Which is best? That is the age-old question when comparing competing products that do the same thing. Some brands do have an edge over their competitors simply because they use better ingredients. They also do not cut corners in their manufacturing.
Techron is one of the better products to use but SeaFoam seems to be a very close second. There are other top competitors that keep the field very competitive so you won’t lose no matter which of the top brands you select.
To learn more about these products, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so you can select the best injector cleaner for your vehicle. Take a few minutes to see how this information helps you make a better purchasing decision.
Techron vs Gumout vs SeaFoam
Why do You Need a Fuel Injector Cleaner?
Gumout vs SeaFoam
Is Gumout or Sea Foam Better?
Can you use Sea Foam and Gumout together?
Is There Anything Better Than Sea Foam?
Gumout vs Techron
Which Fuel Injection Cleaner Works The Best?
How do you Know When you Have Clogged Injectors?
Why do You Need a Fuel Injector Cleaner?
This may be a question many vehicle owners ask. They may have the idea that modern technology has overcome many of the problems that came with the traditional carb fuel system.
Unfortunately, that is not the case. No matter how well the injectors were made, they still can get clogged by carbon and other deposits. That means that while you may not need a carb cleaner any more, you still need an injector cleaner to keep your fuel system clean and clear.
There are a lot of top injector cleaner products n the market today. You will find that some will be consistently on the top best lists while others only make a casual appearance.
Most of the cleaners will work as advertised, it is just that some are better than others. Then others are more popular and many vehicle owners simply pick up a brand because that is the only one they have heard about.
What this comparison hopes to do is provide far more information so you can make a better choice when you are at the auto parts stores.
Gumout vs SeaFoam
In this comparison, just compare the features of both products. They both have strong and weak points so buying one over the other may not make any difference as your injectors will get cleaned either way.
1. Seafoam
- can stabilize fuel for up to 2 years
- registered with the EPA and can help stop future carbon build-up
- works with crankcase oil to liquefy deposits and harmful residue
- can be added to any fuel blend
- clean all sorts of injectors, jets, passageways, pistons, and cylinders
- works with both gas and diesel engines
- resists evaporation, preserving ignition vapors, and preventing the formation of gum and varnish
- only contains petroleum-based ingredients
2. Gumout
- supposed to maximize fuel efficiency and increase HP
- helps reduce emissions and prevents future carbon build-up
- helps protect against corrosion
- helps extend key engine parts' lifespans
- cleans ports and any fuel injectors, intake valves, ports, pistons, and combustion chambers
- works with engines that have forced induction
- helps restore your injectors to like new condition
- affordable
Both products are to be used every 3000 miles and you are to use all of the Gumout before you add more to your fuel tank. At Amazon, 91% of confirmed users gave Gumout 4 or 5 stars while 96% did the same for Seafoam.
Is Gumout or Sea Foam Better?
In a head-to-head comparison, it looks like Seafoam is the better of the two products. But it would be close as both products perform in different ways. The Gumout line is an oxygen sensor-safe option that makes sure gunk is cleaned out of your fuel system.
Plus, it is supposed to help you start your vehicle better. Yet, Seafoam dissolves gunk so it is taken out of your system. It also helps improve fuel mileage as Gumout does.
What tips the scales in Seafoam’s favor, is that it is EPA-approved and it helps lubricates your fuel system so it is protected. The fact it can stabilize your fuel for up to two years is another factor in its favor.
If you are just talking about cleaning the injectors, then the two products are basically equal. The added benefits these products come with are the elements you need to look at to see which one is better. Seafoam has more of those extra elements which puts it ahead of Gumout.
The key to using either product would be to follow instructions and not to add more cleaner than you need. They both will thin out your oil if you add too much.
Can You Use Sea Foam and Gumout Together?
This may be possible but you may not have to do it. We read the labels and other reviews and no one has stated that you cannot use the two cleaners together. We also read warnings and none of the warnings stated that it cannot be combined with other cleaners.
With that said, why would you want to? Both cleaners will clean out your injectors over time and should be used every 3000 miles. You can put one can of Gumout in your tank just before you fill up. Then, per the company's instruction, add 21 more gallons of fuel.
After you have done that, run that tank of gas out before refueling and adding more Gumout. At this stage, you could add Seafoam or do it in reverse. Since both products do the same work, using them together should not be a big problem.
Also, both products have similar ingredients with Gumout having about 2 or 3 more than Seafoam. But those extra ingredients do not stop you from using Seafoam because the 3 ingredients in that product are included in Gumout.
The extra 2 or 3 ingredients are compatible with Seafoam ingredients. There should not be any problem using both at the same time but make sure first.
Is There Anything Better Than Sea Foam?
We checked a few top best lists and while Seafoam is listed on at least one of them, there are better cleaners listed above their position on that list. Here are some of those ‘better’ products:
1. Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner
This is a brand that is often recommended by automakers for their customers to use. Its versatility is what makes it stronger than others. You can use it in two-stroke engines as well as most 4 wheel vehicles.
It will clean and restore the entire fuel system, including the fuel injectors, intake valves, and combustion chambers, and like other products, it should be used every 3000 miles.
This product has reached the top positions on the top best lists and it is very popular.
2. Red Line Complete SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner (60103)
This is Chevron’s main competitor as the two products switch positions on those top best lists. While its competitors use the same chemicals and ingredients, this brand has its own patented formula that cleans those injectors.
The company claims it will lubricate the upper part of the cylinders as well as remove any need for high-octane fuel. All you need is one bottle per tank of gas and it is designed to work with all engine types and vehicles.
3. Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer (11722)
This product may be a bit more expensive but it too comes highly recommended. Once in your tank, it will reduce the emissions of your vehicle, helping it run smoothly and even improving the power and mileage.
The company claims you should see about a 3.2% increase in fuel mileage as well as a 2.6% HP gain when you use this product regularly. As a bonus, it also helps stabilize your stored fuel for a short time, just like Sea Foam does.
4. Liqui Moly Jectron Fuel Injection Cleaner
This is a product designed more for older engines than newer ones. It has the blessing of the Technical Inspection Association in Germany which tells you it is the safest cleaner to use in your car or truck.
While it is safe for oxygen sensors and catalytic converters, it can only be used with gasoline engines. But it is also supposed to be one of the fastest working cleaners with the supposed results after only 1000 miles of use.
You are to get smoother idling, better throttle response, and cleaner combustion when you use this product.
Gumout vs Techron
These two brands are on every top best list we have checked so far. Usually, Chevron’s Techron is at the top of the list while Gumout is struggling in the middle of the pack on those same lists.
One of the differences between these two products is that Techron uses Unique Polyether Anime (PEA) ingredients that have it doing a top cleaning job every time you use it. If Gumout contains PEA then it may have licensed that ingredient from Chevron.
Techron is supposed to remove carbon deposits and harmful rust while Gumout seems to be restricted to removing gum and varnish buildup. Then Gumout is supposed to have a built-in carbon inhibitor, while Techron is a great corrosion resistance.
Another difference would be the price. It is said that Gunmout is more expensive than Techron and probably one of the more expensive cleaners you can buy. Techron is said to be affordable.
Gumout has been around since 1941 and is owned by ITW Global Brands company. Techron is owned by Chevron one of the biggest energy providers in the world.
While both products are very effective independent testing has shown that Techron s the superior product. It was proven that Techron was the most effective injector cleaner with a 66% improvement in fuel economy and a 99% reduction in emissions.
Which Fuel Injection Cleaner Works The Best?
If the top best lists and independent lists are correct, then the best injector cleaner would be Techron. You have seen its stats in the previous section and they are very impressive.
The one injector cleaner brand that comes close to Techron would be the Red Line brand. In those independent tests between Gumout and Techron the former only had this level of improvement- a 43% improvement in fuel economy and a 94% reduction in emissions.
We do not have stats for Sea Foam or the other cleaners mentioned above. Chevron has also made Techron for diesel engines. Diesel owners can get their injectors cleaned using the same product.
How do you Know When you Have Clogged Injectors?
The upcoming signs that tell you that there is a problem with your engine’s injectors, will also tell you it is time to consider one of these brands. Your engine’s performance will be a very big sign and you will also notice one or all of the following:
- Engine misfirings
- Rough idling
- Poor gas mileage
- Dancing tachometer needle
- Your vehicle’s engine has simply died
While Liqui Moly Jectron Fuel Injection Cleaner says you can see results in roughly the first 1000 miles of use, not all cleaners will work that fast. Usually, you have to use the cleaner every 3000 miles to get the best results.
There is a difference between injectors and fuel system cleaners. The former option works only on those vehicles with modern engines and has injectors. The latter system works on those older vehicles that only have carbs under the hood.
The injector cleaners are usually solvent based while the fuel system cleaners are usually detergent based.
Some Additional Words
When you want to get your injectors cleaned at a reasonable and affordable price, check out the different injector cleaner brands. Compare prices, engine types, and ingredients to find the best option for your vehicle's clogged injectors.
Follow the instructions carefully so you get the best results and hopefully boost your HP as well as your fuel efficiency. The best of the bunch seems to be Techron although some other brands are almost as good as that Chevron product.
FAQs
Techron vs Gumout vs SeaFoam: Which Cleaner Works The Best? ›
1. Best Fuel Injector Cleaner for Smoother Idling—Sea Foam IC5 Fuel Injector Cleaner. Sea Foam's fuel injection cleaner filters through to clean out the whole system and boost fuel efficiency, but it also gives a little lubrication to upper cylinders.
Is Sea Foam the best fuel injector cleaner? ›1. Best Fuel Injector Cleaner for Smoother Idling—Sea Foam IC5 Fuel Injector Cleaner. Sea Foam's fuel injection cleaner filters through to clean out the whole system and boost fuel efficiency, but it also gives a little lubrication to upper cylinders.
Does Techron fuel injector cleaner really work? ›Techron® is proven effective in a wide range of field tests against the competition. At Chevron, we routinely look at competitors' products on the shelf and compare them against the performance of Techron®. Some competitor products either completely lack or have very little of the key detergents found in Techron®.
What is the difference between Sea Foam and fuel injector cleaner? ›IC5 is formulated just to clean fuel injectors in gasoline engines. It's a different formula than Sea Foam Motor Treatment. Sea Foam Motor Treatment cleans the entire fuel system (fuel injectors, passageways, chamber deposits – anywhere fuel reaches in an engine). It's for both gas and diesel engines.
Which is better gas treatment or fuel injector cleaner? ›Fuel injector cleaners typically have a superior cleansing strength and last longer between applications when compared to gas treatments. Injector cleaners are added to the fuel tank at oil changes.
What happens if you use too much Techron? ›Can you use too much Techron? A: Good to hear your car is running better using the Techron. Fact is, you can use too much Techron and cause damage to your fuel tank lining.
How often should I use Chevron Techron fuel system cleaner? ›To keep the entire fuel system clean, use Techron Concentrate Plus, Complete Fuel System Cleaner, every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or at scheduled oil change intervals, not to exceed twice per oil change.
How long does Techron fuel system cleaner last? ›Treatment level
We recommend to add one 300ml bottle of Techron Concentrate Plus to one tank (50-70 litres) of gasoline every 8,000 miles/13,000 kilometers, for higher mileage vehicles we recommend treatment every 6 months to maintain engine cleanliness.
It can't harm engine parts or components. You don't have to worry about messing anything up by adding “too much.” The more Sea Foam Motor Treatment you add to fuel, the better it cleans (up to a point, of course). At a minimum, add 1 ounce of Sea Foam per gallon of fuel.
Can I mix Sea Foam with fuel injector cleaner? ›For injector cleaning machines, use 50/50 mixed with gas. Use 100% Sea Foam for diesel injector cleaning machines or when priming diesel fuel filters. For 2-stroke pre-mix, add 2 ounces per gallon.
Does Sea Foam really make a difference? ›
Sea Foam helps to clear the vehicle's fuel injectors and carburetor passageways of this harmful residue. It also cleans the car's intake valves and lubricates the engine's upper cylinders. Overall, it can extend the life of your car's fuel system and help the vehicle run more smoothly.
How long does it take for Sea Foam to clean injectors? ›A Sea Foam Spray treatment through any auto gasoline air intake is adding a full can to clean intake valves and chamber areas in a matter of 4 minutes.
Does Sea Foam clean catalytic converter? ›Sea Foam does not clean catalytic converters [SOLVED] | Sea Foam.
What is the best gas additive for older cars? ›The three best lead additive options for classic cars include the Hapco Products Lead Additive, Red Line 60202 Lead Additive, and Niteo Motor Medic Lead Additive. The best thing about these products is the low pricing and bulk purchase options available.
What is the disadvantage of fuel injector cleaner? ›In some cases, the injector cleaner contains corrosive agents. These chemicals will eventually damage the fuel pump or tank lining. When this happens, you will notice leaks or reduced performance from your car.
Do gas additives really clean fuel injectors? ›On older cars, fuel additives will likely improve your engine's performance because older vehicles tend to have more gunk that builds up in the fuel injectors. Additives can help clean out those deposits and prevent expensive car maintenance down the road.
What fuel system cleaner should I use? ›| Brand | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall fuel injector cleaner | Chevron | $9 |
| Best fuel injector cleaner for diesel engines | Lucas | $5, $13, $30 |
| Best fuel injector cleaner for high-mileage cars/engines/vehicles | Gumout | $7 |
| Best fuel injector cleaner for direct-injection cars/engines | Royal Purple | $8 |
Do Fuel System Cleaners Work? Yes! When used regularly, fuel system cleaners can help work to remove harmful deposits and keep new ones from forming. They are especially important for engines running on gasoline containing Ethanol and fuel-injected engines.
Which is the completely clean burning fuel? ›The following fuels and technologies are known to be clean for health at point of use and are categorized as clean for PM and CO household emissions: solar, electric, biogas, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and alcohol fuels including ethanol.
Does Techron clean catalytic converter? ›Chevron Techron Fuel System Cleaner 12oz
This product is safe for catalytic converters and oxygen sensors and, for best use, should be used every 3,000 miles or at every oil change.
Is Techron good for all cars? ›
The Techron Concentrate Plus formula won't harm oxygen sensors or affect catalytic converters and is safe for all gasoline engines. Techron Concentrate Plus maximizes your fuel economy by keeping your fuel system free of buildup and deposits.
Do I have to change oil after using Techron? ›There is no need to change your vehicles oil after using the Techron Concentrate Plus (TCP). However, Chevron does recommend that you use no more than 5 treatments of the TCP per oil change.
How often to use Techron cleaner? ›To keep the entire fuel system clean, use Techron Concentrate Plus, Complete Fuel System Cleaner, every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or at scheduled oil change intervals, not to exceed twice per oil change.
Why does my car run better with Chevron gas? ›There's no such thing as “better gas.” Companies like Chevron try to tell you their gasoline is superior because it has Techron in it. However, all gas has detergents that prevent clogging in the fuel injector, and no brand of gas is better quality than any other for your vehicle.
Is Techron gas top tier? ›All grades of Chevron gasoline with the Techron gasoline additive meet the new "TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline" criteria.
How many gallons does Techron treat? ›Applications. clean, use Techron® High Mileage every 1,000 miles or as needed for your high mileage vehicle*. One 12 oz bottle treats up to 21 gallons of gasoline.
Does Chevron gas clean your engine? ›Chevron®, Texaco® and Caltex® fuels contain our Techron® additive, which cleans, restores and protects your engine's performance. Our Techron fuel additive helps keep critical engine parts clean, which can lower emissions, improve performance and maximize fuel economy.
Will Sea Foam ruin my engine? ›Sea Foam is made from highly-refined petroleum and cannot cause harm to an engine. Remember that Sea Foam in your tank at all times is always cleaning and lubricating the entire fuel system! When cleaning gasoline intakes, use in cooperation with Sea Foam Spray Top Engine Cleaner & Lube.
Does Sea Foam damage seals? ›Sea Foam is safe for o rings and seals [SOLVED]
Can you use 2 cans of Sea Foam in gas tank? ›How often should I add Sea Foam to my fuel? For cars and trucks driven regularly, put 1 to 2 cans of Sea Foam in your fuel tank every 2,000 to 5,000 miles. For engine equipment used regularly, add 1 (one) ounce of Sea Foam per gallon to a fresh tank fill every 3 months or sooner.
Do you put Sea Foam in before or after gas? ›
For the best results, add a full can of Sea Foam to a low tank of fuel. After you add Sea Foam to the gas tank, run your truck for at least 20 miles before refueling. That will give the Sea Foam time to work through the fuel system before being diluted by more fuel.
Is Sea Foam a good fuel stabilizer? ›Sea Foam Motor Treatment works to stabilize stored fuel up to 2 years. Adding Sea Foam to stored tanks helps fuel resist evaporation, preserves ignition vapors, adds protective lubricity, and prevents the formation of gum and varnish in fuel systems.
Does seafoam clean oil sludge? ›When added to an engine's oil crankcase, Sea Foam Motor Treatment works to clean and liquefy heavier oil deposits, so the residues will drain away when the oil is changed. Sea Foam cleans internal engine parts, prevents sludge and other harmful oil formations.
Does seafoam clean carbon buildup? ›Sea Foam is specially formulated to safely and slowly re-liquify the gum, sludge, varnish and carbon deposits from the hard parts in your engine so they can be flushed out of the system.
Should you touch sea foam? ›None of the foams (from the algae or kelp) are toxic, and are generally harmless to touch, smell, or even taste.
Will premium gas help clean fuel injectors? ›Today's premium fuels contain additives and detergents that help clean fuel injectors and remove carbon deposits inside of engines, thus, incentivizing motorist with engines that use regular fuel to, on occasion, use premium gas to clean their engines.
Will injector cleaner unclog injectors? ›Although there are many products such as injection cleaning additives that claim it can clean or unclog a clogged fuel injector while it is in the engine, they cannot.
How often should you use fuel injector cleaner? ›Generally, we recommend that you clean your injectors every 15,000 miles. However, you could undoubtedly do it less frequently: about every 30,00 miles or once a year. You may also want to be careful about the gas you put into the vehicle and always check its quality beforehand.
Is there a good fuel injector cleaner? ›Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus has a lot going for it: A well-known brand name, wide distribution (available online, in auto parts stores, department stores, grocery stores and most Chevron gas stations) and a low price. And they sell a lot of it (it's Amazon's best-seller among fuel injector cleaners).
How many miles does it take for fuel injector cleaner to work? ›Although most fuel injector cleaners begin working immediately, it takes time before the improvements become noticeable. Before the cleaners start working effectively, the vehicle should travel several hundred miles and burn a good portion of a full fuel tank.
Does seafoam work? ›
Sea Foam works to safely dissolve harmful deposits from fuel injectors, intake valves, and chamber areas after years of untreated buildup. It works very well to overcome performance problems caused by fuel residues and deposits.
Is there a downside to using premium gas? ›The higher octane of premium gas won't make your car faster; in fact, the opposite is possible because higher-octane fuel technically has less energy than lower-octane fuel. It's the fuel's ability to be compressed more without pre-igniting that results in more power when used in the appropriate engine.
What happens if I put 93 instead of 87? ›If you put lower-octane fuel into your high-octane vehicle, whether by mistake or to save money on gas, you'll probably notice the effects right away: things like poor fuel economy, reduced acceleration, and spark knock, which sounds like a high-pitched pinging or rattling noise.
Do I need fuel injector cleaner if I use top tier gas? ›Top Tier fuels, like Sunoco Ultratech, led to a lower likelihood of deposits building up in the first place, so there are no deposits there to need cleaning. They also work harder to clean and then prevent deposits from forming on the tips of the fuel injectors.
What kills fuel injectors? ›As mentioned earlier, when the injectors become clogged, they lose their ability to supply the necessary amount of fuel or create a proper spray pattern, but worse yet, the corrosive nature of carbon deposits literally destroys fuel injectors over time.
What happens after using injector cleaner? ›Fuel Injector Cleaner Benefits
In short, when used regularly, fuel cleaners work. They can help remove harmful deposits, prevent new deposits from forming, and enhance vehicle performance. Fuel additives can improve gas mileage, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and they're affordable.