Gasoline with Techron

[hmrlvr]

I was told by a GM mechanic not to use gasoline with techron because it will clog the injectors. He said most GM cars and trucks have this problem ( I had a chevy pickup at the time). Does anyone know this to be true? I only use Chevron gas. Could I be causing a problem by not mixing the different brands?

[hmrlvr]

I was told by a GM mechanic not to use gasoline with techron because it will clog the injectors. He said most GM cars and trucks have this problem ( I had a chevy pickup at the time). Does anyone know this to be true? I only use Chevron gas. Could I be causing a problem by not mixing the different brands?

[AfroCreame]

Never heard of that. I use the stuff..no complaints.

[f5fstop]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by hmrlvr:
I was told by a GM mechanic not to use gasoline with techron because it will clog the injectors. He said most GM cars and trucks have this problem ( I had a chevy pickup at the time). Does anyone know this to be true? I only use Chevron gas. Could I be causing a problem by not mixing the different brands? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ok, there are smart techs, and those that think they are smart. GM's additive for fuel injector cleaning uses Techron in a pretty high-solution.
I can tell you a story of Saturn researching fuel injector cleaning additives back in the 90s, for not only injector cleaning but top head cleaning, and after extensive testing, Techron was chosen.
Saturn used this additive for quite a few years, and finally, GM finished their testing, and went with the same additive. Just have to watch some of the additives sold at the auto parts store, since some contain such a small amount of Techron that the additive is worthless.
Many believe (sorry no proof), that running Chevron fuel with Techron helps to clean the fuel level sensor and helps to prevent the problem with the fluctuating or totally inaccurate fuel level indication, caused by sulfur in the fuel. Again, this is all speculation, but there are a lot of Vette owners who swear by Chevron and Techron.
I myself when possible, used Chevron in the Vettes.

I would tell the technician to reference GM's bulletin #04-06-04-047E, that lists the Top Tier fuel suppliers as researched by GM and a few other auto manucturers (BMW being one of them) (Info - TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline (Deposits, Fuel Economy, No Start, Power, Performance, Stall Concerns).
This bulletin applies to all year GM vehicles, and the first supplier listed is Chevron. As we all know, Chevron's primary addtive for fuel unjection and top head cleaning is Techron (they own the patent).

What is TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline?
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is a new class of gasoline with enhanced detergency. It meets new, voluntary deposit control standards developed by four automotive companies that exceed the detergent requirements imposed by the EPA.

Who developed TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline standards?
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline standards were developed by four automotive companies: BMW, General Motors, Honda and Toyota.


Why was TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline developed?
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline was developed to increase the level of detergent additive in gasoline. The EPA requires that all gasoline sold in the U.S. contain a detergent additive. However, the requirement is minimal and in many cases, is not sufficient to keep engines clean. In order to meet TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline standards, a higher level of detergent is needed than what is required by the EPA. Also, TOP TIER was developed to give fuel marketers the opportunity to differentiate their product.


Why did the four automotive companies join together to develop TOP TIER?
All four corporations recognized the benefits to both the vehicle and the consumer. Also, joining together emphasized that low detergency is an issue of concern to several automotive companies.


What are the benefits of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline?
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline will help keep engines cleaner than gasoline containing the "Lowest Additive Concentration" set by the EPA. Clean engines help provide optimal fuel economy and performance and reduced emissions. Also, use of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline will help reduce deposit related concerns.


Who should use TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline?
All vehicles will benefit from using TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline over gasoline containing the "Lowest Additive Concentration" set by the EPA. Those vehicles that have experienced deposit related concerns may especially benefit from use of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.

Gasoline Brands That Currently Meet TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Standards
As of August 15, 2005, the following gasoline brands meet the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Standards:

• Chevron Chevron has markets in 29 states in the West, Southwest and South, as well as in Alaska and Hawaii. ALL grades of Chevron with Techron gasoline meet TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Standards.

• QuikTrip (not to be confused with Kwik Trip) QuikTrip operates convenience stores and travel centers in a number of metropolitan areas:

- Tulsa, OK

- Springfield, MO

- Kansas City, MO and Kansas City, KS

- Wichita, KS

- Des Moines, IA

- Omaha, NE

- St. Louis, MO and St. Louis, IL

- Atlanta, GA

- Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX

- Phoenix, AZ

- Bartlesville, OK

- Miami, OK

- Vinita, OK

- Columbia, MO

• Conoco has over 4,000 stations located in 33 states.

• Phillips 66 has locations in 32 states across the nation.

• 76 has over 2,700 stations located throughout the country.

• Shell Shell Oil Products has a network of nearly 7,000 branded gasoline stations in the Western United States. Shell Oil Company markets branded products through more than 10,000 stations in the Eastern and Southern United States.

• Entec Stations offer gasoline through stations located in the greater Montgomery, Alabama area.

• MFA Oil Company offers gasoline at "Break Time" convenience stores located throughout Missouri.

• Kwik Trip, Inc. offers gasoline at Kwik Trip convenience stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin and Kwik Star convenience stores in Iowa.

• The Somerset Refinery, Inc. offers gasoline at Somerset Oil stations in Kentucky.

NOTICE the word TECHRON under CHEVRON

[bparker]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">f5fstop </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

My gawd! f5fstop is > than all!

Man you sure know your stuff and or have a ton of resources!

[Bill1065]

You can tell that's one guy whos title of Hummer Authority does not rest on the number of posts.

[hmrlvr]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">f5fstop </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
WOW.. when I was typing the question originally, I was thinking of you f5fstop. I thought you might have a little info on this. Thanks guys, I will continue to use Chevron gasoline and not worry. Maybe he was trying to sell me some service I didn't need after he saw a stack of Chevron reciepts in my truck.

[walc]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Bill1065:
You can tell that's one guy whos title of Hummer Authority does not rest on the number of posts. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Agreed!

[Chip]

Around here Chevron is always 5 cents higher than everything else.

[Tommy36998]

Hey what octane is everybody using. Manufacture recommends 87%. I've used 90%octane in my lexus and mercedes as required. Is using 90% a waste in the hummer

I've used Chevron gas for over 10 years in all of my vehicles. No problems so far. And I have never paid to have my "injectors cleaned".

S.

[wannabeH3]

i use arco crap i just dont care. but i put chevron in my sportbike, cuz i really like that thing... and the typical sportbike motor has a lifespan of like 20k miles.. prolly cuz of the 17k redline

[DWPC]

I buy what ever gas is cheap but put a pint of Techron concentrate in the tank about every 3K. Been doing it for years and never had a fuel system problem on any of my vehicles.

[f5fstop]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Tommy36998:
Hey what octane is everybody using. Manufacture recommends 87%. I've used 90%octane in my lexus and mercedes as required. Is using 90% a waste in the hummer </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
No way will I get into an Octane discussion...

But my views as it pertains to the H3.
High performance, high-compression engines such as those used on Vettes are programmed to use high octane fuel; however, their programming will allow for regular fuel, and the computer will retard the timing until knock disappears. If knock cannot be controlled, then the engine light will come on and knock sensor codes will be set.

Non-high performance, low compression engines are designed for regular fuel. If you use premium, the computer will not really know since there will be no engine knock in the beginning. However, since the engine is low compression, chances are, the fuel will cause a carbon buildup on the top of the pistons, thus effectively raising the compression. This raise in compression will now cause knock if regular fuel is used. This process has to happen over a great number of miles, and buildups do not always occur, it is Dependant upon the engine (Saturn's original engines were notorious for carbon buildup if premium fuel was used...one reason why we researched top head cleaning chemicals and found Techron the best on the market).

Now along comes GM's new breed of engine, non-high performance, high compression. The engine used in the H3 is considered a high compression engine; 10:1. So, I wondered if the computer could advance timing if a higher grade of fuel was used. I should have figured out the answer, but I didn't, and the answer is no.

The knock sensor is calibrated to pick up knock, signal the computer, which in turn will retard timing to stop knock; with the retarding of the timing changing the power curve. So, if regular fuel does not cause any knock, the sensor will not detect any knock, so the engine controller leaves well enough alone.

It made so much sense I was pissed I didn't realize the answer. Now, if you are in a location where regular fuel allows for a small knock and the sensor and computer slightly retard timing, then yes, jumping to a mid-grade will probably help. (Some will say that in high-altitude areas, mid-grade will help. Never really noticed in any of my other vehicles when driving I-70 through CO. My Jeep was a dog no matter the altitude or the fuel, and the Vette already used the highest grade I could find. HP does decrease as you gain altitude.)

A small amount of knock is not harmful to the engine. So, is the increase in price (.10 here from regular to mid-grade) worth the money?

There is a Citgo station near where I work that sells mid-grade at the same price as regular many times during the month. So, for two tankfuls I used mid-grade, and by the seat-of-the-pants testing I did, I noticed no improvement in pickup, or in noticeable fuel mileage. (Two-tenths increase in one tankful, one-tenth decrease in the second tankful. But weather conditions were not monitored or the time I allowed the H3 to warm up in the AM before planting my rear end on the cold leather seat.)

So, I have not really answered the question, but for the price difference, I will continue to burn regular. (I hate using Citgo since it is owned by that slim bag in Venezuela, so after my test, I no longer visit that station.)

[DarthKarl]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by f5fstop:
for two tankfuls I used mid-grade, and by the seat-of-the-pants testing I did, I noticed no improvement in pickup, or in noticeable fuel mileage. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I've done the same thing. Went from regular to mid-grade for three tank-fulls. I also noticed no change in mpg and I didn't feel there was any change in power. So I've gone back to regular.

[DDWH]

I use Chevron Supreme(91) in the wifes Audi and I use Costco Regular(87) in the Hummer.

[fourfourto]

I've been using 87 regular 7,500 miles no problems.I was going to use super 93 or sunoco super 94(I like to put the 94 in the 442)when off roading at the beach all day or serious wheelin figured driving it hard give it a treat.

Has anyone been using super 93 or 94 regularly
and was there a noticable difference on or off road?.

[hmrlvr]

My company pays for my gas only at Chevron. No complaints I use the lowest grade to keep the boss happy