Would like some guidance regarding keeping fuel injectors clean. My Ford Dealer recommends running injectors through cleaning system 1x per year which is expensive. Past vehicles I would add 1 can of injector cleaner per oil change but don't really know if this is good/bad/stupid or otherwise.

Could use some advice for 2004 F150 with 12k miles.

 

Fuels nowadays have all the detergents/cleaners you really need to keep your fuel system in good shape. Ain't no such thing as cures in a can. Just change your fuel filter every 30K miles or so and you'll be fine.

 

I changed my fuel filter at 15K and it was plenty dirty. $8 bucks every 15K or so is well worth it IMO



fuel filter (cutaway pic) at 15K

 

I sawed mine open at 30K and it didn't look all that bad.

 

You go to the dealer to get yours or do they carry these at the local advancepepautoboyszone yet?

 

I bought a couple Motorcraft FG986B from Tabbysparts.com for $8.66 each

http://store.tabbysparts.com/motorcraft.html

 

What precautions do you need to take to change it? (i.e. does your gas tank need to be empty lol?)

 

Wrap one of the fittings with a rag before disconnecting it in case any pressure is on the line. There shouldn't be much, but I don't want you getting a faceful of fuel if there is.

 

When I changed mine in the driveway, I did it first thing in the morning after it sat all night and there was zero pressure on the fuel line. It did drip a little after it was disconnected though. There was just enough room to slide under the truck and do it without jacking it up.

I think this pic shows the Schrader valve you could use to release the fuel line pressure if need be.

 

http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html

The above link will show you gas companies that the auto makers call TOP TIER gasoline,, which basically means they do not go by the EPA's recommendation of minimum cleaning agents for your fuel injectors.
Couple years back here in Milwaukee, Wi we had hundreds of cars going in to dealerships with clogged fuel injectors,, turned out the cheaper gasoline stations were not following the EPA's minimum for cleaning agents. Nothing ever came out of it and everyone pointed fingers at each other, but the bottom line mechanics say is look out for cheaper gasoline that can clog your injectors. Shell posted a full page ad during this time saying that it never agreed with the EPA's guideline for cleaning agents and had been putting 5 times the minimum for years even in their regular gas. I use good gas and throw a fuel injector cleaner in the tank every 6 months. jop

 

I don’t see Citgo on the list, that’s one of the best

 

When you're under their, the blue release clip (there is only one blue plastic part down there), be careful, don't get frustrated. It's very simple. That small square pin in the middle needs to be pulled up and it will release, thats all. Many people on here have broken theirs, including me. Other than that it's pretty easy, buy the PLASTIC removers, not the metal. They pop the fuel filter out easier and make sure you throw a rag down below, quite a bit of fuel drips out. Changing that fuel filter didn't improve my crappy 8-9mpg mileage, I'm still desperate.

 

Also, make sure you need to remove the blue clip before messing with it. On mine (and I think a few others have said the same thing) the blue clip is about 6 inches aft of the filter and I was able to just pop the hose off the filter with the plastic line tool.

 

The line disconnect tool is needed on both ends of the filter. On the back line there is a blue plastic clip that you pry up the center of before using the disconnect tool. The front line has the standard metal clip you have to pop off before using the tool

 

On mine (Scab), there's another hose between that blue clip and the filter. I didn't have to mess with the clip. I point this out because I needlessly disconnected mine at first, wouldn't want anyone to damage something they don't need to mess with.