Before you message board thugs go crazy, I searched and found a bunch of posts but none that really had a straight forward answer so I am creating a new post..

I have a 08 Cooper S with 102K on it, I had the walnut shell blast done in October and wondered if I should be running a fuel cleaner every so often? If so, what brand are you guys using?

 

I would use Techron fuel injection cleaner every 3-4 tanks IMO. This is also the only FIC that is recommended by MINI.

 

Bg44k.

 

General consensus seems to be that it doesn't help. The reason is because of how the carbon buildup happens in the first place. Normally, fuel injected into the system will fill around all of the valve and keep it clean. With direct injection the backs of the valves don't have fuel flowing around them and so carbon builds up there. The fuel injector cleaner is mixed with the fuel so it won't reach this area either and really won't help.

Some MINI service depts have suggested that if you run the engine hard once in a while that the extra heat will help burn some of this off, but isn't proven.

 

It does help keep the fuel inectors clean. I should of said like NJ MINI said it will not help avoid having to do a walnut blasting.

 

Your Fuel INJECTOR cleaner WILL clean the INJECTORS ONLY....and not the valves or intake....so just KNOW running a cleaner in the fuel will NOT help to delay the next cleaning of the valves....

 

Ever since I used MINI's recommended fuel cleaner, I feel like it messed up my range on my tank. I used to be getting around 460ish on my full tank. Now I get 380-400. I know winter has an affect too, but last winter was like this, the way it made my range so low. Any advice?

 

I use Seafoam in the tank every 3,000-4,000 miles or so, seems to keep my injectors nice and clean

 

Unless you have a R50/52/53

 

I have wondered if there is any benefit to using a fuel injector cleaner for a 2012 Justa? Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

Thanks for the feedback, perhaps I'll give it a try.
Anyone noted any improvement on MPGs?

 

I'm no expert, but I generally run an off the shelf injector cleaner on all my cars a couple tanks BEFORE their regular 7,500 mile oil change. In addition I run an 11oz. can of "BG 44K" a couple tanks BEFORE each 30,000 oil change for good measure. BG 44K is pretty toxic stuff. I've been told it is best to run it a couple tanks BEFORE an oil change in case any toxins transfer into the oil, thus the subsequent oil change will remove them.



Question posed to Pat Goss on PBS's Motor Week (about 5 years old?):
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Baltimore, Maryland: Hi Pat:
I would like to know your opinion on the use of off the shelf fuel injection cleaners. Is anything you can buy over the counter worth the effort or should you just have the injection system serviced by professionals. If the service by professionals is your response ... how often and what price is good?

Thanks!

Pat Goss: Some form of fuel injector cleaner should be used on a regular basis. My choice is BG 44k. The over the counter products typically will have to be used more frequently to get the same level of cleaning, which may push the cost higher. Even so the vehicle will still need a professional fuel injection cleaning to help maintain portions of the system not touched by the cleaner used in the tank. The frequency of the professional cleaning will vary from make of vehicle to another but will usually be beneficial at 24-50,000 miles. Expect a cost of $90-150.
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I'm new to direct injection, so I'm not clear if that needs any special attention...

 

I believe the Justa is not direct injected, so you can expect similar benefits to most other vehicles.

--Matt