Fuel System Cleaner

Bongalongherb

Hello folks.

I have this problem every morning I start the car, it sputters and hops when I fist drive it, but if I leave the car idling for 5 minutes and then drive it, it is fine. My mechanic just tells me it's an old car 1999, but that is not the answer I was looking for obviously.

I was told by a person to use this Halfords Redex Fuel System Cleaner Petrol Injector, as it should clean the fuel injector as it is probably blocked. Has anyone tried it ? is it any good ?.

My car is mitsubishi colt gl 1999 petrol.

Thanks.

Bongalongherb

Bump.

Surely someone here tried this cleaner stuff out ? in relation to... if by using it it stops the hopping or will it fix the problem ?.

Saucy McKetchup

It won't do any harm, try it and see, I'd also get your fuel filter changed, and change your mechanic

CiniO

Bongalongherb wrote: »

My mechanic just tells me it's an old car 1999, but that is not the answer I was looking for obviously.

Saucy McKetchup wrote: »

and change your mechanic

That's for starters

I love that kind of mechanics...
If it wasn't old car and wasn't broken, then it wouldn't need a mechanic - that's what they are for - but some seemingly don't understand it.


OP first thing coming to my mind is that car is running on incorrect fuel-air mixture ratio when cold, and that's the reason for sputtering or hopping.
Fact that it only happens when cold, might have something to do with temperature sensor, but obviously I'm only guessing.

Bongalongherb

CiniO wrote: »

That's for starters

I love that kind of mechanics...
If it wasn't old car and wasn't broken, then it wouldn't need a mechanic - that's what they are for - but some seemingly don't understand it.


OP first thing coming to my mind is that car is running on incorrect fuel-air mixture ratio when cold, and that's the reason for sputtering or hopping.
Fact that it only happens when cold, might have something to do with temperature sensor, but obviously I'm only guessing.

Thanks. I'd like to try the fuel system cleaner first if it is safe to use and if no improvement, then I'll pay to have the temperature sensor replaced. This car was only recently fully serviced but it does still sputter when it is cold. Any idea how much for a temperature sensor replacement ?.

Voodoomelon

My V8 had been idling roughly and using Redex that last fortnight has genuinely sorted it out. The effect was immediate, but I suspect I've had a build up of carbon on the cylinder heads/valves.

No point using Redex for something it's never going to fix, but it's worth a try.

timmy4u2

In my opinion Dipetane is the best fuel line cleaner. You put a measured amount into the fuel be it petrol or diesel.
To start exceed the stated amount up to four fold and then revert to the stated amount.
It is quite safe.

Bongalongherb

Thanks for the replies folks. I'll try the redex cleaner first just to see if there is any improvement, sure if that doesn't work or fix the problem then there is no point in trying another cleaner really and will just have the temperature sensor replaced with a new one and see how it goes from there. It's just annoying that I have to leave the car running for 5 or more minutes before I can drive it.

timmy4u2

Bongalongherb wrote: »

Thanks for the replies folks. I'll try the redex cleaner first just to see if there is any improvement, sure if that doesn't work or fix the problem then there is no point in trying another cleaner really and will just have the temperature sensor replaced with a new one and see how it goes from there. It's just annoying that I have to leave the car running for 5 or more minutes before I can drive it.

Whereas some cleaners are good for different things have a look at the properties of dipetane. I have found it second to none.
I dont know about a temp sensor, I would suggest it might be tight valve(s) or a lead shorting out when cold and damp or the idle control valve sticking so would be a good idea to get a can of carb cleaner also.

Bongalongherb

timmy4u2 wrote: »

Whereas some cleaners are good for different things have a look at the properties of dipetane. I have found it second to none.
I dont know about a temp sensor, I would suggest it might be tight valve(s) or a lead shorting out when cold and damp or the idle control valve sticking so would be a good idea to get a can of carb cleaner also.

Will purchase the carb cleaner as well, thanks. I'll take your word for it so, I'll try the Dipetane.

I just read this Boards.ie thread below and going by the folk that tried it, it sure sounds good.

Will pick it up friday morning, and will update here as to the effect of it, to see if it works some.

That's strange. I tried to add a link to the boards.ie thread regarding this Dipetane and it said this... You cannot post with images, URLs or attachments because you are a new user.

But Boards information page tells me I need 50 posts to be allowed post links ?. I have more than 50 posts.