‘Injector’s jammed, no bottle is bringing it back,’ Expert on fuel system cleaners
Is a fuel system cleaner in a bottle even worth buying? Chris works at Beachside Auto Parts and shares expert advice on his TikTok @ChrisAtBeachside. He claims that some fuel system cleaner fuel additives are “legit” but only to “prevent issues” as part of your regular maintenance. None of them can repair a mechanical failure.
There are three injector and fuel system cleaners, sold in bottles, that Chris respects and even stocks. “Solid options with real chemistry behind them.”
- AMSOIL PI: “Sigh-end detergent package, strong and proven.”
- Royal Purple, Max Clean: “Solid cleaner, plus it lubricates injectors.”
- E.P. Racing: “Fuel system cleaner, aggressive formulation built for results.”
Chris also wanted to shout out three he has a bit less experience in. “A few I don’t carry, but I respect them.”
- Redline Fuel System Cleaner
- BG44K
- Chevron Techron
Finally, there are two brands that may be cheaper, and useful for regular maintenance. But Chris warns they “aren’t as strong.”
- Lucas Deep Clean: “Better than the base Lucas, but don’t expect miracles.”
- Seafoam: “Everyone knows it, and it’s decent, but it’s not dissolving injector gunk overnight.”
How to use fuel system cleaners
Chris recommends four steps for using a quality bottle of fuel system cleaner.
- “Add to a low tank.”
- “Fill up with top-tier gas.”
- “Card hard on the highway, not just around the block.”
- “Repeat that every 5,000 to 10,000 miles to prevent issues, not fix them.”
Finally, should you reach for a bottle of fuel system cleaner if your injectors are fouled or your fuel system has another problem? Chris warns, “None of these are fixing mechanical problems. If your injector’s jammed or your fuel pump is failing, no bottle is bringing it back.”
He also urges owners of cars with direct injection to consider a cleaner you spray into your intake. Examples include Seafoam’s Top Engine Cleaner or CRC’s Intake Valve Cleaner.
Finally, not everyone agrees with Chris’ rankings of fuel systems cleaners. The experts over at MotorTrend ranked their top five, and while there was some crossover, there were some products that didn’t make Chris’ list.
- LiquiMoly Jectron Gasoline Fuel Injection Cleaner
- Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner
- BG 44K Fuel System Cleaner
- Lucas Oil 10003 Fuel Treatment
- Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer
You can see Chris’ original TikTok video, embedded below:
