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Reccomended fuel/injector cleaner?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Higgins909, Jul 30, 2019.

  1. Higgins909

    Higgins909 Member

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    I think it's time for another bottle of one. I'm not sure if it's the different route I'm taking, but I'm down about 6mpg the last few tanks. (33mpg now, used to average 39mpg) I've also noticed the kinda knocking sound at higher speeds, that I used to only hear when leaving the drive through with max ac and 2 bars HV. Was reading it could be the injectors are clogging, but don't know for sure.

    Anyways, last time I got some Chevyron Techron fuel system cleaner as it was on sale. It's not on sale right now and I'm wondering if there are other good options. Autozone had Lucas Oil fuel treatments, but it's only 5.25oz vs 12 oz Techron. Maybe I should get something off Amazon instead.

    Thanks,
    Higgins909
     
  2. tankyuong

    tankyuong Senior Member

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    Egr circuit needs to be cleaned, if coolant is low then head gasket needs replacing
     
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  3. Higgins909

    Higgins909 Member

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    Going with the EGR circuit. Bit off topic, but see you have a Maxi scooter there. What is it? How fast can it go? I've been wanting a 2 wheel ride for a while, but haven't done it.
     
  4. tankyuong

    tankyuong Senior Member

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    120 mph Honda silverwing
     
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  5. William Redoubt

    William Redoubt Senior Member

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    Just buy Chevron gas. It's cheaper in the long run, and if you have their credit card you typically get cash pricing.
     
  6. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    I use BG Products 44k:).

    Think of it as concentrated Techron ;).

    Clean the egr circuit stem to stern and see where that takes you (y).
     
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  7. Higgins909

    Higgins909 Member

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    I'm looking at that again. Do I clean just the valve or more then that? I seen some kind of EGR cooler, but it looks like a LOT more work to get to and clean that.
     
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  8. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    If you haven’t cleaned the egr cooler, the circuit is not clean;).

    Is it more work: absolutely

    Does it ensure that te egr circuit is free flowing again: Yes

    I’ve done the job about 8-10 times and each time it takes about 5-7 hours, finding slight improvements each time :).

    Good luck and keep us posted (y).
     
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  9. schmuber

    schmuber Member

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    Stick to Top Tier gas, run a bottle of Techron every now and then, and clean the EGR cooler (yes, cooler is the dirtiest part).

    Personally, I'd advise against using more aggressive cleaners in a fuel system, unless you are ready to face any engine problems. Remember that routine dental cleaning visit when a filling flew off?… Same with the engine. For example, small coolant leaks in a cylinder tend to "coagulate", and the engine might be good to go for another 100K or so (despite the occasional rattle on cold soak). But put a can of B12 through it, and all hell breaks loose right away.
     
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  10. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    You need to clean everything between the EGR cooler to the exhaust and the intake ports. That's the intake manifold, the EGR pipe, valve and cooler. Consider installing an oil catch can too.

    Sadly, this is a 3rd gen rite of passage. A Toyota fail, and they don't seem to be interested. There's a Warranty Enhancement Program for the EGR clogging, but they will do nothing until the situation is near-terminal. They say the "majority of vehicles will not experience this condition", which is complete BS.

    The simplest way to see where you're at, is to check the degree of carbon build up in the EGR pipe, a stainless steel connecting pipe between the EGR valve and intake manifold. Watch @NutzAboutBolts video #16 here:

    Nutz About Bolts Prius Maintenance Videos | PriusChat

    Two or three other videos linked there too, for the full cleaning of the intake manifold, full EGR clean, and Oil Catch Can install.

    Good thread:

    EGR & Intake Manifold Clean Results | PriusChat

    Another:

    Oil Catch Can, Eliminate that knock! | PriusChat

    Somewhat tools worth having:

    E8 Torx socket (mandatory)
    E6 Torx socket (optional, but good to have, to remove the throttle body studs from intake manifold)
    3/8" ratchet wrench, regular and long handle, flex head, you can never have enough
    1/4" ratchet wrench, or 3/8" to 1/4" reducer
    Ratchet extensions: you can never have enough
    Long needle nose piers, straight and bent tip
    Ratcheting 12mm box wrench (optional, but makes disconnection of the EGR cooler from exhaust easier)
    Torque wrench (3/8" and 1/4" both good to have)
    Floor jack and safety stands (or ramps): basically some method to raise front, if you need to take underpanel off, which you may need to, both for access and to recover dropped items.
     
    #11 Mendel Leisk, Jul 31, 2019
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2019
  12. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    I was thinking the link has a list of approved gas places that car makers gave thumbs up to :confused:
     
  13. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    It does, it's right at the top.
     
  14. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    I only see a photo of gas 4 nozzles at the top.
     
  15. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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  16. Calirrm

    Calirrm New Member

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    For those who can't DYI, do you have any independent mechanic recommendations around California?
     
  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Hybrid Pit Stop is the one I’ve been hearing, but my attention span isn’t the greatest. In LA.

    @Grit snd @Raytheeagle had DIY get togethers, in San Francisco IIRC.

    Somone more local may chime in.
     
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