I have a couple of responses to address. First to the skeptic, I have a degree in Aeronautical Engineering with several advanced classes covering chemical engineering. I have run several advanced tests on fuel, and additives ( utilizing independent labs that specialize in fuel analysis ).. to further my own knowledge base as well as for optimum performance in engines that are designed to put out rated horsepower for hours on end. Some of these engines (piston) are rated in the excess of 1200 horsepower and are normally aspirated. If you were to place these same demands on your off the shelf M/B the engine would self destruct. I also have the hands on experience, tearing these engines down (including M/B engines) completely and using advanced tooling to determine wear and develop improvements.
Off the shelf cleaners don't really work unless you use them on a regular basis. This applies especially to fuel injector cleaners. Carbon and sulfur deposits build up over time and divert or restrict the fuel spray. This happens regardless of the fuel you use, including grade. I use a force feed injector cleaner in my shop that the consumer can get the same service at a competent mechanics shop. This forces under pressure (60-100 psi) a strong injector cleaner not heavily diluted with fuel. Cleaners introduced to the oil are bad, I never have found an advantage to using them. In fact, they often do more damage than good. I am a believer in regular oil changes (draining vs. siphon) and the use of synthetic oil such as Mobil 1.
Now for some personal experience. I previously owned a 2003 E500 with 165k on the clock. The new owner paid me to overhaul the engine and make some needed performance upgrades. I drove the car with a 50/50 city highway mix. I used regular fuel over 90% of the time. The only deviation was when I knew I would be going up long grades into higher altitudes (the Sierra's to Tahoe). Upon teardown, the pistons and cylinder walls were in fine shape. The spark plugs never showed glazing. The valves were all within factory tolerances and the seats weren't pitted or unusually worn.
Using premium fuel is a personal choice. You are right if you do, not wrong if you don't. Basically use common sense. If you try and get E55 results from a E350 .. use premium. Otherwise, take the money you save and put it into more frequent oil changes/maintenance.
Post note .. the 03 E500 motor turned out 385hp on the Dyno .. not bad for a rebuild.
What additives could I use on a regular basis to keep the internals clean - is it okay to do so. if not how often should I get a competent mechanic to do it.
Only wish I had the courage to do an oil change my self - i would like to do the drain vs siphon.
What additives could I use on a regular basis to keep the internals clean - is it okay to do so. if not how often should I get a competent mechanic to do it.
The product I use is 3Mâ„¢ Universal Fuel System Cleaner, Part#08955. Beware of the products and methods mechanics use, I have seen injectors pulled and cleaned, very pricey, when fuel rail injection is more than adequate. The 3M product should be used by a professional with the correct equipment. I use it every 12k miles on my cars. Off the shelf cleaners don't really work that well and if used with every other tank, are quite expensive. As a test, I tried the "Gunk" brand fuel injector cleaner added to the tank for several months on a '87 Buick Grand National. I pulled the injectors and found that they had excessive carbon residue, effecting the spray patterns. Ever since I used the 3M product and have found it to be superior to others I have tried.
I hope this helps.
Is there anything out there that is as reputable as the 3M product that I ( an ordinary non-mechanic) could use that will do the same things as the 3Mâ„¢ Universal Fuel System Cleaner
From what I know -all MB manufactured in last 20 years have anti-knock sensors, so the engine timing is adjusted for different gasoline.
How the high octane works? The only difference the driver will notice is under heavy load. Since MB generally have much more power, than really necessary, most of the owners will never notice the difference.
Racing from green light, or driving in the mountains is another story.
In US octane difference between regular and premium is minimal. Years ago, in Europe I drove Fiat, that was design for 96 octane. One time I had to put 78 octanes in it. It was knocking on accelerations like crazy (no sensor) so I learned quickly to back off the gas, when I heard it. So using much less acceleration I had better gas mileage at the end.
Then on the trip to Yugoslavia I was able to fill it with 100 octanes. With this gas I was able to drive in the mountains at 40 MPH on overdrive, so in this case I was saving fuel as well.
It all depends what you do.
Is there anything out there that is as reputable as the 3M product that I ( an ordinary non-mechanic) could use that will do the same things as the 3Mâ„¢ Universal Fuel System Cleaner
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Here is what I have used and actually can say that it works better than expected. I know that I blasted the product from "Gunk", but this product that I now mention got its roots in the aviation repair end where extensive testing is done. Using this product bypasses the need to use the professional method I referred to earlier. The product is called ... STP Super Concentrated Fuel Injector Cleaner. It comes in a black plastic 16oz bottle and is available at most parts stores. ADD TO GAS EVERY 3000 - 4000 miles.
It contains concentrated detergents that help dissolve and remove harmful carbon, gum and varnish deposits on fuel injectors and valve seats. This product is safe for all gasoline engines. It contains JP4, otherwise known as jet fuel which in itself has pretty potent detergents to keep jet fuel delivery systems clean.
Hope this helps Dallas, You might try WalMart, I bought a case of it there for less than 2.50 a bottle. Besides, I own WalMart Stock!
Is there anything out there that is as reputable as the 3M product that I ( an ordinary non-mechanic) could use that will do the same things as the 3Mâ„¢ Universal Fuel System Cleaner
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Here is what I have used and actually can say that it works better than expected. I know that I blasted the product from "Gunk", but this product that I now mention got its roots in the aviation repair end where extensive testing is done. Using this product bypasses the need to use the professional method I referred to earlier. The product is called ... STP Super Concentrated Fuel Injector Cleaner. It comes in a black plastic 16oz bottle and is available at most parts stores. ADD TO GAS EVERY 3000 - 4000 miles.
It contains concentrated detergents that help dissolve and remove harmful carbon, gum and varnish deposits on fuel injectors and valve seats. This product is safe for all gasoline engines. It contains JP4, otherwise known as jet fuel which in itself has pretty potent detergents to keep jet fuel delivery systems clean.
Hope this helps Dallas, You might try WalMart, I bought a case of it there for less than 2.50 a bottle. Besides, I own WalMart Stock!
Thanks for the info, i'll try it.
What gas would you recommend for a 95 S320? I dont drive fast at all, I cruise everywhere. Should I try mixing regular and high Octane every now and then or should i keep using high Octane due to the age of my Car?
Is there anything out there that is as reputable as the 3M product that I ( an ordinary non-mechanic) could use that will do the same things as the 3Mâ„¢ Universal Fuel System Cleaner
************************************************** *
Here is what I have used and actually can say that it works better than expected. I know that I blasted the product from "Gunk", but this product that I now mention got its roots in the aviation repair end where extensive testing is done. Using this product bypasses the need to use the professional method I referred to earlier. The product is called ... STP Super Concentrated Fuel Injector Cleaner. It comes in a black plastic 16oz bottle and is available at most parts stores. ADD TO GAS EVERY 3000 - 4000 miles.
It contains concentrated detergents that help dissolve and remove harmful carbon, gum and varnish deposits on fuel injectors and valve seats. This product is safe for all gasoline engines. It contains JP4, otherwise known as jet fuel which in itself has pretty potent detergents to keep jet fuel delivery systems clean.
Hope this helps Dallas, You might try WalMart, I bought a case of it there for less than 2.50 a bottle. Besides, I own WalMart Stock!
leardriver, I do not think that JP4 has any additives as its primarilly a military fuel. Jet A and B (Canada) does have some anti fungal additives and if blended with Prist anti icing additives but I do not believe any detergents.
leardriver, I do not think that JP4 has any additives as its primarilly a military fuel. Jet A and B (Canada) does have some anti fungal additives and if blended with Prist anti icing additives but I do not believe any detergents.
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This is a bit off topic but I'll back up my statement. This data comes from a fuel database I have, dated 05/2005
"MILITARY FUELS"
JP-4
JP-4 is the military equivalent of Jet B with the addition of corrosion inhibitor and anti-icing additives as well as anti-oxidants to prevent the formation of gum deposits on fuel system components caused by oxidation of the fuel in storage and also inhibit the formation of peroxide compounds effecting excessive hot section and compressor blade surface deposits; it meets the requirements of the U.S. Military Specification MIL-PRF-5624S Grade JP-4. JP-4 also meets the requirements of the British Specification DEF STAN 91-88 AVTAG/FSII (formerly DERD 2454),where FSII stands for Fuel Systems Icing Inhibitor. NATO Code F-40." end database
I would extract that the anti-oxidants would be beneficial in an automotive fuel system. The actual compound in JP4 is Ethanox 4720 as I read further into the database.
PS here is a premium vs regular article by car and driver, well worth reading.
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=4&article_id=3604&page_numb er=1
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Here is what I have used and actually can say that it works better than expected. I know that I blasted the product from "Gunk", but this product that I now mention got its roots in the aviation repair end where extensive testing is done. Using this product bypasses the need to use the professional method I referred to earlier. The product is called ... STP Super Concentrated Fuel Injector Cleaner. .......... It contains JP4, otherwise known as jet fuel which in itself has pretty potent detergents to keep jet fuel delivery systems clean.
!
Jet fuel is modified diesel fuel and diesel is a big no-no in gasoline engine.
Something doesn't make sense here?
Linear Mode
