Running Rich - Fuel Injector Cleaner?

[tripperdude]

It seems our Epics are notoriously running a little rich. Or at least they give you some of that gasoline smell in the exhaust like they are running a little rich. I've gone though old posts in the past and there are good simple solutions.

Always first on the list is CHANGE SPARK PLUGS. And then there is a very easy, clean the flame arrestor air filter. Of course remove and clean mass airflow sensor is another good easy improvement. I think the next step is to clean the throttle body with brake clean. There is also consensus on the need to have high quality high octane gasoline, and then some folks have recommended using fuel additives like Sea Foam or Sta-Bil 360 marine. Where there does not seem to be a consensus is using a fuel injector cleaner like BG44k. It seems there were some who were concerned that a product like that may be too harsh for our engines. I believe Techron is strong as BG44k, so not sure where that fits in to this question.

Anyway, I just thought I would refresh this subject to see if there is any more consensus on it now. I have been conservative and not chosen to use it, but then my engine runs pretty well and only smells a bit gassy, but am curious about it. Any thoughts?

Steve

[Capt Rick]

The engine does not have a O2 sensor so it does have a little unburned fuel out the exhaust. I recommend spark plugs every year. and clean Mass Air Flow sensor twice a year.

Capt Rick

[toyotafreak]

We use boat during summer only for the most part. I run Techron at every oil change in every car, but held off using in the boat - in part to the feedback here you mentioned. Just sold the original 03 Sequoia at 226K and never had injectors cleaned, etc. Also never used StaBil/Seafoam. Clean the spark arrestor every few years. Had to clean MAF once. Plugs every few years, or when I want the smoothest idle (can hear it best when in reverse). Used to make sure the tank was full during the winter, as taught to keep moisture from airplane fuel tanks. Haven't for years. Just run Chevron super, change plugs every few years. Fluids and impeller every year.