A lot of your name brand quality additives have alcohol in them. Using them will probably cause a problem. I went to Google and found a bunch of information on why you should be really careful on what you add to your gas.
Ronnie948

Check this out.
http://www.fuel-testers.com/fuel_add...reatments.html

 

Are there any fuel additives/octane boosters that are safe to use in the Mini S? I was just wondering so if there are any that might provide a little extra in both MPG and cleaning.

Happy Motoring

- KP

 

If you feel the need to clean your injecters or fuel pump use a product called "TECHRON" it has no alcohol content. It works very well without messing things up like STP, or alcohol based products. When you add more alcohol to the 10% in the gas already you will have fuel pump problems that warrenty does not cover. Your dealer will call "Bad Gas" and you will have a very costly problem.
Use the correct oil and never ever put anything in it. The oil does not ever need an additive. Just be sure you use the correct oil for your car and you can't go wrong.
The "TECHRON" in the gas won't harm anything even if your engine is already clean and don't need it.
Ronnie948
PS: always get your gas at a regular name brand gas station.

 

Techron is indeed good stuff. For a long time it was the only additive approved by MB USA. I don't think the labels still reflect this, but they use to warn that it should be added to the tank just before an oil change. This is because Techron is basically a fuel dispersant, it dleans injectors and valves by thinning the gasoline and effectively turning it into an even better solvent than it already is.

The problem is that this more effective solvent now washes past the rings more effectively also, slightly thinning the crankcase oil as it mixes. This isn't a problem if you add a can to the tank, run the tank down, and then change the oil. You could probably even do it a couple of times without a problem. The problem is if you add a can to every third tank (or so) and then you can really start seeing an effect on the crankcase oil.

So enjoy your Techron, use it with confidence because I agree it is really good stuff. You see an even bigger benefit in diesels BTW, but it's fine for gasoline engines. I personally think there are enough additives in the top tier premium fuels to keep the valves and injectors pretty clean without any help. If someone can show me a study that has received a peer review or other independent validation (i.e., not something a gasoline or oil company is using just to sell its products), I'd like to see it.

Thanks,

someguyfromMaryland

 

I agree that Techron has a good reputation, but would adding a pint or less of an additive with alcohol really make any difference in a full tank of gas? A pint bottle of alcohol would only raise the total alcohol content of the tank by less than 1% if you had a full 13 gallon tank. It's doubtful that would make any difference one way or another.

 

Hmm would raising it from 10% to 11% be harmful? Don't know. It would put it over the recommended maximum, and if detectable, void the warranty.

And of what value would be it be? I don't see there being a very good risk/benefit ratio with gas additives. Just use a gas, such as Shell, that is known to have sufficient detergent additives.

 

But does the additive made using alcohol actually mix with the gas or does it go to the bottom of the tank to get sucked up by the fuel pump? Even if it mixes with the gas in the tank will it increase the ratio enough to do damage? I just don't think it would be wise to use anything but quality gas.
As I said "Use Techron if you feel the need to use anything at all"
Ronnie948

 

I am now a believer in using 93, but name brands are not all the same. My car runs fantastic if I by Shell, way down in southern VA (Roanoke), but runs poorly if I by Shell in or around the Baltimore, MD area. Could be it is different in areas where traffic volume is higher.

Jim

 

I was using Sunoco 93 almost exclusively, and I needed a new fuel pump, ignition coil, plugs, and to have the valves cleaned of carbon fouling. Thankfully under warranty.
The car still runs rich, the exhaust pipes are always black.

 

With gas these day, the price goes up and down and the quality does the same.

Jim

 

The OP claimed that using alcohol-based additives will cause fuel pump problems. I was questioning if 11% alcohol versus 10% alcohol would trigger such issues. I have no opinion on the relative merits of any additive.

One other note, the site mentioned in the OP post is in the business of selling kits to test gasoline for alcohol content. It is not an unbiased discussion of E10 gasoline.