Roy
Sorry about adding side bar stories to your message
Bob
In regards to fuel additives, a better approach would be knowing additional gasoline (blended, alcohol free, regional blends) information, then make an informed decision of using an additive.
Here is WIKI article on fuel detergents
The majority of the dozen or so fuel experts and auto mechanics publicly commenting on Top Tier gasoline recommend it. A 2007 USA Today article quoted three critics who say it has little or no benefit, but the same article quoted three endorsers of the new standard.[18] Tom Magliozzi, co-host of NPR's weekly radio show, Car Talk, said that using top tier detergent gasoline is only critical on high-end vehicles. For other vehicles, he and another source said periodic use of a concentrated engine cleaner is effective in removing carbon buildup. Magliozzi said use of such a cleaner every 100,000 miles will "often" clean out the deposits.
However, General Motors fuels engineer Andrew Buczynsky says the various engine-cleaning additives available at auto-parts stores should be used with caution. He said some work but most don't, and that care must be taken when using these additives because some may contaminate the catalytic converter. Also, if too much is used, the additive may cling to valve stems and cause them to hang open.[15]
Most mechanics agree that consistent use of a fuel with adequate cleaning ability is best. Magliozzi's co-host, Ray Magliozzi, said that in order to be sure of preventing buildup of fuel injectors and valves, motorists should use Top Tier gasoline "at least most of the time."[23][24] Several others agree: Mechanic Pam Oakes says Top Tier gas is effective in cleaning carbon from engines and is worth buying. She says she’s seen the difference it can make and recommends it to all of her customers.[25] Automotive service manager Willie Beyer advises his customers to either use a Top Tier gasoline regularly, or have a mechanic clean their fuel injectors of carbon build-up every 30,000 miles.[26] Westside Autos in Clive, Iowa, and Motor Age columnist Larry Hammer also recommend Top Tier for removing carbon build-up, adding that a cleaner engine will also burn fuel more cleanly and therefore produce less emissions.[27][28] Mechanic and automotive journalist Jim Kerr concurs: "All gasoline is not created equal . . . Top Tier does have benefits."[17]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Tier_D ... t_Gasoline
Of the fuel additives product information that I have read, I find it difficult to make an informed and separate the hype from the facts except if you dont their product, you will problems.
It is the age old State of Fear tactic.
I used them,too but question their validity.
To me, a company with a good product would provide some test results across several different scenarios yet it seems lacking.
Where are the control groups? People who dont use fuel additives.
Do they problems and what types?
We need a fuel chemical engineer that's not me