So I hit the 200K mark in my Focus about a month ago, and now im approaching 203K.
I was looking at the following two fuel system cleaners:
STP Complete Fuel System Treatment
http://www.stp.com/fuel_cfsc.php
OR
REDLINE
http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=80&pcid=12
Which of the two would be suitable for these cars?
Which one have you used? Or do you use any additives/treatments?
A little background info:
2002 ZX5 = 2.0L Zetec.
I did a tune up at 188K (new plugs, wires, Air filter, fuel filter and PCV valve), which was back in April.
Transmission Filter done last week.
Oil changes are done every 3500-4000K , with regular 5W20 oil (Motorcraft or Esso) and quality oil filters (Motorcraft or WIX).
All service/maintenance is done by myself!!
Fuel used: 87 from any major gas station, ESSO, Petro, Sunoco and Shell.
80% highway speed, 20% stop and go, to and from work. (Scarborough to Aurora and back)
Awesome car in the time Ive had it (since April/09 @ the 188K).
Would like to keep this car running/looking tip top for many more years!
Thanks!!
I've used TKO from Kleen Flo with really good results...
that would be the one...not a killer on the wallet and does a pretty good job
I run the Lucas fuel system cleaner about every 2 months. Seems to work ok... I notice an increase in response and mileage for the first few tanks.
Since you do a pretty good maintenance on your car + tune up I think any of those would work for ya.
For myself, after every oil change I add enjector cleaner to a full tank.
My next oil change I will be doing "engine flush" right before I change oil.
p.s. When did you change your tranny oil?
NikiterZTS,Jan 13 2010, 09:22 AM Wrote:p.s. When did you change your tranny oil?
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I dropped the pan and changed the filter (WIX brand) and topped it back up (Mercon V), back in December, which was at around 201-202K KM. Its almost 205K now.
Originally I was going to hook it up to the machine where my buddy works or where I work (Chrysler dealership) and do a complete flush/fill and change the filter as well.
However another mechanic buddy of mine talked me out of it and said, just drop the pan and change the filter and re-fill. So thats what I ended up doing.
Just an UPDATE:
I settled on the Redline Complete Fuel System Cleaner which I picked up from the local PartSource.
I didnt notice anything significant.
I ended up changing my Oxygen sensors (yes, both upstream and downstream, NTK (NGK) brand sensors) and cleaned the Mass Air Flow sensor with CRC SensorKleen.
I did notice a decent improvement in fuel consumption. Getting about 400KM to the tank full as opposed to the previous 350KM (Mixed highway/city driving).
However, I have been getting this annoying idle stumble/bog when coming to a stop at a set of lights for quite some time now. Upon further investigation on other forums, it seems like the PCV hose (from PCV valve to the intake manifold) might be the culprit. So I will be investigating that tommorrow.
I had to replace my pcv hoes. Pretty common problem on focuses with km
NikiterZTS,Jan 22 2010, 08:53 AM Wrote:I had to replace my pcv hoes. Pretty common problem on focuses with km
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Seems like it! LOL.
Well I checked mine this morning when I got to work. Sure enough the little bugger was collapsed/spongy at the end where it goes to the intake manifold, just like all the other ones talked about on the other forums.
So I ordered one from the Ford dealer up the street.
These systems are a waste of money.
Did you by the flowbee, slapchop and shamwow at the same time?
meford4u,Jan 22 2010, 01:57 PM Wrote:These systems are a waste of money.
Did you by the flowbee, slapchop and shamwow at the same time?
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These systems are a waste only if you do it ones in 10 years
meford4u,Jan 22 2010, 02:57 PM Wrote:These systems are a waste of money.
Did you by the flowbee, slapchop and shamwow at the same time?
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Not a big deal IMO, ~$10 outta my pocket to give something a try.
Not like I went to a strip club and spent hundreds of dollars on lapdances expecting to get the dancers number at the end of the night and not getting her number at all.
LOL!!
2DXTRM,Jan 23 2010, 07:49 PM Wrote:meford4u,Jan 22 2010, 02:57 PM Wrote:These systems are a waste of money.
Did you by the flowbee, slapchop and shamwow at the same time?
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Not like I went to a strip club and spent hundreds of dollars on lapdances expecting to get the dancers number at the end of the night and not getting her number at all.
LOL!!
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Works for most. B)
If you want the honest truth, fuel system cleaners and oil flushes can do more harm than good. It can loosen up carbon in the combustion chamber and cause a sticking valve or foul up your plugs. Working in the automotive aftermarket for many, many years I have seen numerous cases of cleaners doing very bad things. Regular maintenance is the best thing anybody can do for their car.
NikiterZTS,Jan 23 2010, 09:23 PM Wrote:2DXTRM,Jan 23 2010, 07:49 PM Wrote:meford4u,Jan 22 2010, 02:57 PM Wrote:These systems are a waste of money.
Did you by the flowbee, slapchop and shamwow at the same time?
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Not like I went to a strip club and spent hundreds of dollars on lapdances expecting to get the dancers number at the end of the night and not getting her number at all.
LOL!!
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Works for most. B)
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I personally never tried it. But a fellow classmate of mine tried it once. She ended up taking HIS number. Poor guy spent days waiting for her to call...she never did! LOL
Focus man, Focus.,Jan 23 2010, 09:25 PM Wrote:If you want the honest truth, fuel system cleaners and oil flushes can do more harm than good. It can loosen up carbon in the combustion chamber and cause a sticking valve or foul up your plugs. Working in the automotive aftermarket for many, many years I have seen numerous cases of cleaners doing very bad things. Regular maintenance is the best thing anybody can do for their car.
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I usually dont go for additives (fuel or oil). Id rather go for something "better" (oil, fuel and auto parts) right from the get go.
I was just wondering about these 2 cleaners in particular, as STP has been around for many many years and REDLINE is a highly regarding brand in their synthetic oils and fluids.
Ive heard some people have had good luck with them, some say it didnt do squat (as in my case).
Not a bad "experiment" to try IMO.