FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER

[cruiser54]

It is not easier to diagnose a new car. A scanner only gives you and idea to where to start looking for a problem. It is still up to the tech to pinpoint the root of it.:twak:

While this is true, it seems that many people purposely go down the path to replacing expensive parts instead of doing general preventative maintenance work. Gottta scan it!! Must be computer related!! Plugs, wires, cap, and rotor, along with fuel filter if equipped, are recommended to be replaced every 30,000 miles as routine maintenance. Any XJ or MJ I acquire gets the tune up parts, a throttle body cleaning, a CCV hose maintenance, and all grounds refreshed properly. That's where you start.

 

[hubs97xj]

So it's the BG 44K Power Enhancer, not the Fuel Injection System Cleaner deal?

 

[heyhar]

The ebay guy is selling BG44k for $18, or two for $36. I just paid $18 (plus $1.08 tax) at the closest vendor, which happens to be a Toyota dealer. Most new car dealers carry it, look on their website. It's not hard to find.

 

[joe_peters]

OBDI/OBDII system were necessary because the youth of today have ZERO mechanical knowledge and are mentally impaired when it comes to using a multimeter! :roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:

Seriously, as Cruiser54 and others have pointed out, OBDI/OBDII codes are only telling you that the ECU/PCM is receiving data from one or more components that is "out of range". You have to determine the problem--it is simply a shortcut to what you need to diagnose, which could be a number of problems only being reported by a single code. Swapping parts based on that will get real expensive and frustrating, real fast. Understanding engine management systems and how the different elements interact is the key.

 

[kastein]

Agreed.

What is an average code reader jockey gonna do when 3 different sensors on the 5 volt sensor supply line all indicate a low reading? Throw 3 new sensors at the problem... instead of looking for a broken or shorted sensor supply wire. The codes only get you started, and (what I really like about them) save a log of what wacky problems the computer saw when the error occured instead of losing the data so you have to catch the stupid thing while it is exhibiting the failure.

 

[cruiser54]

OBDI/OBDII system were necessary because the youth of today have ZERO mechanical knowledge and are mentally impaired when it comes to using a multimeter! :roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:

Seriously, as Cruiser54 and others have pointed out, OBDI/OBDII codes are only telling you that the ECU/PCM is receiving data from one or more components that is "out of range". You have to determine the problem--it is simply a shortcut to what you need to diagnose, which could be a number of problems only being reported by a single code. Swapping parts based on that will get real expensive and frustrating, real fast. Understanding engine management systems and how the different elements interact is the key.

True enough. It takes an effort on the vehicle owner's part to use their eyes, mind, and hands to work on their vehicles. Not everything in this world can be addressed with a keyboard and monitor. Couldn't hurt to open up an owners manual and/or service manual and read a bit.

 

[89xj]

OBDI/OBDII system were necessary because the youth of today have ZERO mechanical knowledge and are mentally impaired when it comes to using a multimeter! :roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:

Agreed.

What is an average code reader jockey gonna do when 3 different sensors on the 5 volt sensor supply line all indicate a low reading? Throw 3 new sensors at the problem... instead of looking for a broken or shorted sensor supply wire. The codes only get you started, and (what I really like about them) save a log of what wacky problems the computer saw when the error occured instead of losing the data so you have to catch the stupid thing while it is exhibiting the failure.

:roflmao:

 

[heyhar]

I wish that every time the front end jiggled, on the brake pedal felt a little spongy, the CEL (or maybe the Check Trackbar Light, or the Your Control Arm Bushings Are Shot Light) would come on. It would make life easier.
I've got a nephew chasing me (on Facebook) to fix an old car ('85 Olds Ciera, my father-in-law gave up twelve years ago). His parents were going to junk it this July when the inspection runs out, but he gets the bright idea that a car he was embarrassed to be seen in will be just fine for Uncle Ray to fix, 'cause he has all those old Jeeps, so he can fix this! He's already 19 1/2, and has never shown any inclination to do any redeemable chore in his life. Can't even show up twenty hours a week for a supermarket job. Just got a learners permit last week. I (jokingly) suggested that if it made the 125 mile trip to my house, I'd look at it, but my wife is worried it would blow up on the PA Tpk., and he'll end up hurting himself.
I guess there's no Check Engine Light for this!

 

[89xj]

I wish that every time the front end jiggled, on the brake pedal felt a little spongy, the CEL (or maybe the Check Trackbar Light, or the Your Control Arm Bushings Are Shot Light) would come on. It would make life easier.
I've got a nephew chasing me (on Facebook) to fix an old car ('85 Olds Ciera, my father-in-law gave up twelve years ago). His parents were going to junk it this July when the inspection runs out, but he gets the bright idea that a car he was embarrassed to be seen in will be just fine for Uncle Ray to fix, 'cause he has all those old Jeeps, so he can fix this! He's already 19 1/2, and has never shown any inclination to do any redeemable chore in his life. Can't even show up twenty hours a week for a supermarket job. Just got a learners permit last week. I (jokingly) suggested that if it made the 125 mile trip to my house, I'd look at it, but my wife is worried it would blow up on the PA Tpk., and he'll end up hurting himself.
I guess there's no Check Engine Light for this!

who is your nefews father? your brother or brother in law?

im grateful that my father(who grew up in the 50's) was into cars, he taught me how to fix my bicycle back in the 70's and taught me how to do maintenance on my car in the early 80's. as long as i put the tools back the way i found them, i was welcome to use them. if i broke something, i was expected to show him so i could replace it with the money he paid me to mow the lawn.

looking back, i really appreciate the "lessons" he taught me.

 

[kastein]

Agreed... I grew up helping my dad fix everything. We repointed the foundation in the basement, installed wiring in the house, fixed the cars, built a camping trailer, put up the tarps and tents while camping, started fires... I would know way less if he hadn't gotten me interested and kept me that way.

 

[heyhar]

My wife's sister's kid. I was blessed by having my Grandfather live arount the corner while I was growing up. He was an electrician by trade, but was one of those guys that could do everything. Like when I stuffed a Bonneville tranny in my '63 Catalina, he re-did the driveshaft, and built shift linkage from scratch. Thank God i was always into mechanical things, and had someone like him to lean on.
My nephew is puzzling to me, because he shows the tendancies of his know-nothing, rarely working, but lib-tard to the death father. He didn't ask me to show him, or teach him anything. In fact, he hasn't even spoken to me. Just a few messages on Facebook to 'fix up the car'. Has no clue what it needs, hasn't even been washed in twelve years! Maybe I could suggest some Donk Wheels!

 

[304jstevet]

OK, #1, I dont really off road at all, I drive from home to work and back, and occasionally to various places. I dont make alot of money so I cant afford to take my daily driver through 4 foot rocks and up and down 90 degree muddy hillsides, its a stock XJ anyway and all I was asking for was a little knowledge from a 'TECH' not some bumpkin who all they wanna do is bash me for not knowing how to work on my XJ, sure I can do simple things, oil, filters, etc... but when it comes to dteailed stuff like what I'm asking about, I dont wanna screw anything up, so thanks for your sorry attitude and your worthless input, besides, I think your on the wrong thread anyway, read the forum you entered! DUH?

 

[304jstevet]

That last thread was for 1990heepxj by the way everyone, I appreciate all the help everybody else has gave

 

[RichP]

One of the reasons I recommended the Chevron fuel system cleaner, $$, every once in a while it goes on sale at advanced auto for 2 for 1 price, I've used it for years. Now for a while I was using a 3m system that uses a tank and a hose that connects to the fuel rail at the schrader valve and you pull the fuel pump fuse, hook this up and run it for about 20 min till the thing runs dry, about $40 a can, once a year. The Chevron stuff I use about every other oil change in all 4 jeeps.
As for injectors, I bought a set from 50 motor sports when I had the engine replaced about 3 or so years ago, they purple/pink colored. One of the other things I do is get a can of SENSOR SAFE carb/throttle body cleaner and I pull the big air hose off the top and look down inside, if it's dirty it gets cleaned/sprayed, usually with the engine running and my thumb on the throttle. If I am really industrious I pull the throttle body, pretty easy, take it inside, remove all the sensors and clean it with cleaner and a brush. Takes about an hour and couple of cups of coffee and I usually have a movie on a pc that is on my work bench going.
Same with greasing the front suspension, every oil change, either Mobil-1 synthetic or Castrol Syntec, whichever was on sale and I bought a few tubes of last time I was needing any, just remember to flip the tubes every month or so end for end so the liquids don't settle out. I keep two guns with 24" extension tubes on them so I keep the gun on the ground and can pump it with one hand while I move the fitting from zerk to zerk. I also clean the zerks off really well with a cloth rag so I don't pump any crap into the joint.
I also strongly recommend you order a factory service manual for your jeep, the phone number is in the back of your owners manual, well worth the $90.

 

[RichP]

I also noticed no mention of the cooling system, that needs to cleaned out too.
Two gallons of green prestone, two gallons of DISTILLED water, new pressure cap. Prestone or Zerex 8 hour flush where you drain the system, fill with water and add the cleaner and drive it the recommended hours. Then drain and flush the cleaner out. You might want to go one step further and replace the thermostat with a dealer supplied one that has the bleed valve on it.
Remove the over flow tank and clean it out, fantastic and a sock on a stick works well. Refill the system with a 50/50 mix of prestone and distilled water.