Fuel System Cleaners: 4 Brand Test
The clogging of the engine injectors is quite often a fact with frequent use of the car. Indicator of their pollution is the loss of agility of the engine, poor descent and other problems when starting and driving. To solve this problem, there are two options: replacing nozzles or cleaning them. The first option is quite expensive, and not always appropriate. Washing nozzles can be done at a service station, but you can also use the fuel system cleaners that are specially designed for this purpose, and they are poured into the tank.
Let's carry out the experience of engine nozzle cleaning using four drugs, on the basis of which we analyze and compare them:
American Hi-Gear (price 280-300 rubles)
German Liqui Moly (price 400 rubles)
German Autoprofi Line (price 480-520 rubles)
Russian "Suprotek" (price 400-450 rubles)
Indeed, the cleaning effect of the use of these types of gasoline exists. It is achieved due to the content of detergent components in their composition. However, refueling with such gasoline is far from being everywhere, and besides, it is expensive. The main purpose of this type of fuel: an obstacle to the formation of deposits in the form of sediment, and not cleansing directly. That is, if the engine is already contaminated, then such gasoline is unlikely to help - it will only prevent even more pollution. This became clear after the experience of using Lukoil Ecto A95-K5 gasoline with detergent additives.
Will the fuel system cleaner spoil gasoline? Initially, the experimenters were convinced that the use of detergent additives in the composition of gasoline will not contribute to its damage. This became clear after conducting experiments with the addition of detergent components to the gasoline composition and subsequent analysis of the composition in laboratories. Experts found out that almost all the cleaners participating in the experiment are in full compliance with the Technical Regulations established by the Customs Union, and their input does not affect the octane number. The exception was the cleaner brand Hi-Gear, which, as it turned out, contains a number of resins. Probably, resins are used as additives for lubrication - in the description of the cleaner there is information about improved lubrication of the fuel.
All drugs introduced into gasoline contribute to an increase in the concentration of oxygen, but it is still far from the limit of its content (2.7%). An increase in the level of oxygen indicates that oxidizing agents contain oxygenating agents in the composition, which enhance the combustion process. Due to this, the high-temperature cleaning of the engine occurs. The most oxygenating properties were found in the “Suprotec” cleaner. It is worth noting that the use of these drugs must comply with the instructions - the excess dose may lead to a failure in the engine management system.
The cold part of the engine system is also susceptible to contaminants that other cleaners are fighting. After their inclusion in the composition of gasoline, an increase in the pH of the fuel is observed. The best indicators for the neutralization of deposits as a result of an increase in acidity were found when using the Hi-Gear cleaner. But on the other side: an increase in acidity can contribute to a change in the life of seals in the fuel system. Therefore, a moderate increase in pH due to the use of Liqui Moly and Suprotek is optimal.
