother. FWIW

 

[ridefast]

I use lucas every oil change! I buy it by the gallon from autozone.


As for sediment inside the tank i think those days are long gone. This last summer i had some a hole puncture a hole in the bottom of my tank with a screwdriver and steal my gas. I was amazed that the inside of my tank wasn't full of sediment and it was clean as could be!
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[zonianbrat]

Wow, someone punched a hole in your tank to steal the gas???? That is not only despeation but just plain scandaless.

 

[MikeInNH]

Sediment in the tank has nothing to do with a "pour in the tank" fuel system cleaner.

As long as it stays in the tank..then yes I agree...But over time it will eventually start to get by the filter and into the injectors. The back flush systems only work for so long. Eventually the pump/filter will have to be removed. Someone had a writeup of a aftermarket pump for the 4runner..with an external filter. I may be doing that mod this summer.