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Post by ThaiGyro on Jul 9, 2018 2:50:00 GMT -5
I was experiencing some issues with our 2014 Ford Focus. Nothing crazy, but a bit confusing at first.
Many cars have fuel economy displays, taking data from various sensors and turning them into something potentially useful. In my case, I noticed two of my readings that appeared incorrect. (The level has always been- on most cars). The first was "Distance to Empty". After a tank fill, it reads around 575 km. It was showing only 410km on a full tank. After a few more days, it seems as if the fuel economy was getting bad.
It took some thinking and web searching. The problem was obvious, but I was looking at a bad reading and bad fuel consumption. Turns out to be related to high sulfur in the fuel.
First, calibrations aside on fuel guage...the contact points for this car are exposed to the fuel. There are 16 sets, I think, meaning 32 contacts for the float wiper. Sulfur compounds will coat them over time. It did.
Secondly, the injectors were also working harder to deliver fuel for the same reason...sulfur coating.
As a former Chevron employee...I looked into Techron availability here in Thailand. (There are CalTex stations) Turns out that Chevron makes a concentrated form of Techron additive, called Techron PLUS. They recommended 2 bottles, one each for two tank fills. I did one bottle, then after half tank used, topped off for a trip to our property. This Techron formula specifically takes care of the sulfur AND coats the contacts to prevent new formation.
Good economy for us is 7.0 liters per 100km, (33.5mpg) but we were using 10.2/100km, or 23 mpg! Big loss.
The trip was amazing. A one way drive is 250km, 500 round trip...never made it both ways on one tank. This last fill shows 185km to empty still, and I am home! Average consumption down to 6.7 liters per 100 km. (35 mpg). Power awesome and fuel to burn on only one treatment.
The downside? one bottle was 480 Thai bhat...$14.50. Worth every penny!
Just in case you don't know...Techron laced fuels have low amounts, designed for every day use...all American auto manufacturers use it for DOT testing.
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Post by humanshield on Jul 9, 2018 11:28:56 GMT -5
VERY interesting post.
I intend to look into this further.
Thanks!
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Post by humanshield on Jul 9, 2018 11:30:19 GMT -5
Found this right off the bat....
Since 2006, the average standard was reduced to 30 ppm with an 80 ppm sulfur cap. Starting January 1, 2017, EPA requires that federal gasoline will contain an average of 10 ppm sulfur on an annual basis, with the maximum sulfur allowed per batch remaining at 80 ppm at the refinery gate and 95 ppm downstream.
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Post by humanshield on Jul 9, 2018 12:32:35 GMT -5
Ok,
So I called Seafoam and verified that Seafoam will not remove sulfur deposits.
Looks like I'll be buying some Techroline.
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Post by ThaiGyro on Jul 9, 2018 21:42:01 GMT -5
Nice humanshield...have not kept up with fuels since I retired. Here in Thailand the sulfur spec is higher. In fact, I cannot find that it was ever reduced in the recent past. That said, when I lived in California, I always used Chevron fuels, both diesel and gasoline. All grades have Techron in them, but the (former) 93 octane has more than the lower octane fuels. Never needed additional treatment. In Montana, where I lived for 10 years, I always used 95 octane, but added Techron every month or so. My fuel injected cars never had issues, nor did my carbed bikes. There were no Chevron stations in the state. Here, The thought somehow escaped my drying brain. I just put some Techron in my Yamaha Mio too. It was likely to be next to show signs. I will also try to buy CalTex fuel, but not always convenient. The bottle products have different names and prices, due to the amount of "polyetheramine" concentration. That is the patented magic.  |
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Post by autotech78 on Sept 4, 2018 18:38:28 GMT -5
I'm a auto mechanic and i can't say about for scooters but that's the only additive I've ever seen fix a misfire from a clogged injector its def good shit but again ink bat scooters it for sulfur
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Post by ThaiGyro on Oct 11, 2018 0:23:58 GMT -5
I'm a auto mechanic and i can't say about for scooters but that's the only additive I've ever seen fix a misfire from a clogged injector its def good shit but again ink bat scooters it for sulfur Here is an update after 3 months...
The injector issue appears to be persistent, though Techron additive will improve it. I just pulled and tested all 4 injectors. Three were OK, not great, one was operating quite poorly.
Sooo autotech, yes, the Techron made great work of my issues, but the consistently high sulfur content will win in time. Not enough agitation, therefore must hand clean the injectors. The one injector failure was electro-mechanical. It just was not delivering like it should. Not plugged, just over fueling at idle and just off idle.
It all confused the operation...best economy was at mid to higher rpm. Or, on or above the torque curve. My research into various injectors shows as much. This is a beginning failure of the electronic signal range. The default, upon low pressure delivery, is dumping more fuel, hence, less economy. (BTW, this is a China made injector...but 5 years old. I just bought four new ones at about $15 US each. Why? The Bosch versions are $70 each...made in the same China factory!)
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Post by Senna1Rossi on Oct 11, 2018 18:03:34 GMT -5
Nice humanshield...have not kept up with fuels since I retired. Here in Thailand the sulfur spec is higher. In fact, I cannot find that it was ever reduced in the recent past. That said, when I lived in California, I always used Chevron fuels, both diesel and gasoline. All grades have Techron in them, but the (former) 93 octane has more than the lower octane fuels. Never needed additional treatment. In Montana, where I lived for 10 years, I always used 95 octane, but added Techron every month or so. My fuel injected cars never had issues, nor did my carbed bikes. There were no Chevron stations in the state. Here, The thought somehow escaped my drying brain. I just put some Techron in my Yamaha Mio too. It was likely to be next to show signs. I will also try to buy CalTex fuel, but not always convenient. The bottle products have different names and prices, due to the amount of "polyetheramine" concentration. That is the patented magic.
I've never seen that bottle in stores... is it special order?
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Post by ThaiGyro on Oct 12, 2018 2:03:54 GMT -5
Senna1Rossi...in Thailand it is marketed as "Techron Concentrate Plus". In the USA, it is "Techron Complete Fuel System Additive". You can get it in 330ml or a new bigger one. Sale on two for one right now in US! Never had that here. If you are not in a state that has Chevron stations...order through Amazon or e-Bay...or other? www.chevronlubricants.com/en_us/home/products/by_brand/techron.html |
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Post by bullybike on Jul 15, 2019 21:42:34 GMT -5
Yea Chevy has been referring truck customers with bad [read:defective] fuel guage senders to "just keep adding Techron° for decades now. RARELY fixes a damn thing.
But on a more dangerous Scootery note:
XYLENE AKA XYLOL AKA
🔥🚀🔥🤩
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