Since I always run 87 Octane instead of 91+ in my Clubman (non-S), I thought I would run a bottle of fuel injector cleaner through when I gassed-up today.

Warning: The neck of the gas tank filler hole is too narrow to allow the bottle to be inserted deep enough to open that little trap door.

Result: Fuel injector cleaner backs up and then spills down the side of the car.

Luckily there was a windshield scrubber/squeegee at the pump and I was able to dilute the STP quickly and remove it from the car's finish.

I would recommend motorers use a long narrow funnel to add fuel injector cleaner to avoid my mistake.

 

I've done the same on my other car... i believe it was the same cleaner. I just put the bottle back in the trunk (still open) and drove home... had to use a funnel to get it into the tank.

I guess the bottle is meant for trucks/SUV's.

 

I carry a screwdriver in the boot of the car and just used that to flip the little flap open to drain the additive into the tank.

Not to go way OT here, but most of the fuel additives labeled as 'octane boosters' are just organic solvents that burn hot but aren't great for your engine. The only ones that I've ever heard a good, valid reason for using were the Lucas 'booster' or 'fuel injector cleaner'.

 

I won't touch that one but Artoo has never seen less than 91.


Actually if you pour it in slowly it will fill as the flap is not a good seal.

You should consider Techron only. It is the only fuel cleaner that most agree actually works. I would use Chevron gas if there were any stations in my area. But alas, Shell Ultimate is the drink of choice for Artoo. If you did a calculated test you might find that the higher octane gives you enough better gas mileage to offset the higher price. OTOH, for me I'd rather not even risk the chance of detonation or the computer reducing the timing as it senses ping.

Just my thoughts.

Rich

 

to the Techron

as for higher octane = better gas mileage, got any hard data on that?

 

ouch ... long term effects on this is bad.
with Super .20 cents more than Regualr a gallon ... it's only $2.80 more per fillup to run the reccomended grade.

not worth it to be penny wise pound foolish ...

 

Agree with all you who run 91+. Previous owner (mom) of my Mini didn't do that, and she always wondered why it ran better when I brought it back to her after a new tank of gas. Now I'm hoping that no real damage was done, and I've been running only Shell and Chevron/ Mobile since I became the new owner. Just spend a little extra money. It's worth it.

 

I took delivery of the vehicle brand new from my dealer with a tank full of 87 Octane. I was advised it was fine and not to bother upgrading for a non-S. Furthermore, the owner's manual green-lights 87 Octane vs. the sticker on the inside of the fuel filler door.

I had no intention of creating a thread here to debate this. Y'all can do what you like.

 

It may be different on the '07+ models. I have an '03 and that's what my manual and gas cap say (to use 91). But it's all personal preference. Each person has to deal with the concequences of their choices.

 

+1 for the Techron, or would that be +2? Just put in a bottle yesterday before filling up. The neck on the Techron bottle fits and opens the flap.

Well, lower octane means timing is retarded; less power/torque to move the car. So, if one is shifting and accelerating like grandma without her glasses, one may not notice much of a difference.

 

I use Redline in the Clubby S even though I use the top tier detergent 91 octane. I don't put the Redline in with each fillup, but thought it wouldn't hurt to do it every so often. I bought a case of it so I won't run out.
I believe the bottle fits into the hole, but the first time I did it I didn't realize you had to push it in. Yup, out there cleaning the stuff off the paint and then a wash and Speed Shine as soon as I got Otto home.

My husband used to take care of this stuff, so slowly but surely I'm learning all the tricks to properly watch after Otto. I should buy a funnel!

 

Octane booster should not be a substitute for properly mixed fuel. Additives can cause problems. Best to save the $10 you spent on the booster and spend another $3 on the tank and get the correct fuel grade. If you are running a S, there's a reason you need the higher octane....

 

Jvan, keep notes on when the engine finally starts to knock.

 

+1 for chevron with techron...its the same stuff mini/bmw offers at the dealer under their name. the neck is narrow enough to fit perfect into the filler neck

 

I've heard of people doing it every so often. One owner runs 91 on his Clubman three times, then runs 89 and repeats the cycle. Is there really any benefit (if any savings) in that? And then, there are those to put a bottle of Techron in the tank every third or fourth trip to the gas station. Doesn't it have to be done a bit more frequently to get any benefits from Techron?

 

S**T you had me worried, I put some in my Explorer Sport a couple of weeks ago. I was thinking the stuff is really bad for injectors....

 

I did some very rough math to see if there's any benefit to lowering the octane (and this is without any additives of any kind)
Supposing the Clubman needs 11 gallons of fuel per week or 55 gallons a month.
55 gallons of 87 is $186.45 in my state total to run the Clubman that long (7 Eleven brand)
55 gallons of 89 is $194.70
55 gallons of 91 is $200.20

89 savings = $5.50 per month over 91
87 savings = $13.75 per month over 91
Multiply by 12
89 savings = $66 per year (assuming gas prices stay level)
87 savings = $165 per year (also assuming gas prices stay level)

Now try to estimate how much it costs for a bottle of Techron. It costs about $8 and Chevron recommends one bottle every three months so add in 4 bottles: $32 a year and subtract from your savings
89 savings = $34 a year
87 savings = $133 a year
Now, I don't know if Techron boosts mileage in any way so I didn't reduce the number of gallons used
Again, this is very rough math and it doesn't factor in the high possibility that gas prices could shoot up next year or the year after and so on.
I don't know about you but I think I'll grin and bear it with gas prices considering my last car, a 2000 Dodge Intrepid, got a crummy 19 mpg. If the Clubman averages 24 per gallon, that 5 mile difference is significant to me. Can anyone find another way of calculating the possible price differences over a 3, 6 or 12-month time frame?

 

the fuel injector "cleaner" is just that....its a cleaner for the fuel system. nothing being done about octane rating there.

 

always put in the recommended fuel... here it's always Super 98