Sylvie Willis
Transmission fluid is rumoured to clean fuel injectors, but there is no consensus on whether it is effective or safe. Some people claim that adding a small amount of transmission fluid to a tank of gas can help clean injectors and improve engine performance, while others argue that it could potentially cause damage. Mechanics and car experts generally advise against using transmission fluid for this purpose, as there are dedicated fuel injector cleaning products available that are designed for this specific task.
Does transmission fluid clean fuel injectors?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mechanics' recommendations | Mechanics have recommended using transmission fluid to clean fuel injectors. |
| Mechanics' recommendations | Some mechanics have also recommended using bottled fuel system cleaners and injector cleaners instead of transmission fluid. |
| Automakers' recommendations | No automaker has recommended dumping Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) in with the gasoline. |
| Transmission fluid's properties | Transmission fluid does have some detergent properties. |
| Potential issues | It is unclear what else transmission fluid might do to fuel injectors. |
| Fuel injector replacement | Fuel injectors cost many hundreds of dollars to replace. |
| Alternatives | Using a detergent gasoline every time you fill up and changing your fuel filter once a year can help avoid the need to clean the injectors. |
| Alternatives | There are products on the market specifically designed to clean fuel injectors. |
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What You'll Learn
Mechanics' opinions on transmission fluid for cleaning fuel injectors
There are varying opinions among mechanics and car enthusiasts about using transmission fluid to clean fuel injectors. Some people claim that adding a small amount of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to the fuel tank can help clean the injectors, while others disagree and even warn against it.
Proponents of using ATF for cleaning fuel injectors suggest that it can help remove built-up deposits and improve engine performance. One mechanic claims that ATF does a better job than bottled fuel system cleaners and injector cleaners. They recommend adding half a quart of ATF to the crankcase and running it for 15-30 minutes before an oil change. Another individual mentions that they have run a quart of ATF in their car for 3,000 miles without any issues, although they did not notice a significant difference in terms of cleanliness.
On the other hand, some mechanics and car enthusiasts warn against using ATF as a fuel injector cleaner. They argue that while ATF has some detergent properties, it is not specifically designed for cleaning fuel injectors, and there are dedicated products on the market for this purpose. They worry about the potential unknown effects of ATF on fuel injectors, which are expensive to replace. One individual even calls the idea an "old wife's tale." Additionally, some people suggest that modern diesel fuel already contains enough lubricity, making the addition of ATF unnecessary.
There are also discussions about the correct dosage and procedure for using ATF as a fuel injector cleaner. Some recommend adding a quart of ATF with or without a quart of MMO (similar to ATF but with kerosene) to clean the whole fuel system. However, they caution against using too much ATF to avoid causing any issues. Others suggest adding a smaller amount of ATF, such as 4 ounces per 10 gallons of fuel, which they believe cannot cause any harm.
In conclusion, while some mechanics and car enthusiasts swear by using transmission fluid to clean fuel injectors, others remain sceptical and prefer to use dedicated fuel injector cleaning products. The decision to use transmission fluid for this purpose ultimately depends on individual preferences, the specific vehicle, and the condition of its fuel injectors.
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Using Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) in gasoline
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is a hydraulic fluid that is essential for the proper functioning of vehicles with automatic transmissions. It is typically coloured red or green to differentiate it from motor oil and other vehicle fluids. ATF is also used as a lubricant in power steering systems, 4WD transfer cases, and modern manual transmissions.
While ATF is not designed to clean fuel injectors, some people have used it for this purpose. However, opinions vary on its effectiveness. Some people claim that ATF does a better job of cleaning fuel injectors than dedicated fuel system cleaning products, while others argue that it is not as effective.
There are a few potential issues with using ATF in gasoline. Firstly, ATF is not designed to be combusted, and may leave behind hydrocarbon deposits or soot. This can lead to increased engine wear over time. Additionally, ATF can alter the viscosity of the oil, reducing wear protection. It is also difficult to guarantee that recycled ATF is free from contaminants such as antifreeze, brake fluid, or gasoline.
For those who still want to use ATF as a fuel injector cleaner, it is recommended to add 4 oz of ATF per 10 gallons of gasoline. However, it is important to note that there may be more effective and safer products on the market specifically designed for cleaning fuel injectors and engines.
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Alternative fuel injector cleaning methods
There are several alternative methods for cleaning fuel injectors. One method is to use a fuel injector cleaning solution, which can be poured directly into the fuel tank and mixed with the fuel. These solutions are designed to clean the entire fuel system, including the injectors, and can be used on both gas-powered and diesel engines. They can also be used on older, carbureted engines, as well as on devices like lawnmowers, motorboats, and motorcycles. Another method is to use a rail-induced injector cleaner, which is typically used by repair shops and dealers. This method involves using an accurate air-fuel ratio analyser and a load-bearing chassis dyno to clean the injectors. Additionally, some people have suggested using automatic transmission fluid (ATF) as a cleaner, but this is controversial, with some people reporting good results and others saying it doesn't work. One possible method is to add a quart of ATF to a brand new vehicle, but it's important to note that it will take several tankfuls to run it all the way out.
Another alternative method for cleaning fuel injectors is to use a DIY process that involves rigging up a 12-volt auto battery with a push-type switch and a syringe with a carburetor cleaner. This method is repeated several times per injector, but it is important to note that it may only remove some loose debris and may not be as effective as other methods. A more thorough DIY method involves using an ultrasonic bath, which can help to dissolve or loosen baked-on hydrocarbons or hardened shellac. This process takes about 45-60 minutes and can result in improved engine performance and reduced misfires.
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Potential damage to fuel injectors
Using transmission fluid to clean fuel injectors can potentially damage the injectors, the fuel pump, and the engine. This is especially true for newer vehicles, as transmission fluid was traditionally used for older mechanical pumps and injectors.
One of the main risks of using transmission fluid to clean fuel injectors is that it can leave behind ashy deposits in the engine, which can build up over time and cause performance issues. Additionally, transmission fluid may not be compatible with the sensitive fuel pressures of newer engines, which can lead to extreme pressure and potential damage to the injector O-rings or the injectors themselves.
Another potential issue is that using transmission fluid to clean fuel injectors can void the warranty on some vehicles. This is because manufacturers do not recommend the use of transmission fluid for this purpose and will not honor the warranty if the consumer puts more than the specified amount of transmission fluid in the engine.
Furthermore, while some people have reported success in using transmission fluid to clean fuel injectors, it is not a guaranteed solution and there are other products on the market specifically designed for cleaning fuel injectors that may be more effective and safer. These products include Stanadyne Performance Formula Diesel Fuel Additive, Techron, and RL's fuel injector cleaner.
In conclusion, while transmission fluid may clean fuel injectors to some extent, there are potential risks involved, including damage to the injectors, fuel pump, and engine, as well as voiding the vehicle's warranty. It is always recommended to consult a professional technician before attempting any cleaning or maintenance on a vehicle's fuel system.
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Cost comparison of ATF and fuel injector cleaner fluid
The cost of fuel injector cleaner fluid varies depending on the brand and the quantity. For example, at Walmart, the STP High Mileage Fuel Injector & Carburetor Cleaner costs $5.28 for a 5.25 fl oz (2-count) pack, while the Lucas Oil 10003 Fuel Injector Cleaner 32 oz costs $12.98. On the other hand, Chevron Techron Complete Fuel System Cleaner, 10 oz (6-pack) costs $26.80 on Walmart, and its price can go up to $623.28.
The cost of ATF (automatic transmission fluid) also varies depending on the brand and quantity. For instance, a user on bobistheoilguy.com mentioned having a dozen 1L bottles of Shell Dexron III ATF. However, they did not mention the price.
It is important to note that while some people suggest using ATF as a fuel injector cleaner, others disagree. Some people have reported using ATF in their fuel systems without any issues, while others believe that there are better products specifically designed for cleaning fuel injectors.
Therefore, when comparing the costs of ATF and fuel injector cleaner fluid, it is essential to consider the effectiveness and the quantity required for the desired results. While ATF may be a cheaper option, it might not provide the same level of cleaning as dedicated fuel injector cleaner fluids.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, transmission fluid can clean fuel injectors and your fuel system. However, it is not recommended by automakers as it is not designed for this purpose and could potentially damage your fuel injectors.
There are many products on the market specifically designed to clean fuel injectors, such as Seafoam, BG 44k, or Gumout Regane High Mileage Fuel System Cleaner.
It is recommended to use a detergent gasoline every time you fill up and change your fuel filter once a year to maintain your fuel injectors and prevent the need for cleaning.
