Fuel injector cleaning for 4.6L 4v needed?

[Heavy D.]

Hi everyone,
I was at the dealer today getting some trim work done on my '01 Lincoln Continental before putting it away for the summer and liberating the Marauder. The service technician said that the fuel injectors could use a good cleaning (46k miles) to avoid future problems when it's not under warranty anymore. What do you guys think? Is this B.S. or is there really a benefit to having this done? Is gas tank fuel injector cleaner a cheaper way to get the same results? They want about $150.00 for this. I know this is not exactly a Marauder question but the car does have a 4.6L 4v engine very similar to the Marauder, so this may be relevant in the future when we start seeing higher mileage Marauders.

Thanks in advance!

[Ross]

When I went in for my 30K service, they suggested NOT changing the fuel filter, but cleaning the injectors. I opted to do just the opposite after asking on this board. Didn't have the injectors cleaned, but did change the fuel filter.

[RF Overlord]

^^^what Ross said^^^

I can't understand a dealer telling someone NOT to change the fuel filter @ 30k, when it says RIGHT IN THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE in your glove box to change it every 30k... :rolleyes:

20-25k is more like it...30k MAX...

Fuel injector cleaning is nothing more than a huge profit center for the dealers...if you have been using good gas, and are not experiencing any hesitation, misfire, poor idle, loss of power, etc, then it will NOT do you any good. Use a can of Techron twice a year and your injectors and intake valves will be spotless.

[Heavy D.]

Thanks Ross. I did replace the fuel filter when I got the car at 40k as cheap insurance in case the previous owner had missed it at 30k. Car runs great and gets good mileage, so I told them no on the cleaning for now...

[Heavy D.]

Thanks for the tip RF - you guys are helping confirm my suspicions!

[Thomas C Potter]

BG 44K has a good reputation for a gas-tank-additive fi cleaner.

TP

[worksuxxx]

I recently left Ford Lincoln Mercury in which I was a Service Advisor at the Dealer level for 4 years. I was great at selling service, such as the Fuel injection cleaning. Fuel injectors clogging in my opinion aren't the problem we face anymore, throw a can of BG 44k in the tank every 10k or so (this will keep the injectors and fuel system clean). Also make sure to change the fuel filter every 10-15k, this will allow fuel pump to last longer.
Basically what you want to focus on is the air induction system, depending on your driving, over time you get a build up of deposits that will slowly over time deprive you of horsepower and fuel mileage. The dealers typically charge $129 or higher to clean the air induction and throttle body. You can do it yourself and save!!
Just call around and find a Dealer, any Dealer that performs the BG services. Contact the parts counter and tell them you would like to purchase the 3 part air induction or fuel injection cleaning kit. This kit will come with 3 cans of fluid. I don't recall off the top of my mind the name of all 3, but one is the BG 44K. What you will want to do is put the BG 44k in your tank (after filling). The remaining two cans you will want to mix, put into a spray bottle. With engine running about 1100 rpm (must run 1100 or higher not to damage motor) set sprayer to mist, and spray directly into the throttle body. It will take you some time, but try to keep a consistent mist flowing into the throttle body. I usually do about half the bottle, then go for a drive and WOT a few times, return to the garage and finish the process. After finishing off the bottle, drive it for about 10 minutes, and make sure to WOT a few times. Depending on how many miles, especially city driving miles, you should notice a difference. I have 23k on my MM, planned on doing it at 20k, but am actually going to do it this weekend. I might not notice much of a difference, but at least I know my air induction system will be clean. Usually the cost of the 3 part cleaning kit is anywhere from $35 - $50 depending on where you get it. But you will save paying the dealer the labor.

[Ross]

That's good info, worksuxxs. I've heard good things about the BG line of products, but haven't used them yet.

[TripleTransAm]

With engine running about 1100 rpm (must run 1100 or higher not to damage motor) set sprayer to mist, and spray directly into the throttle body.


Won't this throw a code? If the MAF isn't reading any air intake because you've disconnected the intake tract to access the throttle body, the PCM should be throwing a MAF-related code, no?