Fuel injector cleaning & O2 sensors/fuel milage

[LeSabre97mint]

Hello

I've been searching the internet about fuel injector cleaning using ultrasonic. I'm looking for some input from some one knowledgable about this. Some one who's had their injectors cleaned and noticed a difference (smoother running, better fuel milage) making it worth the while to remove them from the engine, and the investment.

I don't buy new vehicals. Both of my vehicals are over 100,000 with the
Windstar just about to 200,000 and the LeSabre at 106,000.

The other items are those O2 sensors. I know we usually wait for that CEL to come on and then replace the one that is causing the CEL. I know that it's recommended replacing them at 60,000 mile intervals. How many good O2 sensors are in the garbage can? I'm not a parts replacer if it's not needed.

Thanks for your input!

Dan

[MT-2500]

What is good for the goose may not be good for the gander.
You have to weigh your situation if they really need cleaning clean them.
But if you use a good grade of gas and keep your fuel filter serviced you will seldom need to clean injectors.
Most good grade of gas has cleaner and additives allready in it.
And On the 02 sensors that replace ever 60K is bull.
Do not replace them unless you need it.
Some cars us 4-5 02 sensors and it would cost 300-750 $ to replace them.
MT-2500

[12Ounce]

I agree with MT, especially about the Oxygen sensors. In newer model cars, the sensors are heated .... I don't know what that has to do with the life of the sensors, but it must have had some impact. It now is accepted that you use them 'til they no longer satisfy the onboard computer.

Apparently the fuel injectors have also changed in recent years. They use to have larger spray nozzle areas, and could be disassembled and cleaned. The newer ones are more stream-lined in the spray head and don't foul-up as badly.

[wiswind]

The Oxygen sensors that are in the windstar are rated for 100K miles. I did replace my upstream sensors......but did not really notice any difference in fuel economy. Antifreeze is one thing that the oxygen sensors do not like. I had ended up with some on 1 sensor....due to a very slight leak. The leak is fixed. The upstream sensors are the ones that are used by the computer for fuel "trim".....and as sensors age.....the switch more slowly. The computer monitors the switching rate....and will light the CEL and give you a code telling you which sensor is switching too slowly.....so the statement that the computer will tell you about a bad sensor is correct. If you do end up replacing a oxygen sensor.....I would buy ONLY a genuine Motorcraft sensor. I have read on the FORD technician forum that other brands can cause problems......even Bosch..... which supposedly makes the Motorcraft brand.....but it must have to do with the Motorcraft specs. I was able to buy the Motorcraft brand from www.rockauto.com for about $57 each. Autozone was selling the Bosch brand for about $49. So the price difference was not much.
I do not think that I made much difference by changing the upstream sensors....

The downstream sensors.....are used to monitor the catalytic convertors to make sure that they are working "catalyst efficiency" That is the only purpose that they serve. By the nature of their job....they switch at a much slower rate than the upstream sensors.....so they will not be impacted as much by the aging process.

I run Redline Complete Fuel System Cleaner (available at Advance Auto Parts). I run it in a "maintenance" dose. Meaning....there are lines on the side of the bottle telling you how much to add to each 10 gallons of gasoline. You just have to be close. There is a lubricant in it that helps the fuel injectors (there is a plunger in there)...as well as cleaning the fuel system. I still needed to remove and spray some fuel injection intake cleaner (modern day "carb. cleaner") onto the spray end of the injectors....as there was some buildup there....came right off......and made a MAJOR difference in how the car ran. I have not had any other cleaning done with the injectors. I do run a full dose of cleaner through about 3 times a year.

[LeSabre97mint]

Thanks MT-2500, 12Ounce, and Wiswind for the replys! What millage are you getting with your Windstars?

Thanks again,

Dan

[MT-2500]

Do not own one. I go crysler town and country.
But I have a customer windstar out back that does not even use any gas. The trans is out of it. Just sitting there resting under the shade tree. Great mileage thow.
MT-2500

[12Ounce]

Expressway ... 22 mpg
(Expressway with trailer .... 18 mpg)
Town ... 13 mpg
Combined ... 16 - 17 mpg

[DRW1000]

I get about 20-22 MPG (imperial gallon here) I think that works out to be similar to 12 ounces. I should state that this is combined and I have a heavy foot.