BG vs Techron

For what it's worth, I added a $3 can of Gumout (gray bottle) to the last tank of gas. Half way through the tank, the SES lamp went on and gave a P0455 code (large leak in EVAP system). Is there a connection, probably not but still worth mentioning.

The engine DOES run better now. There had been a little mid range hesitation which is now gone. I cleaned out the EVAP vent solenoid which might have been sticking. Not going to get serious though about further testing 'till this tank is empty. One variable is bad enough.

Oppie -'01 lw300

What happened to you working at a Saturn dealer?

Wow, are we getting sidetracked .

Yep, I still do work for Saturn, but I also own 2 Saturns and will always also be a customer too. I like to save $$ and like my cars to run right, just like everyone else :-)

So, to bring us back full swing to the post in question:

BG fuel injection cleaner from Saturn - $30. Chevron Techron fuel injection cleaner - $3.

Two different Saturn techs say the other is better. Which IS better?

Thanx, marx404

I never used either. What test was done to determine the injectors were in need of cleaning? If nothing else you can try the Techron first at no real loss. I would just try to burn it all out of the tank asap though. Some of of those cleaners will melt or damage parts.

Thanx Blah, but long story made short: Wifes 93 Sl1, not driven hard or enough, dirty everything. Had everything cleaned out by Saturn, whole nine yards. They did BG treatment on entire fuel system, car ran better far a day or so, then started acting like it will shut off in idle, no codes at all. Dirty fuel in tank seems to be a culprit as everything else possible was done.

After one BG fuel treatment can, one mech says put more BG until it is cured, another says BG sux, use Techron to clean out the tank and lines.

Which is beter?

Religious debates are like that. I'd go with the Techron. However, it is not going to clean out the tanks and lines. If your problem is water in the fuel, then Techron is not going to help. One of the alcohol additives is all you need to remove small amounts of water. If you have intake valve or fuel injection depositis, my money is on the Techron. I have seen it work wonders on a Buick with intake valve deposits. BG advertises more in relation to the size of the company (at least on Sirius radio), so maybe they need to charge more to cover the ads.

If you notice Chevron spends a lot of ad copy explaining how their product works and who uses it. BG spends a lot of time telling you how much better your car will run without really explaining why.

Regards,

Ed White

My feeling is that if one can made only a temporary improvement, a second can will do likewise... Have you checked the fuel pressure and delivery? Possibly changed the fuel filter? I'm pretty sure that a fuel pressure problem will not throw a code but make everything else run poorly. As White had written, also address the possibility of water in the tank. Water will plug the fuel filter membrane and result in a pump that is straining and low pressure to the engine. I pull the filter and try to blow through it. Even a dirty filter will get some air through but a waterlogged filter will get no airflow at all. If this is the case, leave the filter out and get the fuel pump to pump out as much fuel as possible (pull connector and jump lines to chassis and battery. Make connections away from fuel) into a container until as much water is out. Remove remaining water with 'gas line antifreeze' preferably the isopropyl type. Hope this helps - Oppie

Seems like TB cleaning is due...

TB cleaning done, new fuel filter, lots of crud in old fuel filter, so mech thinks lots of crud in tank as well makes sense. The prob originated from wife not driving car hard enough, now stalling when stopped in drive or reverse, bucks when accelerating. Three mechanics looked at it, all keep saying keep putting fuel cleaner in (either BG or Techron).

marx404

Sounds like tcc is acting up but I dont think it should be engaging while in reverse.

Change the plug wires if they're lousy?

TCC could be it, If you can unplug it on a Saturn, I'd do that to check that. Check the EGR valve (if it's stuck or whatnot) too.

And DRIVE the car a bit. The computer might just need to relearn things. Undo the negative, clean it, clean the positive, hook both back up, and drive the car for a while, both around town and on the highway. Might just need to flush the last crud out + get the computer's head sorted out...

TCC - Torque converter clutch solenoid... I had to look that one up. Always knew it as the torque converter lock-up control.Good to learn something new every day.

If there is a lot of crud in the fuel tank still, it may be coating the 'sock' that filters the coarse crud at the fuel pump inlet. Result is low fuel pressure. If that's the case, drop the tank and/or flush it out. Oppie

Thanks but did all that. The question was.....BG or Techron, which is better. Thanx anyways. The Techron is cheaper.

marx404

Don't think you are going to get Techron for $3 unless it is used as an additive to something else.."contains Techron" get the real thing don't screw around.. I believe they have a 12 gallon size and a 20 gallon size,, the larger is close to $10..Follow the directions.. and when you get to the last 1/4 tank or so.. "pound" on it a little .. if you have some hills a few good runs with heavy throttle up them in 2nd would be perfect to move some extra fuel through the system and "break loose" some of the crud that is "almost out".

Also I have heard that water will swell that sock and cause fuel delivery problems.. I have never pulled one out when this was a problem so I can't comment on this directly..