Adding "stuff" to fuel

[R3d]

What sort of things can/should you put in with the fuel? (i.e. fuel injector cleaner, carb cleaner, etc)

[ashman]

I have a bottle of STP carb cleaner and I add a little of that to a freshly topped off tank once in a while. I dont really notice a difference, but maybe thats the point with preventative maintance. I'd ask some more experienced motorcycle guys before trying it. If i screw up my bike thats one thing, I'd hate to mess up yurs off my advice.

-ash

[cay]

I like to add a sprig of rosemary -- it really gives the air a nice woodsy aroma after idling in the garage with the door closed all afternoon.

Folks here have used carb cleaners with the desired effect, but does your bike even have fuel injection?

[R3d]

I like to add a sprig of rosemary -- it really gives the air a nice woodsy aroma after idling in the garage with the door closed all afternoon.

Folks here have used carb cleaners with the desired effect, but does your bike even have fuel injection?

Hmm... think I'd prefer pine needles.

The fuel injection was sort of why I asked.  Thought I saw somewhere that carb cleaner was OK.  I was just at Autozone and could only find carb cleaner that was also fuel injector cleaner.

[cay]

Oh, whoops, my mistake.  I thought you were considering a fuel injector cleaner additive, which I thought was a bit weird.  Nevermind me.  

[vtlion]

hm... i'm thinking I might try some sugar in my gas tank, for a sweet, theraputic aroma...  :mrgreen:

I used the stp cleaner on my bike a few times.  didn't help, didn't hurt.  Just don't add those cleaners ALL the time, I'm sure they would eventually cause some seal damage or something if you are cranking them through your engine constantly.

[crash]

i use bleach.  1 part bleach to 5 parts gas.  works like a charm to keep my engine squeaky clean

[johncam4]

yeah great advice...yall suck....really what is the difference between injector cleaner and carb cleaner....they do the same thing....what about those carbon buildup stoppers.....anything to keep my engine running longer.

[ghostrider]

I think the general consensus is that most fuel 'cleaner' additives (carb or injector) do pretty much nothing. If anything, their corrosive action is likely to do more harm then good, particularly if used in excess.

If you have a bike with a carb, learn how to take it apart and clean it

If you have a bike with injectors, learn how to remove and re-fit them yourself, and get them cleaned ultra-sonically - it's cheap and effective.

edit: PS, make sure you're using the best quality fuel  and oil available, that will help engine longevity. You might also consider adding one of those little serviceable in-line fuel filters to lessen the chance of crap getting into your engine.

[Jeff P]

Funny ghostrider, I thought the consensus was that some of the products do in fact work great.

I use the "Techron Concentrate" in all of my cars and the GS500.  It cleans fuel injectors, carbs, valves, combustion chamber, whatever it comes in contact with.  My Saturn made it to 185k miles using this stuff 3x a year or so and has never had any fuel system problems.  Engine still runs great.  

I've only put it in the GS twice, and it only needs about 1/4 of the bottle since the tank is so small.  No issues so far at 9.5k.

jeff

ps. if you really want a lot of info about this sort of stuff, go to the "bobistheoilguy" forums.

[The Buddha]

The damn F150 I have... has to have some cleaner or other in it maybe every 3 months or so... else it makes a frying/sizzling/sand grains hitting a metallic fan sound on acceleration... which BTW it has made for the last 110,000 miles... so please no dooms day theories... anyway I also run premium unleaded in it. But this stuff helps I think... the damn truck sits around quite a bit too.
Cool.
Srinath.

[R3d]

OK, so it won't hurt the GS if I put fuel injector cleaner in it?  Otherwise, I'll keep looking for carb cleaner alone.  No idea why Autozone sells only the combined deal...

Sorry for my newbieness!  Just don't want to do anything that will screw up my bike.

[werase643]

i use carb cleaner to clean fuel injectors....