Is a Gum-out fuel injector cleaner worthwhile?

Answer 1

yes, injector cleaner is worth while because keeping your fuel system clean helps you save gas in the long run. Even full fuel system cleaners should be used every 5000-10000 miles to keep valves, injector and chambers clean.

Above seconded. A Fuel Injector Cleaner will keep your injectors free of debris, which can cause the injectors to get clogged with foreign particle that happen to pass through your fuel filter.

Note: I would also recommend fuel filter changes more frequently, when using fuel injector service. The first couple of changes, tell the tech that you want to examine the filter/parts - if the filter doesn't look that bad, then further "extend" the filter replacement period. Never go longer than the vehicle recommended maintenance though!

Also, realize, some extremely clogged injectors will require "manual" (read: lots of elbow grease) cleaning, in which the fuel injectors are completely removed from the vehicle, immersed in a solution to get cleaned, dried up, and then returned to the vehicle.

Depending on the age of the vehicle and performance, this may be the service you require.

Also (sorry, long winded lol) - there is no magic bullet. Those bottles of Fuel Injector Cleaner from the Auto Parts store are for the most part, Kerosene, some also contain Petroleum Distillates, but if you actually take your vehicle in for a "Fuel Injection Service" at a shop, they may offer a "Gum Out Professional 2-Step Fuel System Cleaning Service" in which they hook up a Liquid Intake Cleaner to the air intake, on a sort of "IV drip", and then they put a can of Fuel System Cleaner into your gas tank (preferably half-full, to ensure a good cleaning mixture and is not diluted too much).

Things to discuss with your mechanic: Check Engine Lights - I;ve heard some people say after a Gum Out Fuel Injection Service, their check engine light turns on, this should be discussed with the tech, it's not all too common, but it CAN happen, especially for extrmeely dirty injectors and depending on the carbon build up in the engine. Under most circumstances, they can just fill your tank up with fresh fuel, clear the code, and you'll be on your way.

Fuel Filter - I mentioned this earlier, but I've heard some rumors that these Injector Cleaners can "dislodge" deep gunk and grime in the bottom of your tank, and clog up Fuel Filters, which is why I made the recommendation above, about changing/replacing your filter; it's good insurance and preventative maintenance.

The cleaner you keep your system (run one of the Injector cleaners through every 5,000mi or so), the cleaner your system will be, and less chances of this happening.