![The 8 Best Fuel Injector Cleaners [Plus Ultimate Buying Guide]](https://utilitywallet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Best-Fuel-Injector-Cleaner-Featured-Image.jpg "The 8 Best Fuel Injector Cleaners [Plus Ultimate Buying Guide]")
The impact of fouling and carbon build-up is subtle. It slowly robs your engine of horsepower and fuel efficiency. Over time, it will damage your injectors, sensors, and piston rings. And that’s exactly why you should run a high-quality fuel injector cleaner at a regular interval. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Ask 100 people what their favorite fuel injector cleaner is, and you’re guaranteed to get 100 different answers. Like a lot of things automotive related, there is tradition and instinct involved. Meaning, someone may recommend a product to you because it’s what grandpa used or because they’ve felt it on the butt dyno.
However, there is some real science to it (a lot, actually) and some chemicals are proven to clean and lubricate better than others. Polyetheramine, or PEA, for example, is a top-shelf cleaning agent that effectively frees both hard and soft carbon deposits as well as build up in the fuel injectors, fuel lines, fuel pump, and on sensors.
If you want to restore your fuel system to its original condition, then this obviously an ingredient you want to look for. And there are other chemicals, too. Polyisobutene (PIB) and Polyisobutylene amine (PIBA) are two more nitrogen-based detergents shown to clean and prevent new deposits from forming.
But enough with the chemistry, you need something that works. The 8 products listed here represent the best fuel injector cleaners on the market based on both objective and subjective criteria. I explore everything you need to know before you invest, including chemical composition, treatment rates, and real-world performance.
Red Line SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner
According to the literature, Red Line’s SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner packs the most powerful high-temperature detergents available to clean fuel injectors, valves, and combustion chambers. And, after running a bottle through my test vehicle, I can confirm it isn’t just hype.
This fuel system cleaner contains 30% – 50% PEA, which you can verify yourself by looking at their Material Safety Data Sheet (PDF.) This is not a step many manufacturers take, and shows, beyond a doubt, that Red Line SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner contains the ingredients and performs exactly how they say it will.
But what does this mean in the real world? Well, users report a dramatic decrease of soft and hard carbon deposits upon visual inspection of the cylinder walls and pistons. In addition, many report a noticeable difference in idle quality and a slight increase in fuel mileage – around 6%. And, this was after only a single bottle.
Another plus for the Red Line SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner is that it’s widely available at most local auto parts stores or even Walmart. As such, it’s super easy to pick up a few bottles and run it on a regular basis.
To use this cleaner, just add a bottle to an almost empty fuel tank and fill her up. After the initial treatment, Red Line recommends using a half bottle every 1,500 miles. It’s a pretty simple regimen and one that a lot of other fuel cleaners follow, too.
Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner
This is another hard-hitting and effective fuel injector cleaner. Per the Material Safety Data Sheet (PDF), Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner contains up to 70% PEA. Like Red Line, Chevron goes the extra mile here by putting their ingredients out there in black and white for everyone to evaluate.
Users note a significant reduction of carbon on the pistons and cylinder walls, along with improved idle quality and better fuel economy (4% on average) after one use. Some mention improved emissions, as well. Observing decreased hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides levels when used before a test.
Like most fuel injector cleaners, initial treatment calls for adding a bottle to an almost empty fuel tank before topping off. And, to keep the entire fuel system clean, Chevron recommends using a bottle every 3,000 miles or at scheduled oil change intervals.
Overall performance is laudable and considering the ingredients, I highly recommend Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus to anyone that’s looking to maintain or revitalize their fuel system.
BG 44K Fuel System Cleaner
Simply put, BG 44K Fuel System Cleaner is potent and will easily clean dirty fuel injectors, valves, and pistons. It’s a very popular fuel treatment, and, based on the awesome results users are getting, it’s easy to see why.
The Material Safety Data Sheet (PDF) lists the following ingredients: 15% – 40% naphtha, 10% – 30% Stoddard solvent, 1% – 5% solvent naphtha, 0.6% – 2.5% benzene. This is a solid complement of solvents and detergents, though BG 44K Fuel System Cleaner lacks polyetheramine (PEA), which is recognized as a top-shelf fuel additive formulated to clear buildup and carbon deposits.
Still, it performs very well. Comparing results before and after, users are rewarded with less carbon on the pistons and smoother idle. They’ll even see a small bump (3% on average) in fuel economy.
You will need a funnel to use this product. Just pull the tab and pour it through the funnel into an almost empty fuel tank before filling up. BG doesn’t provide guidance on follow up treatment but there shouldn’t be a problem running this product every 3,000 miles or at scheduled oil change intervals.
BG 44K Fuel System Cleaner works great and is widely available online or at most auto parts stores. If you’re looking for a solid product to clean your dirty fuel system, this one definitely gets our recommendation.
Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubrication & Injector Cleaner
Tell me you haven’t seen Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubrication & Injector Cleaner at your local auto parts store, and I’ll call you a liar. Just the other day, I was picking up a new water pump and salesperson tried to upsell me this exact fuel injector cleaner.
While it’s not my first choice for single-tank applications, it is excellent for preventative maintenance. And, considering its price, running a bottle every tank won’t break the bank. Three ounces is enough to treat ten gallons of fuel and it’s readily available in 32-ounce containers at about $9 on Amazon.
Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubrication & Injector Cleaner does not contain PEA, alcohol, or other solvents. Instead, it relies on Polyisobutylene-based fuel additives to gently clean, lubricate, and prevent new carbon deposits from forming. Even though these ingredients aren’t as powerful as PEA, they’re still extremely effective with consistent use.
I know at least one retired long-haul truck driver that swears by Lucas products and says he runs their fuel injector cleaner in every truck he owns. Impressively, he’s only replaced a single injector over the course of decades, and hundreds of thousands of miles.
This product works with both gas and diesel engines. To use it, simply add a bottle to your empty tank before filling up. There is no recommended treatment rate on the bottle and some people report adding a bottle every time they go to the gas station, though that seems a little overkill. Your mileage may vary, however, so use at your discretion.
Sea Foam Motor Treatment
Sea Foam is, perhaps, the most interesting product on our list because it isn’t just a fuel additive, it’s also used in the crankcase or sucked through the intake to dislodge carbon deposits in the combustion chamber. And, in all three scenarios, it is quite capable.
As a fuel additive, however, you’re probably not going to see a huge difference when compared to purpose made fuel injector cleaners. It simply doesn’t have the powerful detergents needed to clean fouled fuel injectors in a single application.
Much like the Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubrication & Injector Cleaner, Sea Form is best used as a preventative measure. It’s ingredients lubricate the fuel system and cylinders, stabilize fuel, and repel moisture, which prevents deposits from forming in the first place.
And my testing really bears this out. After running an entire can through a test vehicle, I observed no significant change to idle quality, fuel economy, or carbon build up. While the “intake” method showed dramatic results.
For cars and trucks driven regularly, Sea Foam recommends adding 1 ounce (or more) of their product to 1 gallon of gasoline every 2,000 – 5,000 miles. Based on my results, you will be better served by running a can through the intake first and then add a bottle to the fuel tank as directed.
Of course, this is outside the manufacturer’s recommendations so proceed at your own risk.
Royal Purple Max Atomizer Fuel Injector Cleaner
Royal Purple is well known for making high-quality automotive lubricants and additives. Over the years, I’ve used their synthetic motor oil and transmission fluid in numerous performance vehicles and it’s never let me down. Needless to say, I had high expectations for this fuel injector cleaner, and, to make a long story short, it doesn’t disappoint.
In terms of ingredients, Max Atomizer is very well rounded. Per the Material Safety Data Sheet (PDF) , it contains upwards of 15% PEA – a significant concentration comparable to any fuel injector cleaner listed here. It also features various amino phenols that function effectively as fuel stabilizers and lubricants.
Performance is pretty healthy, too. After a single application, I observed a small reduction in carbon build up on the pistons and valves, and a slight bump in fuel economy. I was also compensated with an overall better engine. The slight stumble I felt at idle was totally remedied and power delivery is silky smooth.
Others report similar results, also noting better fuel economy, even idle, and reduced carbon build up. Overall, this seems to be one of the most respected fuel injector cleaners on the market.
Treatment rate is a little bit different for this product. Royal Purple recommends a minimum dose of one bottle (6 ounces) to 20 gallons of fuel and a maximum dose of one bottle to ten gallons of fuel every 3,000 miles. That’s less than the typical one ounce per gallon for most products.
Gumout Regane Complete Fuel System Cleaner
Gumout Regane Complete Fuel System Cleaner is my go-to fuel injector cleaner and it packs a significant punch. Despite its small size, a single bottle is enough to clean clogged injectors and cure rough idle.
As the name suggests, and like many products containing PEA, this is a whole fuel system cleaner. The ingredients help eliminate carbon from pistons, valves, fuel lines, sensors and prevent new deposits from forming. It also combats corrosion caused by water and ethanol present in the fuel system.
And, I definitely notice a difference using this product. I saw a jump in city fuel economy, going from 18 mpg on average to close to 21 mpg for the last two tanks. Idle is also creamy, but I did not see a significant reduction in carbon on the pistons or valves.
Reviews are similarly positive, and improved fuel economy and idle quality seem to be a theme. Though, a few people report no change at all.
Treatment is pretty straightforward and in line with other manufacturers. Simply add a bottle to a nearly empty tank every 3,000 miles, then fill up with gasoline. Personally, I add a bottle every time I change my oil.
Liqui Moly Jectron Gasoline Fuel Injection Cleaner
Liqui Moly Jectron Gasoline Fuel Injection Cleaner is another product that’s better for prevention rather than fixing existing issues. Simply put, it doesn’t contain the necessary ingredients to clear clogged injectors or reduce baked-on carbon in a single application.
With continued use, however, it will get the job done. Plus it contains other solid components that will stabilize your fuel, improve idle quality, and increase fuel economy. It will also inhibit corrosion and prevent new deposits from forming on your pistons and valves.
Jectron is very popular with European car enthusiasts. A few BMW and Audi owners I know swear by it and were recommended Jectron by others in the community. Most report better idle quality and fuel economy. And, one friend even gives sole credit to this product for helping him pass the state emissions test.
Online reviews are emphatic, as well. Some report zero results, though, overall, the trend in a very positive. So, it’s definitely worth a shot – especially if you drive a European car.
One can of Jectron is sufficient for up to 20 gallons of fuel. Liqui Moly recommends using their product on a regular basis to keep your fuel injection system in tip-top condition – every 3,000 miles should be sufficient.
Q: How Do Fuel Injector Cleaners Work & Are They Effective?
For anyone looking at a high-quality fuel injector cleaner, there are two big questions. First, how do fuel injector cleaners work? Second, are they actually effective? The rest of this guide will be dedicated to answering those questions.
As the miles tick by on your odometer, your engine will inevitably lose performance. This is because the combustion process creates carbon deposits that build up on engine parts, regardless of fuel quality. Over time, this process can result in a host of issues from poor power delivery, reduced fuel economy, hard starting, hesitation, and more.
In addition, accumulated hydrocarbons and sediment in the fuel can clog your fuel injectors resulting in inefficient atomization of fuel, which further exacerbates the issue.
To remove these deposits, most brands use nitrogen-based detergents like polyisobutylene (PIB), polyisobutylene amine (PIBA), or polyetheramine (PEA.) Products using other compounds do not, in general, provide enough muscle to work effectively.
What Is Polyisobutylene (PIB)
Polyisobutylene (PIB) is a very versatile liquid polymer. It increases viscosity, repels water, and inhibits corrosion. As such, it makes an excellent fuel additive that lubricates the system and prevents new carbon deposits from forming. However, it is not the best solution for cleaning the existing build up.
PIB is commonly found in fuel system treatments that require consistent and regular use. In high enough concentrations, this is a great addition to any fuel injector cleaner.
What Is Polyisobutylene Amine (PIBA)
Think of Polyisobutylene Amine (PIBA) as Polyisobutylene (PIB) on steroids. Chemists synthesize PIBA (PDF) by grafting on a nitrogen-containing compound called an amine by means of a polar linking group.
The amine attracts and keeps impurities or combustion byproducts like water, metal, and minerals from depositing on valves and pistons. It also retains the characteristics of the polyisobutylene base.
Still, PIBA is not the best carbon fighting fuel additive. It becomes unstable in high heat conditions and won’t effectively clean deposits in the combustion chamber except for in high concentrations.
What Is Polyether Amine (PEA)
Polyether Amine (PEA) is an organic compound containing an ether group with an added amine. Like PIB and PIBA it repels water and inhibits corrosion but is much more stable at high temperature making it a far more effective cleanser.
It is robust enough to clean the entire fuel system as well as pistons, valves, and intake track without burning off. It’s also an excellent lubricant and actually bonds to the surface of metal parts preventing future build up.
In terms of fuel injector cleaners, PEA is widely regarded as the most effective ingredient available.
Q: Why Are Fuel Injectors Important?
The internal combustion engine is complex and chaotic. Every component must work efficiently to ensure each explosion turns into the power that propels your vehicle. If one thing is out of step, it will negatively affect performance.
Clean fuel injectors will properly atomize the fuel, which burns more efficiently and thoroughly. Rewarding you with lower emissions, increased response time, and better fuel economy. Clean valves and ports ensure a proper air-fuel mix helping to eliminate rough idle, stumbling, and hard starts.
In the combustion chamber, clean parts help increase combustion efficiency and reduce hotspots that can lead to pre-ignition.
But, cleaning is only part of the equation. The piston rings in the upper cylinder are the largest source of friction in the engine and lack of lubrication can significantly impact fuel economy, drive down performance, and increase wear.
High-quality fuel injector cleaners containing PEA and other chemicals help lubricate the upper cylinder, restoring fuel economy and extending the life of your engine.
In addition, these chemicals neutralize ethanol and repel water, which, when combined, can attack and corrode metal surfaces – especially aluminum. And for engines used less often, antioxidants prevent varnish from forming – a chemical process that degrades engine parts over time.
Together, all these points build a strong argument for why proper fuel system maintenance is important – and a top-shelf fuel injector cleaner is a key component.
Q: How Do I Use A Fuel Injector Cleaner Effectively?
Your first line of defense against carbon accumulation, corrosion, and sediment buildup in your injectors is selecting a high-quality fuel. Cheap gasoline tends to have more ethanol and water and fewer detergents and lubricants.
Better gasoline, of course, has more of the good stuff and less of the bad and will mitigate some of these negative effects by itself. It’s less diluted and a great base for effectively maintaining your fuel system.
Most fuel injector cleaners are added directly to the fuel tank in a specific concentration determined by the manufacturer. Typically, you add them to an empty tank before refueling so that it thoroughly mixes with the fuel.
This way the chemicals stay in the system longer, giving them more time to clean and lubricate.
Q: How Often Should I Use A Fuel Injector?
How you use your vehicle, it’s age, and condition will determine how often you need to use a fuel injector cleaner. Most manufacturers recommend an interval of 3,000 miles, which is sufficient under normal conditions.
If you drive a lot or your vehicle is brand new, running a high-quality fuel injector cleaner every tank is great preventative maintenance. Doing this will prevent new deposits from forming and inhibit corrosion – effectively extending the life of your engine.
Older vehicles and vehicles that show substantial deposits may require frequent use. In addition, you will want an additive with strong detergents like PEA to maximize results.
Try running a bottle every time you fuel up until you stop noticing an improvement. At that point, your engine should be about as clean as it will get and you can extend the interval.
Q: Can I Use A Fuel Injector Cleaner In My Diesel Engine?
Diesel engines are different from standard gasoline engines and a fuel additive specially formulated for one may not be appropriate for the other. Some fuel injector cleaners will not work effectively in diesel models, and, in some instances, can damage your engine.
The good news is most fuel injector cleaners are compatible with both fuel types. Though, it’s imperative that you check with the manufacturer to be absolutely sure.
Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubrication & Injector Cleaner and Sea Foam Motor Treatment are two incredibly popular products from my list that work well in both scenarios.
But I recommend using a fuel additive made specifically for diesel engines like Royal Purple Max-Tane Diesel or BG244 Diesel Fuel System Cleaner for best results.
