Notices
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000) EG/EH/EJ/EK/EM1 Discussion

Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-15-2010, 01:43 AM
  #1  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
96CivicEXSedan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Icon2 Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

My 1996 Honda Civic EX Sedan hasn't been maintained that great. And I'm a car newbie looking to try to make it better whatever way I can (and that's not much yet). But would adding this product help my car out? I have a 2 dollar off coupon too so I'm game lol. Thanks.

Link to product I'm talking about.

http://www.stp.com/products/fuel-add...tor-treatment/
Old 07-15-2010, 01:45 AM
  #2  
HT White Ops
iTrader: (1)
 
Eran's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: I see what you did there.
Posts: 16,222
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default Re: Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

Lucas is better. So is AmsOil Pi.
Old 07-15-2010, 02:02 AM
  #3  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
96CivicEXSedan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

Originally Posted by Eran
Lucas is better. So is AmsOil Pi.
I'm on a tight budget which is really the reason I even thought about this. If it was between this or nothing would you recommend using the STP Fuel Injector & Carb?

I realize it's probably only a few bucks extra, but it matters to me at least... Thanks for reading.
Old 07-15-2010, 02:05 AM
  #4  
HT White Ops
iTrader: (1)
 
Eran's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: I see what you did there.
Posts: 16,222
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default Re: Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

It can't hurt, not saying I haven't ever used it. Not that it did much, no more improvement than a light foot could have netted.

It's best not to cheap out on your car. Save your pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves.
Old 07-15-2010, 02:13 AM
  #5  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
96CivicEXSedan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

Thank you. What do you mean by no more improvement than a light foot could have netted?
Old 07-15-2010, 02:17 AM
  #6  
HT White Ops
iTrader: (1)
 
Eran's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: I see what you did there.
Posts: 16,222
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default Re: Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

I mean any improvement I saw in my fuel mileage could have been attributed to any number of factors -- keeping my toe out of the pedal, tires properly inflated, warmer temperatures, keeping my body level in turns, obeying the speed limit, less ethanol in the fuel, etc.

It could have been pure placebo, is what I'm saying.
Old 07-15-2010, 02:41 AM
  #7  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
96CivicEXSedan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

Originally Posted by Eran
I mean any improvement I saw in my fuel mileage could have been attributed to any number of factors -- keeping my toe out of the pedal, tires properly inflated, warmer temperatures, keeping my body level in turns, obeying the speed limit, less ethanol in the fuel, etc.

It could have been pure placebo, is what I'm saying.
Thanks for that.

I was thinking more along the lines of it would just help my car's pipes and whatnot. I'm sure theres crud and buildup. I never really used fuel cleaner or anything to clean and my car has over 130k miles. Better gas mileage would be a plus, but I really just want to try to extend the life of the car. Improved performance would be a welcome addition.
Old 07-15-2010, 03:14 AM
  #8  
HT White Ops
iTrader: (1)
 
Eran's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: I see what you did there.
Posts: 16,222
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default Re: Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

The best way to clean is to do a Seafoam treatment. It's kind of harrowing the first time, but it's well worth it.

It is a bit on the expensive side, requiring an oil change and new spark plugs. I recommend doing it right when you're ready to do your next oil change.

Basically, you put 1/3 of the can in the fuel tank as an additive, 1/3 goes right into the crankcase via the oil filler cap, and the other 1/3 gets sucked in bit by bit through the brake booster vacuum line into the intake manifold while the car is running. Have someone blip the throttle so the car doesn't bog out.

You'll make a HUGE cloud of white smoke, that's all the carbon burning off. Then go for a spirited drive. I usually like to keep the car above 3500rpm until it stops smoking.

Here's a good writeup, even with the pictures gone:

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-prelude-4/seafoam-%3D-amazing-1215326/
Old 07-15-2010, 07:17 AM
  #9  
Retired Moderator
iTrader: (8)
 
EsotericImage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 4,998
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default Re: Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

Originally Posted by Eran
The best way to clean is to do a Seafoam treatment. It's kind of harrowing the first time, but it's well worth it.

It is a bit on the expensive side, requiring an oil change and new spark plugs. I recommend doing it right when you're ready to do your next oil change.

Basically, you put 1/3 of the can in the fuel tank as an additive, 1/3 goes right into the crankcase via the oil filler cap, and the other 1/3 gets sucked in bit by bit through the brake booster vacuum line into the intake manifold while the car is running. Have someone blip the throttle so the car doesn't bog out.

You'll make a HUGE cloud of white smoke, that's all the carbon burning off. Then go for a spirited drive. I usually like to keep the car above 3500rpm until it stops smoking.

Here's a good writeup, even with the pictures gone:

https://honda-tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1215326

^^ the above is true except going for a drive. just follow the directions on the can and youll be fine.
Old 07-15-2010, 08:44 AM
  #10  
Honda-Tech Member
 
Voodoo7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

YOu could justy put premium gas in and it will do the same as those injector cleaner additives. Also if you want to break up some carbon put Marvel Mystery Oil in the fuel tank and in the crank case, this will help and not nearly as expensive as the sea foam treatment.

Also changing the plugs, using a good oil, and all the basic maintenance will help the car run better and longer even if it hasnt been well maintaned, you can slow the damage that may have already taken place
Old 07-15-2010, 09:42 AM
  #11  
Honda-Tech Member
 
jooky5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: port, or, usa
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

my 92 needed new injectors - world of difference now
Old 07-15-2010, 11:10 AM
  #12  
HT White Ops
iTrader: (1)
 
Eran's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: I see what you did there.
Posts: 16,222
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default Re: Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

I've never used ANYTHING as good as Seafoam, especially when breathed in through the manifold.

It's about as close as you get to a miracle in a can. I do it twice a year -- Once in spring after a winter's worth of bad, watery gas, and once in fall before I put my car down to rest.
Old 07-15-2010, 11:58 AM
  #13  
B*a*n*n*e*d
 
EJeff8's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: FBGDD
Posts: 1,946
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

You could just put premium gas in and it will do the same as those injector cleaner additives.
This is so wrong. Premium isn't a cleaning chemical! It's just gasoline with more octane. It doesn't clean sh*t!
Old 07-15-2010, 12:21 PM
  #14  
Honda-Tech Member
 
92lxsleeper's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Lincoln, RI
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

if you know anything about mechanics, its better to just pull the injectors apart and clean them out the old fashioned way. plus you can put new o rings in at the same time.
Old 07-15-2010, 12:24 PM
  #15  
Honda-Tech Member
 
azandford's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 862
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

Seafoam FTW! lol special brownie....lools like voodoo must have eaten one or two...

OP dont waste your time with these cleaners and additives.... like Eran said... a seafoam treatment is the closest thing you will get to a real miracle in a can
Old 07-15-2010, 06:51 PM
  #16  
Honda-Tech Member
 
builtDseries's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

none of the cleaners are going to do much with the way honda injectors are desined.
Old 07-17-2010, 04:55 AM
  #17  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
96CivicEXSedan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

Originally Posted by 92lxsleeper
if you know anything about mechanics, its better to just pull the injectors apart and clean them out the old fashioned way. plus you can put new o rings in at the same time.
Is that something a complete newb can readily do without guidance AND almost no chance of really messing something up? :D
Old 07-17-2010, 05:02 AM
  #18  
Retired Moderator
iTrader: (8)
 
EsotericImage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 4,998
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default Re: Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?

Originally Posted by 96CivicEXSedan
Is that something a complete newb can readily do without guidance AND almost no chance of really messing something up? :D
shouldnt be a problem. I would relieve the fuel pressure from the rail fitting 1st, clean them, change o rings, then use vaseline when re-assembling so u dont mess up the rings.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
conman64
Honda Civic (2001 - 2005)
2
06-27-2013 05:25 PM
dleccord
Honda Accord & Crosstour (2003 - 2012)
2
12-11-2009 11:01 PM
vietnogi
Acura Integra
2
03-25-2005 10:27 PM
next
Honda CRX / EF Civic (1988 - 1991)
1
07-05-2004 11:09 AM
FK00GSR
Acura Integra
7
06-23-2003 11:12 AM



Quick Reply: Should I use STP Fuel Injector & Carb cleaner in my Civic?



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 08:52 PM.