Techron Causing Problems?

[ejm3]

So today at lunch I put in a bottle of Techron and then a full tank of gas.
Within a couple miles the car is running like crap and idling all over the place.
Then the "Service Engine Soon" light comes on. Grrr.

Is it coincidental that the Techron caused this?
Maybe something else?
What's the symptoms of a charge pipe.

It was running fine up until lunchtime today.

[dtla1]

Symptoms of a blown chargepipe include feeling like you're down 100+HP, and you can most of the time hear the rush of air leaking.

Could just be you didn't tighten your fuel cap enough?

[lemansblau135is]

I think the way to use the cleaner is to wait until you a little fuel (like 1/4 tank), put in techron, drive aggressive, the change oil immediately. Then re fill tank.

[zx10guy]

I've used Techron in my 135 and never had an issue. I added a full bottle when I was down to 1/4 tank or so. Then filled up the gas tank at the same time.

[NVHoo]

and never had a CEL, unlike other fuel cleaners I've tried. I throw in a bottle every oil change in all my cars because I'm old school. The best thing to do is to always use Top Tier gas, which I do. Studies have shown that just one can of gas additive does almost nothing for the fuel system.

[ejm3]

Originally Posted by zx10guy

I've used Techron in my 135 and never had an issue. I added a full bottle when I was down to 1/4 tank or so. Then filled up the gas tank at the same time.

Yes this is what I always do an no issues.

Also it does feel like I'm down 100HP and it runs and sounds rich like when you first start the car.

[Samuel Wikerson]

[tracer bullet]

The timing of it also says there's a chance of bad gas. I can't tell you exactly what THAT entails, but it's something to consider?

[Gangplank]

Originally Posted by lemansblau135is

I think the way to use the cleaner is to wait until you a little fuel (like 1/4 tank), put in techron, drive aggressive, the change oil immediately. Then re fill tank.

Not at all. Put it in, fill up and drive.

[iminhell1]

I'm amazed daily that the 'mechanic in a bottle' still has more credibility than actual mechanics. And that the adage of 'fix it 'til it's broken' gains momentum daily.

[Gangplank]

They recommend using it before oil changes, and no more than 5 times between oil changes. In my car that's once every 5 to 7 fill ups at most (7,500 / 5 = 1,500 / 24 mpg = 62.5 gallons / 10 gallons at fuel up)

https://www.chevronlubricants.com/en...hron/faqs.html

[blackberryq10android]

They say it isn't needed to use techron or redline, it can cause more damage than do good, due to the o2 sensors. I used to use it though but didn't have any problems, however, I just use 76 gas (conoco) for the past 2 years which has the highest amount of additives to their gas to clean the gas tank over time.

[ejm3]

Just as a follow-up the shop just called and it had nothing to do with the Techron.
It was.... wait for it....
The charge pipe.

It really is amazing how I can read this forum and know exactly what's going to happen to my and even when.
Honest if BMW bothered to read this forum for 10 minutes they can see all the weak spots in the car:
OFHG
Water Pump
Charge Pipe

[iminhell1]

Originally Posted by ejm3

Just as a follow-up the shop just called and it had nothing to do with the Techron.
It was.... wait for it....
The charge pipe.

It really is amazing how I can read this forum and know exactly what's going to happen to my and even when.
Honest if BMW bothered to read this forum for 10 minutes they can see all the weak spots in the car:
OFHG
Water Pump
Charge Pipe

If owners took the time to follow the service recommendations that BMW set forth, and do a bit of reading on their own ...


Charge pipe - often fails from either too much boost (non-factory problem) or oil degrading the plastic (PCV leaks, turbo leaks)

Water Pump - often fails due to owners not maintaining coolant quality. Calcium buildup, electrolysis, etc. will kill the protection (dielectric) of the coolant and take the pump with it.

OFHG - Same as the coolant. Also the oil change intervals and acidity of the oil will deteriorate the gasket. Heat (as many assume) is a nonissue. It's chemical breakdown.


And really, after (for most) 80,000 - 100,000 + miles of trouble-free operation I can totally see why everyone bitches about how unreliable these piles of shit are. Better sell it and get a brand new one ...

So in 80,000 - 100,000 miles you can come back and bitch about the exact same thing.
Also, brand, make, model will not matter here.

[Samuel Wikerson]

I've owned Toyota and Mazda vehicles, and they never break. BMWs are full of problems, and this has been true over the years for nearly every model and engine. The problems aren't minor either. For example, A leaking OFHG can destroy your engine, or leaking valve seals on the V8 can quickly empty your wallet.

Unless you are a BMW fan boy, a new owner isn't likely to be aware of the car's various issues. You might be lucky and put lots of miles on the car without problems, and you might also win the lottery. The bottom line is you need to be aware of potential problems and quickly correct them.

Incidentally, BMW is the only vehicle that Consumer Reports recommended getting an extended warranty

[ejm3]

Originally Posted by iminhell1

If owners took the time to follow the service recommendations that BMW set forth, and do a bit of reading on their own ...


Charge pipe - often fails from either too much boost (non-factory problem) or oil degrading the plastic (PCV leaks, turbo leaks)

Water Pump - often fails due to owners not maintaining coolant quality. Calcium buildup, electrolysis, etc. will kill the protection (dielectric) of the coolant and take the pump with it.

OFHG - Same as the coolant. Also the oil change intervals and acidity of the oil will deteriorate the gasket. Heat (as many assume) is a nonissue. It's chemical breakdown.


And really, after (for most) 80,000 - 100,000 + miles of trouble-free operation I can totally see why everyone bitches about how unreliable these piles of shit are. Better sell it and get a brand new one ...

No,no and no.

I've owned mine since new so I know exactly what maintenance has been performed on mine.

I do oil twice a year despite driving fewer than 10k miles per year (averaging just over 7k/yr).

Yet my OFHG started dripping at 42k miles.
The water pump issues are so bad someone filed a class action lawsuit and as a result I just got a $1k check from BMW to compensate me for mine crapping out at 50k miles.

Honestly at first when I was reading these issues on here I figured I wouldn't have these issues because these people drive their cars hard and I baby mine so I won't have these issues or if I do it will be much later on.

Not only was that not true I actually saw these issues quite a bit sooner than most others.
OFHG - 42k
Water Pump 50k
Charge Pipe 70k

I still like the car and its almost 10 years old now but I would NEVER own any BMW as my main daily driver.
Even my friend had an alternator fail on her new X5 after less than 2 years. Inexcusable even if covered under warranty.
So if you think just leasing one for 3 years and then turning it in will mean no problems you would think wrong.

BMW's are fun toys and that's about it.

[Olgeezer1]

BMW tells you not to use any additives. Techron and others are a clever marketing exercise and totally unnecessary, but hey, it's your money. Top Tier gasoline, around here Shell 91 is still ethanol free, is all you need.

[ejm3]

Originally Posted by Olgeezer1

BMW tells you not to use any additives. Techron and others are a clever marketing exercise and totally unnecessary, but hey, it's your money. Top Tier gasoline, around here Shell 91 is still ethanol free, is all you need.

As far as I know all gas here, even the 93 octane I put in, contains 10% enthanol.

[Gangplank]

Originally Posted by Olgeezer1

BMW tells you not to use any additives. Techron and others are a clever marketing exercise and totally unnecessary, but hey, it's your money. Top Tier gasoline, around here Shell 91 is still ethanol free, is all you need.

Quite the opposite. BMW has a BMW fuel system cleaner…. It's made by Techron.

[ejm3]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Quite the opposite. BMW has a BMW fuel system cleaner…. It's made by Techron.

Right, and that's why I use it periodically.

But as it turns out that wasn't the problem after all.