There is a common and important component that lies between a tank of gas, and an engine running on that gas; fuel injectors. It is easy to understand the purpose of fuel injectors; they are usually used when you start your car.
Fuel injectors play a vital role in balancing your MPG rate, reduction of motor chatter, and less noise in the engine, and not mention, eliminating excessive release output.
With the help of the right cleaner, you can easily save yourself from bundles of maintenance problems and get the chance to improve the efficiency of your vehicle.
Today, we will discuss a number of the best fuel injector cleaners available in the market.
10 Best Fuel Injector Cleaner Reviews
1. Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus
Specs
- Weight: 1 pound
- Brand: Chevron
- Model: 65740
The Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus is the best fuel injector that is able to perform multiple tasks. The name ‘Chevron’ reflects great power to its consumers, and all of it is displayed in this fuel cleaner.
The Chevron Techron fuel injector is compatible with every vehicle, including RV, boat engines, or anything in particular. Without a doubt, this fuel injector has the ability to restore speed and strength to the engine.
With this fuel injector, you have the chance to restore the power in your engine by eliminating loud and whirring noises, firing problems, and other problems related to your spark plug while starting the engine.
So, if your vehicle is facing a terrible environment-changing problem, this fuel injector can prevent your engine from cold startups, enhancing their fuel flow and making it last for at least one year in your vehicle.
Key Features
- Eliminates bad startup and spark plug issues
- Suitable for dirt bikes, boat engines, and ATVs
- Handles not just your injectors, but your vehicle’s fuel intake as well
2. Red Line Fuel Cleaner
Specs
- Weight: 10.4 ounces
- Brand: RED60103
- Model: Red Line Oil
If you didn’t know this, then Red Line is considered to be the master of all fuel and oil additives, but there is more to that. The Red Line fuel cleaner enhances your vehicle’s performance, even if you are not planning to perform in-depth cleaning. Without a doubt, the Red Line’s fuel cleaner provides effortless efficiency on the first use.
This product is a clear representation of the phrase “killing two birds with one arrow.” In addition to this, it features synthetic upper cylinder lubricant, able to perform all kinds of maintenance tasks while you are busy maintaining your vehicle.
Needless to say, this product is the best. It is available in a single 15-ounce pack, or you can buy it in bulk depending on your supply needs.
Key Features
- One bottle can be used twice – also use it when you’ve been neglecting your vehicle
- In many cases, offers 100% efficiency on the first clean
- Features upper cylinder lubricant
3. Liqui Moly 2007 Jectron
Specs
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Brand: Liqui Moly
- Model: 2007
Liqui Moly is not like a traditional fuel injector, it is able to provide you with much better results. So, if you’ve been noticing issues like rapid stalling or clicking for a long time, you can eliminate these issues with the Liqui Moly 2007 Jectron.
With this fuel injector, you will receive enhanced throttle output, and not mention, smoother engine startups.
Furthermore, it is packed in a 300ml bottle, and it is an honest blessing for older vehicle models. You can modify the performance of your old vehicle by cleaning them up with just a dash of this fuel cleaner. The most surprising part about the Liqui Moly 2007 is that it offers quick performance results.
Key Features
- Cleans the combustion section effortlessly
- Smooth performance
- Enables quick and smooth engine startup
4. STP Super Concentrated Fuel Injector
Specs
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
- Brand: STP
- Model: 78577
There comes a time when you are probably too busy to perform a fuel injecting task, and you wish you had a cleaner that can be of service to your fuel tank. Thanks to the STP fuel injector, you can be able to handle capless gas engines, remove all kinds of sludge and sediment with a single drop.
With this special formula, there is a sudden improvement in your oil pressure with improvements in your fuel and highway economy. In addition to this, it can provide better performance at the rate of 3-4MPG, and it is ideal for every vehicle. Without a doubt, STP is the most reliable solution to fuel injecting tasks.
Key Features
- Can be used with capless systems
- Eliminates all kinds of sediments or sludge around the seals
- Can be used as a fuel additive and still be able to eliminate clogs
5. Lucas 1 Gallon Fuel Treatment
Specs
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Brand: Lucas
- Model: LUC10013
Lucas is the ambassador of oil and fuel additives, and it offers the best formula for cleaning your engine and eliminating all kinds of blockage throughout your engine. It not only enhances your fuel performance, but it also offers a one-gallon drop treatment. As a result, you can lubricate your system while cleaning it.
So, if you have old fuel injectors with you, then you better replace them with this product. Lucas fuel injector is the best option for you.
It is a multiple-task performer that offers the advantages of a fuel preservative, cleans your engine like a pro, and offers power like an oil preservative. In addition to this, it reduces sludge and sediment and can be bought in bulk for your supply needs.
Key Features
- Enhances the lifespan of injectors and pumps
- Cleanses the fuel intake system during lubrication
- Maximizes power with fuel increase
6. Royal Purple Max Clean
Specs
- Weight:1.25 pounds
- Brand: Royal Purple
- Model: 11722
If you want your vehicle to provide ultimate performance, then you better get your hands on the Royal Purple for your vehicle. Without a doubt, Royal Purple has been in the game for a long time, and it offers great results as well.
In addition to this, it eliminates hesitation and staling problems at a rate of never happening again.
The Royal Purple fuel injector makes sure that the oil stays in your vehicle for a long time, even after excessive use while maintaining performance rates. Additionally, this product offers you a lot of cost-effective benefits with its twelve-year supply.
Key Features
- Eliminates the chances of stalling and hesitation during startups
- Provides ultimate performance even after longer use
- Enhances fuel efficiency
7. Gumout High Mileage Fuel Injector Cleaner
Specs
- Weight: 0.1u ounces
- Brand: Gumout
- Model: 510013
The Gumout offers a big solution to all those vehicle owners who have a hard time maintained their fuel efficiency - it is truly a blessing in disguise. With this fuel injector, you can keep your engine lubricated after months of usage, with being able to reduce sediment and carbon deposits from the engine.
Furthermore, you can be able to reduce emissions that occur while you maximize your fuel structure, with complete protection from several engine viruses. Needless to say, Gumout fuel injector is the best solution to enhance the lifespan of your injectors.
Key Features
- Provides efficient lubrication to eliminate sediments and blockage
- The best product to support turbocharged and supercharged vehicles
- Has the ability to eliminate rigid carbon deposits
8. BG 44K Fuel System Cleaner
Specs
- Weight: 11.2 oz
- Brand: BG
- Model: 44K
If you are the type of person who tries everything they can to enhance their vehicle’s performance while worrying about the reaction of your fuel system cleaner to these additives, you don’t have to worry about anything if you opt for the BG 44K fuel cleaner.
It contains a very unique formula that offers several benefits to your fuel system materials so you can make the most out of your fuel injector.
The 44K contains amazing cleaning capabilities that not only cleanses your fuel injectors but your vehicle valves and combustion chambers as well, giving your vehicle the chance to breathe efficiently and receiving the best amount of power it needs to function.
All vehicle enthusiasts can opt for this fuel cleaner and add it to their vehicle’s mechanism to help save gas, and get the best of power.
Key Features
- Enhances power output, combustion efforts, and gas mileage
- Suitable for different fuel additives and products
- Comes in great packaging and contains 20 gallons of fuel
9. Chevron Techron Fuel Injector Cleaner
Specs
- Weight: 20 oz
- Model: 9280
- Brand: Chevron
As you know, no one provides proper instructions as to when you should add fuel cleaners into your vehicle’s engine, mostly when it’s about the current situation of your fuel injectors.
However, the most satisfying part of the Techron Fuel injector cleaner is that you can add it to your engine every 1000 miles. According to Chevron, you can add this fuel cleaner to your vehicle’s system as much as your engine requires to get rid of the carbon deposits and other types of fuel blockage.
Whereas, it is important to keep discretion in mind, even though Techron is suitable for both fuel injected and carbureted engines. It will not have a single effect on your vehicle’s oxygen sensor or catalytic converter.
However, the only bad side of this fuel cleaner is that it is not suitable for two-stroke air-cooled systems, so you should check for compatibility before purchasing.
Key Features
- Great for carbureted or fuel-injected engines
- Useful for catalytic converters and oxygen sensors
10. Motorcraft PM6 Fuel Injector Cleaner
Specs
- Model: PM6
- Weight: 12 oz
- Brand: Motorcraft
If you want to lower the number of knocks present under your vehicle’s hood, then the Motorcraft is the best solution. It is formulated with keeping the concept of fuel and engine in mind, with which you get friendly chemicals. With this formula, you can reduce the valve deposit problems. Its main function is to reduce engine knock while enhancing the gas mileage as well.
However, it is not considered to be a highly popular brand, but PM6 is definitely on its way to becoming the best fuel cleaner around. Even popular fuel injector fans cannot keep their hands off of the PM6 because it delivers ultimate performance. Now, don’t believe us, try it to believe it.
Key Features
- Eliminates engine knocks
- Removes carbon deposits
- Powerful formula for engine cleaning
Buying Guide For the Best Fuel Injectors
The key to achieving upscale performance in your vehicle is by taking care of your fuel injectors. In addition to this, fuel injectors are vital components of your engine, and it is necessary for you to do everything you can to maintain them by cleaning them regularly.
How Can I Clean my Injectors?
In order to clean your injectors, you must have the following:
- Fuel pressure gauge
- A suitable fuel injector cleaner for your car
- A hose to attach with the rail and fuel injector
Other than the above-mentioned things, you don’t need anything else but do keep some basic tools with you nearby in case of other problems that might occur during the fuel injecting process.
The best time for you to visually analyze your vehicle is when you are cleaning it. If you notice any flaws, make a list, and set deadlines for fixing the problems.
When Should I Use a Fuel Injector Cleaner?
There often comes a time when you feel like you don’t need a fuel injector unless you come across an issue. Generally speaking, if you take precautionary measures, then you can prevent a lot of problems from happening.
So, it is best suggested to stick to your fuel cleaning routine. So, you can perform a thorough cleaning process of your fuel injectors once every year to prevent several issues from happening.
How Can I Detect a Clogged Fuel Injector?
Read below to find out.
Decreased Fuel Economy:
If you own a digital meter that shows your current MPG, make use of it once a day. If you only travel from home to work and vice versa, then you can have a rough estimate of what your MPG rating should be, both off and on the highway, in traffic, etc. Whenever you notice a sudden decrease, let’s say 3-4 on your average rating, this can be a sign of fuel economy issues.
However, this isn’t only because of your fuel injector, lower gas mileage, a bad tire, worn-out air filters, and more.
Forcing the Engine:
If your engine struggles to start, or you start having issues every time you sit in your car, clogged injectors might be the reason. Injectors are designed to release sprays of gasoline, and if one of them does not spray efficiently, you get engine problems. A good engine only drives, not struggle.
Problem with Cylinder firing:
Have you heard of the phrase ‘Not firing on all cylinders’? This phrase is used to describe the improper firing of cylinders. Regardless of how many cylinders you have, you will still be able to detect it. If you notice gasoline on your spark plugs, it is definitely for you to have a clogged fuel injector.
Tips for Using a Fuel Injector Cleaner
Once you’ve found out the model and make the engine in your car’s user manual, you should be able to get things done properly. Before you begin, it is suggested to wear gloves to avoid oil/gasoline absorption on your skin.
Disconnection:
First things first, disconnect the fuel pump from your fuel injector. You will need a U-Tube to make sure that the gasoline stays in the tank. On the other hand, not every vehicle works on the same principle, which is why you must check the user’s manual.
Disconnect the Pressure Regulator Vacuum Line:
usually, this step is attempted before checking the fuel injectors, but it is dependent on your model and make of your vehicle. So, make sure that the vacuum line is kept intact while removing, and gently place it on another side of the hood.
Connection:
Connect the hose you have with the fuel pressure port, and make sure it is secured tightly. In addition to this, make sure there is no presence of fuel while attempting any of these steps. As you know, fuel injector cleaner is kind of flammable, so be cautious.
Remove the Fuel Tank Cap:
this step doesn’t need much explaining, you know what to do.
Start the Car:
Now, this is the tricky part. Star the car, but before you do, make sure that the fuel pump is completely off and then begin. The cleaner from your kit will now begin to flow through the engine. Within just a few minutes, then the engine will stop working when the cleaner has finished its round. Once it’s done, get rid of the cleaner tube.
Reconnection:
In this step, just attach the fuel pump power supply, pressure regulator hose, and fuel cap, etc.
Quality Confirmation:
Turn your car on again to check whether the fuel injectors are perfectly connected and working properly. Drive the car for about fifteen minutes to fulfill your satisfaction. On the other hand, if you keep noticing the same issues, then you might need to replace your fuel injectors with new ones.
Methods for Less Persistent Use
If there are some issues going on under the hood, or you just want to give some performance benefits to your vehicle, there are some techniques you can use to smooth your engine without dissecting the half portion of your car.
1. Empty the tank
If you dilute the solution in a tank full of gas, disaster will appear. So make sure you have just one gallon of gas or maybe even less when using this method.
2. Use the right amount of Injector Cleaner
This method is dependent on the capability of your gas tank. During this method, give a quick user’s manual read. By reading the instructions from the manual, you can know which fuel injector is compatible with your vehicle.
3. Empty
Make sure you put all the ingredients of your fuel injector into the tank, add the fuel, and you are good to go.
Can Fuel Injectors be Helpful?
Fuel additives can help you with a variety of different reasons, but if you’re planning to store your car for a really long time, especially if you own a vintage car and never want to lose it, fuel injector additives are a must.
Benefits of Fresh, Clean Fuel Injectors
- Controlling Fuel Consumption: As discussed above, you can spot a decrease in the MPG if your fuel injectors are not clean. You can save your engine from being destroyed by doing a regular MPG checkup.
- Less metal-to-metal Resistance: Your engine contains several moving components, and each works with the other. On the other hand, this process is disturbed in the presence of buildup, as your engine gets really bad, and the element of resistance disappears.
- Decreased Emissions: This works on the same principle of enhancing your fuel economy, you will release less hazardous emissions. However, this might not be a powerful impact, but it still matters.
Frequently Asked Question – FAQs
Are fuel injectors able to fix leaks?
They cannot fix leaks on their own, you will have to hire a professional mechanic to fix it up if the leak is massive or you can just use oil additives. However, a good quality fuel injector can help you discover the leak; when the pressure is extra, and you’re checking out the hood by performing the cleaning process, you will be able to locate the leak.
Can fuel injector cleaners perform other engine functions?
Our major focus here is on fuel injectors, and they do have some other features which can be used to perform other engine tasks as well. If you tend to use a rag, fuel injectors can remove dirt build-up around the gas cap – which is necessary to remove during the cleaning process. In addition to this, they also provide more than cleaning benefits for one section.
Furthermore, we all live in the assumption that all fuel additives remove sediment buildup and reduce dirt production. Yes, they do help, but not entirely.
Fuel injector cleaner can break through rigid chemical sludge and dirt buildup in the engine. However, this might not be the ideal technique to prevent dirt buildup, but it is something you can easily do.
Are Fuel/Oil additives and fuel injectors the same?
There are some cleaners that offer the same benefits as oil/fuel additives, but they are not considered to be the same.
Additives are primarily used to enhance the performance of your vehicle’s engine, while fuel cleaners play a vital role in delivering optimal performance by removing buildup from the internal components. So, if you want your fuel/oil additives to work efficiently, then go for fuel cleaners.
How many miles does it take to clean fuel injectors?
It is actually dependent on a lot of factors such as the kind of fuel your engine takes, the recommendations from your users’ manual, and the age of your vehicle.
As you know, a brand new car does not demand much fuel injector cleaning. On the other hand, an old vehicle is bound to break down and it requires regular fuel injector cleaning.
However, it is important to understand the basics of the need to have a fuel injector; as the engine burns a lot of fuel, dirt builds up inside the surfaces of the tubes, valves, and other components present in the fuel system. As time passes, more dirt builds in the system and this can lead to performance loss.
But, with a new vehicle, the fuel burning rate is very low compared to an old one. So, engine efficiency is not the main focus of every buyer these days, because fuel injectors have things easier.
You can use high-octane fuels to enhance engine efficiency and the power output with minimum fuel injecting. But, the vehicles that use low octane fuels demand a lot of cleaning.
When it comes to knowing when you should start cleaning your fuel injectors, then your user’s manual can provide you with the best info. Not every vehicle uses the same principle of the engine, which is why a users’ manual can guide you into knowing when your vehicle needs cleaning.
Moreover, some car manufacturers recommend cleaning fuel injectors after 30,000 miles, but others suggest after 15,000 miles. This is considered to be the traditional method of fuel cleaning. But, if you want to go for an easy one, and then just pour in the best fuel injector, you can find from our list of reviews and give it your best shot.
If your major aim is to enhance gas mileage and for simply maintaining your vehicle, lower doses of the right cleaner will be enough to do the trick. If you want to resolve minor problems and still deliver a thorough fuel cleaning process, a high dose of fuel injector cleaner can set you for six months.
On the other hand, if you are using fuel injector cleaners to eliminate buildup, then a heavy dose will be sufficient to give you the fuel cleaning you want.
Why do deposits occur, and can they damage my vehicle?
Deposits can be best described as impurities in the fuel that can cause a lot of problems. We can relate this to the dangerous elements present in the human blood, as it can cause many problems in the blood flow rate.
Furthermore, deposits that occur with the passage of time can cause even more terrible problems like hard starts, engine ping or knock, increased emissions, lower gas mileage, poor acceleration, bad fuel economy, and loss of power. So, the major problems are the deposits in the fuel system of your car.
If the buildup is present inside the injectors, and this can cause engine misfires, rough idling, terrible fuel economy, hesitation, and increased emissions. In addition to this, a lean fuel formula can cause risks of explosion. These deposits build up faster with excessive drive cycles and shorter rounds as deposits occur when the engine is off.
If there are deposits in the valves, there can be loss of acceleration or high-speed power. However, deposits in the valve occur from the usual combustion of products, but leaking or broken valves can worsen the situation of the deposit.
If the deposits from inside of the combustion chamber or on top of the pistons, this can cause an increase in the compression rating. As a result, the need to obtain a higher octane fuel arises. If the required fuel increase in octane is not fulfilled, the detonation of the spark knock can take place.
If this keeps happening, then the head gasket, rod bearings, and the piston rings can suffer from a lot of damage. Unfortunately, this can cause increased emissions and a terrible fuel consumption ratio.
Just like how it is explained above, the combustion chamber deposits can cause pre-ignition issues that can destroy your engine. This can happen because of the presence of hot spots. The hot spots deliver unwanted sparks to the fuel before the actual spark timing from the spark plug.
As a result, there is a very deep and dangerous increase in combustion. According to automotive enthusiasts, pre-ignition causes increased RPM and load and can burst through a large hole from the piston top.
In conclusion, it is important to clean your fuel; otherwise, these impure particles will destroy your engine from time to time and will give you a lot of stress headaches.
Should I replace my fuel injectors, if advised?
If we can sum this up in one simple answer, your mechanic cannot predict the reason why you should replace your fuel injector by just looking at your engine.
You are the one driving it regularly, so if something feels off, you can take out the users’ manual and search for the issues you are experiencing. On the other hand, if the results lead to a bad fuel injector, then you know what to do.
How can we store fuel injectors?
Like all other vehicle-related products, fuel injectors also share the same foe – corrosion. The reason behind this is that all of its internal components are made from steel alloys.
When these elements are exposed, they can rust or oxidize real quick, and when the fuel inside the injectors becomes dry, the residue can harden quickly. As a result, the pintle might be lying on the seat, which will lead to a leaky injector.
Whereas, if you are planning to use fuel injectors with the sole purpose of putting them back into the garage after a while, you must store them in a reasonable place. The first step to securing your fuel injector is by removing any debris or dirt from it. In addition to this, you must store your fuel injectors in a dry and cool environment.
How many inner components does a fuel injector have?
A fuel injector is made of a lot of components that work in harmony o provide the perfect amount of fuel into your engine.
On the top of the fuel injector is the fuel filter bucket, which captures big particles moving in the fuel and prevents them from clogging the injector’s seat and pintle. The body of the injector contains several internal components. Because of the coil winding process, the injector pintle moves away and up from the seat.
The pintle is known to the entrance valve of a fuel injector. When it is lifted up with the coil winding process, a gap between the seat and it is created. On the other hand, it is important for you to understand that the pintle does not move much.
The pintle rests on the seat when it is not raised during the coil winding process. It maintains a shield around the pintle, preventing fuel from passing. When combined, the seat and the pintle are the major components of a fuel injector because they determine the spray pattern and rate of flow of the fuel.
In conclusion, the pintle cap carries an O-ring, protecting the engine from heat and creating a seal around the fuel injector.