FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FUEL SYSTEM CLEANING

Why is fuel system cleaning necessary?

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 surfaces 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. Midas fuel system cleaning products are formulated to effectively remove these deposits.

Gasoline contains detergent additives. Isn't this enough to prevent deposits?

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.

What kind of driving promotes deposit formation?

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.

What about fuel system design?

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 1980's. Newer designs are less likely to clog with deposits. But, it is important to remember that no fuel system is immune to deposit formation. Auto makers generally agree that driveability problems can occur if even one fuel injector is restricted by 10%.

Will the Midas process work on carbureted engines?

Yes, the chemicals used in the Midas 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 carburetor 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 F11001 throttle body cleaner to remove deposits on the throttle plate and bore.

When is fuel system cleaning recommended?

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 preventative 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. TIP: I use it on my car just before I take it in for the smog test.

What kind of driveability problems are caused by deposit formation?

The most common problems are hard starting, hesitation, stalling, rough idle, poor fuel economy and loss of power. Another problem can be 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 is not sold as a repair procedure.