Fuel Injection system: Cleaner

[bingroy]

I have a 1990 Toyota Camry (V6 engine 2.5L 100K miles) just had a oxygen sensor and catalytic converter replaced. Was told by mechanic that my fuel injection systems needs cleaning.

Question: What is the best method (without spending a lot of money of course):

1. Manual cleaning by mechanic (what does this cost?)

2. Addition of cleaner in fuel tank? (a) how efficient is this (b) which cleaner should I use (googling gives names of Seafoam, Berryman Chemtool fuel treatment etc) (c) What should I be aware of when I try a do-it-yourself cleaning?

3. Any other methods (like http://www.auto-rx.com/)? Are these added to the engine oil or the fuel tank?

As you understand, I am a newbie, any help much appreciated.

Thanks, Leroy

[Joeym4692]

To help clean out my fuel injector I bought Gum Out from Wal-Mart
You just poor some in the gas tank and you should be good to go,
it seemed to do ok and cleaned it out a bit. as the motor runs a little nicer now

[Jimnist]

Usually when a mechanic recommends a clean, it means they're going to take the injectors off and put them in an ultrasonic bath(something like that) and put a new sift in it. The problem with using the stuff you put into your fuel tank is that foreign particles that are trapped in the fine sift within the injector stay there, which still impedes fuel flow.

Did your mechanic flow test your injectors?

[Mike Gerber]

Click and Clack, the guys on public radio, recommend using Techron by Chevron to clean the fuel system and the injectors. You simply poor it in the gas tank. It is a bit pricey, about $8 at Wal-Mart, but worth it in my opinion.

Are you experiencing any drivability problems with your car right now? If not, I would just go with adding the fuel system/injector cleaner to the gas tank as a preventive measure. You may also want to clean your throttle body as another prevenntive measure. This is also something you can do yourself with some spray throttle body cleaner or O2 safe carb cleaner. Here's a DIY on a generation 4 4 cylinder engine. Your car should be pretty much the same:

How to: Cleaning Throttle Body -4 Cylinder Engines- With Pictures

Mike

[bingroy]

Thanks fellas. Techron was great! my car is running smooth and the mileage has increased to around 18-20 in city driving conditions.

[Justin727]

Try cleaning your throttle body flapper too!

[bingroy]

Justin, I do not know how to do that. Could you please advise me. Thanks.