Q1. Why is fuel induction system cleaning necessary? A1. The heat from your engine causes some of the gasoline in the fuel delivery system to vaporize leaving behind gum and varnish deposits. This is particularly true when a hot engine is shut off and the fuel is not being pumped through the system. Over time, these deposits can build up and restrict the flow of fuel hindering engine performance. Also, when gasoline is burned in the combustion chamber carbon is one of the by products. The carbon forms deposits on the valves and combustion chamber surfaces which can also adversely affect engine performance and exhaust emissions. TRI-MAXX/2000 fuel induction system cleaning products are formulated to effectively remove these deposits. Q2. Gasoline contains detergent additives. Isn’t this enough to prevent deposits? A2. In many cases the detergents in gasoline can reduce or prevent deposit formation. Sometimes, changing brands or grades of gasoline can be beneficial in reducing deposit formation if driveability problems are encountered. In other cases the detergents in gasoline are not sufficient to prevent deposit formation. Unfortunately, there is no way to tell if a vehicle is prone to deposit formation. To prevent driveability problems and maximize fuel economy many technicians recommend periodic fuel system cleaning. Q3. Some Fuel System Cleaner products contain lubricators and corrosion inhibitors, is this necessary? A3. No, lubricators and corrosion inhibitors are already found in the gasoline you buy at the pump where the engineers designed them to be. Adding these to any carbon cleaning product would only dilute the products ability to clean carbon deposits. Q4. Is ethanol or methanol harmful to engine components? A4. No, one of the provisions of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment was that the federal government mandated that by January 1st, 1995, all gasoline in our most polluted cities, must contain 10% alcohol (ethanol or methanol) which will help them run cleaner. The “soft parts” or the rubber and plastic materials found in gaskets and seals, are susceptible to swelling when individual chemical components by themselves or in large concentrations soak these materials for extended periods of time. However at the dilution’s found in fuel system cleaning products (0.1 to 0.4%), they would be in smaller concentrations and can expect to be no more harmful to the rubbers and plastics found in gaskets and seals, than gasoline itself. Q5. What kind of driving promotes deposit formation? A5. Short cycle driving. That is short trips with frequent stops during which the engine heat can vaporize the fuel in the fuel delivery system. This type of driving is typical in urban and suburban areas. Rural driving or extended highway driving is less likely to result in deposit formation. Q6. What about fuel system design? A6. Older fuel injection systems with pintle type fuel injectors were prone to clogging due to deposit formation. This type of injector was phased out in the late 1980s. Newer designs are less likely to clog with deposits. But, it is important to remember that no fuel system is immune to deposit formation. Automakers generally agree that driveability problems can occur if even one fuel injector is restricted by 10%. Q7. Will the TRI-MAXX/2000 process work on carbureted engines? A7. Yes, the chemicals used in the TRI-MAXX/2000 process work equally well on fuel injected and carbureted engines. A carbureted engine should be cleaned using the same process you use on a throttle body injection system. For best results when cleaning a carbureted or throttle body fuel system the three stage cleaning process should be followed by a thorough cleaning of the carburetor or throttle body using the throttle body cleaner to remove deposits on the throttle plate and bore. Q8. When should I recommend fuel system cleaning to my customers? A8. Unfortunately, without the use of expensive equipment we can’t see inside the engine and fuel system to determine the extent of deposit formation. Because of this, fuel system cleaning should be sold as a preventive maintenance service to reduce the possibility of driveability problems, maximize fuel economy and maintain clean exhaust emissions. Most technicians recommend that the service be performed every 15-25,000 miles depending on how the vehicle is used. Q9. What kind of driveability problems are caused by deposit formation? A9. The most common problems are hard starting, hesitation, stalling, rough idle, poor fuel economy and loss of power. Another problem that your customers probably won’t notice, unless their car has been tested for emissions, is high exhaust emissions. These problems can also be symptoms of worn or damaged parts in other systems; a damaged spark plug wire for example. That’s why fuel system cleaning should not be sold as a repair procedure. Q10. How long does it take to perform the fuel system cleaning service? A10. About fifteen to twenty minutes. Q11. Are any special tools required? A11. You will need a feeder kit to introduce the combustion chamber cleaner into the engine. The feeder kit is reusable. Q12. If I accidentally spill some of the cleaner on the vehicle will it harm the paint? A12. No, damage to painted surfaces should not occur. Any spilled cleaner should be removed from the painted surface with clear water. Q13. Do the cleaners used in the TRI-MAXX/2000 process have a shelf life? A13. Yes. The shelf life is four years. Copyright 2000-2010, H.D.I. Management Inc. 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