When I asked about using Techron as a fuel additive in a previous post, I got some very informative replies. One of them still has me wondering how often I can safely use it. It was recommended that it only be used prior to an oil change because it could cause some problems with the oil if left in the engine for too long after adding Techron as a gas treatment. It was also recommended that it not be used too often. I had planned to use it every 1,000 miles or so.

Any other thoughts on this one issue would be appreciated.

Jack

1994 E320 Wagon 108,000 miles

I ask my mech.about techron,and he said
if you use premium fuel,you don't need it.
But,If you insist,use it every 3,000 mi.
before an oil change.

it does clean out the 'intake and injectors'.

Used six (6) cans for three (3) fillups (24+ gal tank) on the trip to Napa and now the car has more acceleration from standstill.

Check the trip's condition with this link:
My W140 rules . . . .

It's good stuff but not cheap; $3.00/ can x 2= $6.00 per fillup.

__________________
Regards . . . . JimF
-------------------
'94 S500 Cpe

Visit my Mercedes Web Page

Jack,

The subject of Techron received more than its share of discussion in the MBCA when I was a member in the late '90s. The late, great Frank King, technical editor of the STAR at the time, gave the subject very good coverage in the STAR. I'm sure you can find the articles if you have access to any back issues.

The basic worry with Techron is that it is designed as a fuel dispersant. This helps to clean deposits from injectors but unfortunately it hurts when the fuel is able to cross over past the rings and into the crankcase. Now you start thinning the oil in the crankcase.

I recall the rule mentioned was not to run more than two cans of Techron through in any given oil change cycle, and it was better to do it just before changing the oil. It was also recommended primarily for diesels because modern gasoline has additives in it that manufacturers are using for the same effect. Chevron gasoline has Techron in it in small amounts, so constant use will clean or keep clean most injectors.

Diesels need the help because very few companies add anything to their diesel. Truckers add their own favorite potions to their 50 gallon saddle tanks and they're the major consumers so no one bothers adding for the passenger car fringe.

If I'm off-base, I'm sure I'll be corrected, but I have diesels and I was very interested in Techron and other additives for a while so I paid pretty close attention to the discussions. My opinion would be that you can use Techron in a gas motor if you wanted, but if you didn't have signs of deposits on valves or injectors, you really don't need it.

TECHRON (made by Chevron) is THE BEST fuel system clean-up /keep clean additive for GASOLINE engines. It is THE ONLY detergent additive used in the special gasoline that is used for all EPA emissions and mileage certification testing. Several major brand gasolines are now using it and similar very effective detergent/dispersant additive packages in their gasolines and advertising 'clean-up' or 'drive clean' or similar capability. That performance HAS been documented and proven by independent testing laboratories before the advertising goes on the pump.

The 'white crud' found in the bottom of the gasoline tanks 'may' have been either a water/gasoline emulsion (most likely) or a caustic/water emulsion-possible but unlikely. I strongly recomend you contact the station owner and operator AND WALMART and report your observations. If it was really contamination from their fuel--they ARE responsible for the repairs. This kind of misfiring can destroy the catalytic mufflers quickly. Selling a gasoline that does not meet the federal requirements is a big NO-NO and can subject the station owner/operator to very large fines because it can destroy the cat mufflers.