Super unleaded vs. additives i.e. Redex

[gaz_l]

Greetings, Citizens.

Since I bought the Beetle it's become increasingly apparent that it hasn't been well cared for over the years and the TLC I've been lavishing on it since I bought it is reaping benefits.

I wouldn't mind betting that the insides are fairly sooty, and some detergents in the fuel will further improve matters. So - what's the consensus? Buy a bottle of Redex or something similar, or just put 3 or 4 tanks of Super unleaded through it? Cost-wise, it works out about the same. The extra octane rating of Super will probably be lost on the Bug with its 2.0 N/A engine, but I'm kind of thinking that's the way to go. I would give it the Italian decoke, but it's 16 years old and has 90K on the clock, it probably doesn't deserve that.

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[optimusprime]

Gaz i use Redx in my tank every time i fill up. And a tank of fuel in my car will last me 6 months or more. But its for keeping the inside of the engine nice and clean .I would not use un leaded fuel , thats if the valve incerts have not been replaced to use it .. As for Super u/l fuel it wont clean the engine right away, but will take a few tanks of fuel to help it clean it out . Red X i first remove the plugs and tip an egg cup full in to each of the plug holes .Let it stand over night but cover the plug holes .Next day put a duster over the plug hole and spin the engine over to remove most of the residue . Ri fit the plugs and then start the car up . Do this as not to disrupt other people living close .It will pump out a lot of smoke .

 

[markjay]

I would use Redex to begin with, then move to regular use of BP Ultimate or Shell V-Power.

You can also consider other one-off engine decoking agents such as:

Ecotek PowerBoost

Sea Foam Spray | Intake Valve and Top Engine Cleaner and Lubricant

Engine Carbon Clean | DPF Cleaning | EGR Cleaning | Injector Cleaning

 

[optimusprime]

My thoughts on Ecotec and Power Boost is stay away .These are fine for new engines but not for the classic cars .
Some old engines work better with that little bit of carbon in there .

 

[gaz_l]

Optimus, it's a new Beetle (i.e. a Mk4 Golf). Unleaded isn't a problem. I need to do something to clean the engine up, my friendly local garage ran an emissions check on it when they serviced it the other week and it was a borderline pass on the MOT levels..

I've bought some super fandango Redex treatment that's going in the tank this weekend, and then it's getting a run up the M3 to the GTG at MB World on Sunday. I'm hoping with that and a couple of tankfuls of Super it's going to give it the necessary clean-up. This will hopefully lift the fuel economy as well, currently it's chewing its way through fuel at the same rate as my old SLK55, without any of the fun factor!

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[markjay]

...I've bought some super fandango Redex treatment that's going in the tank this weekend... I'm hoping with that and a couple of tankfuls of Super it's going to give it the necessary clean-up.

This is exactly what I would do.

Though you have to keep in mind that there are many other things that can affect emissions e.g. sensors, cats, etc.

But a proper clean-up is always a good starting point.

 

[TheBlimp]

I've just had my car back from my Indy having done a service. He ran a product called Forte additive through it, you can get on Amazon. Its like a different car. Amazing

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

 

[markjay]

Redex, Forte, Millers, Wynns, BG44K... all work well.

 

[Alex225]

I got bought some Redex which I put through my tank on top of my regular use of V-Power diesel.

There may have been a slight increase in MPG but note might.

Someone actually bought me a bottle so I used it and still have a shot left. For the sake of a fiver though. Worth a go. Then continue with V-Power.