Chevron Techron cleaner
 

For some reason my 300CE runs much better when I have added some Techron fuel system cleaner. The car starts much faster and seems to have a better idle. Also it doesn't start then die like it would do on hot starts. I have treated it with Techron before but after I had run it through it went back to the same starting and idling characteristics. Would this be indicative of a fuel system that is excessively dirty or is the Techron actually making the engine run smoother?

The techron is a solvent, burns well, but in my experience doesn't do much else.

Buy some RedLine and clean the system, use the techron for charcoal-lighter.

Where can I find RedLine in Canada?

Any number of things can cause your car to run poorly.

How are your spark plugs, wires, distributor, coil, distributor cap, etc. Are you using premium fuel?

I had a car that ran less than optimally on regular. Ran better on premium.
A misfire would go away when I used premium.
One of my plug wires was loose. Problem solved.

I hear BG44K is the ultimate fuel system cleaner

we use bg44k about every 18 months..... i have always used it as preventive maintenance, so i really have no idea if it works or not....

that said... the cars seem to run well, always.

If you don't have a pep-boys of other national chain, try Amazon.com

It's the only stuff that I have found to work in CIS systems to improve idle and part-throttle acceleration issues. Also doesn't contaminate the oil like the solvent-based stuff.

Sea Foam works well for an initial cleaning of intake components. And techron keeps them clean for me.

I agree with rodgiddens. I have used seafoam and that stuff is amazing! I know everyone can testify to what they have used and the results they have gotten, but if anyone is interested in seeing my smog test results I can post them to show you the before and after with seafoam

Lordco, but I only shop there if I CAN'T find the same product elsewhere.

They always overprice their products, even with the discount I get due to my account with them, the final price is always either the same or higher than other places who carries the same product at REGULAR price. :rolleyes:

Ex. Redline SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner. Price tag on the shelf listed it at $10.79...I thought GREAT, with my discount..this'll be really cheap. Paid for it, on my invoice it said; List price: $18.99; Discount price: $10.79. :mad:

Prestone antifreeze for my Grand Cheeroke, price was $2 more than Superstor even after discount.

Air filter for my Benz, quoted me $60 list, $42 after discount. I laughed, told her I could get the genuine air filter from the dealer for $33.

Ismalley, please do post.
Also, if you can tell us in more detail your results it would be greatly appreciated

Well I was able to find some Red Line and so far so good. I've only put about 50 miles on since adding it to the tank but I've noticed that the car starts a lot stronger. The idle does seem to be getting a bit better. The throttle response seems stronger. I had to pass someone and was amazed and how fast and smooth the engine got up to speed after kickdown. Could be all in my head but I will be using this additive instead of Techron from now on.

Techron is the recommended fuel system cleaner for both Mercedes and BMW.
It should be used on a regular basis along with using only a first tier gasoline.
Been using Techron in the fuel tank at oil change intervals for twenty two years since I purchased my 1988 300CE new.
Still use it after the engine had the twin turbo install in 2007.
It's not really a "solvent" as one poster indicated...
Seafoam is naptha which is a very harsh solvent...
Redline uses PEA ( poly ether amine ) which is the main component of Techron.
Techron has a much smaller naptha component then Redline which is why Redline gives a slightly better cleaning action on fuel systems that have not been maintained.

I also used to use Techron in my CIS cars, those purchased new included, per the parts departments' suggestions. I even did it pre-oil change per the warnings on the Techron bottle.

I never had measurable results.

After my first dose of Redline, I had almost new-running cars, I have never gone back. I am very glad that I did not continue with the parts department folks at Mercedes & Audi suggestions.

As they say, "your mileage may vary", but after 33 years with CIS cars I have tried almost every snake oil around, have always bought premium fuels from major-brand stations, and this has been the only solution to low-volume spray pattern issues in CIS injectors. Admittedly, I no longer have any CIS cars, sold my (from new) '85 quattro last year, was my last one, with over 200,000 miles engine never opened / injectors never out. Idled and ran great.

i stand by my lucas oil products. i use them in everyone of my cars and i have never had any injector or fuel system problems. or maybe im just lucky.