Anyone use RedLine S1 Fuel additive?

[cfjara]

So I'm a bit anal when it comes to keeping my engine running like new. Does anyone have any experience running Redline S1 Fuel additive in their car? Anyone try it on a Sky R/L?? I know the R/Ls are very sensitive to whats in the fuel tank. The other week, I had a few hiccups during idle which I attributed to less than steller gas quality ( thats the last time I go to Hess).
I dont expect to get any increase in fuel milage since the car only has 6500 miles on it...but it'll give me a warm and fuzzy knowing I've lubed up the fuel system. Any reason I shouldn't our this thing in my tank?

I don't play around with oil additives....wouldn't even think about using it on this car. Mobil1 has enough additives and adding more may counter the formula already used in Mobil1.

[cfjara]

an update to this post. So i went to get some of this Redline fuel additive at my local car parts place and they were out....so i went with the Lucas Fuel Additive which claims improved mpg. I didn't have much faith in the claim that it would increase MPG since the car is still new and is designed to burn fuel very efficiently. So in a nut shell, after two tank loads....i was getting about 300 miles to the tank full.....and after.....still getting around 300 miles to the tank full. So this confirms the well designed efficiency of the engine..
I would assume it would help older, high mileage engines a lot more than a new one.

At the end of the day I just got a warm and fuzzy knowing I lubed up the internals of the fuel system. Hopefully that will keep things running happier, longer. : )

[MidniteBlues]

May I suggest you break open your Sky manual and on page 236 it has about a page with information about additives. Altho apparently it does not forbid it, in some cases I read in the manual it might help, mainly to keep the fuel injectors & intake valves clean. The BEST thing to do is to use gasoline from a TOP TIER gas retailer.. Then an additive will not be needed AND saves ya a few bucks... Top Tier Gasoline

[irishsky5]

MidnightBlues - Is Saturn the reference for the Top Fuels list? Is it for all of US and Canada?

I was surprized not to see Arco or Exxon on the list?

[MidniteBlues]

Originally Posted by irishsky5

MidnightBlues - Is Saturn the reference for the Top Fuels list? Is it for all of US and Canada?

I was surprized not to see Arco or Exxon on the list?

Yea, lotta people are surprised who is not on the list. If you click on the link I posted above and go to the "Home" page you get this, I'll post a little bit to answer your question..

Top Tier Detergent Gasoline

TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is the premier standard for gasoline performance. Six of the world's top automakers, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen and Audi recognize that the current EPA minimum detergent requirements do not go far enough to ensure optimal engine performance.

Since the minimum additive performance standards were first established by EPA in 1995, most gasoline marketers have actually reduced the concentration level of detergent additive in their gasoline by up to 50%. As a result, the ability of a vehicle to maintain stringent Tier 2 emission standards have been hampered, leading to engine deposits which can have a big impact on in-use emissions and driver satisfaction.

So in reality, the group of auto makers above collaborated to have this done.. You should read everything on those pages to get "informed"..

Interesting tid-bit that Sunoco in Canada is, and not the USA..

[cfjara]

yeah i read the MMT warning in the manual. you have to wonder how much of this is marketing hype.

Top Tier is a marketing name and trademark. To get on the list will cost you money. Don't you wonder why the world's top refiner EXXON Mobil is not on the list?? Because they don't need this extra marketing help..
Mercedes doesn't recognize this list but BMW does....
I smell this is purely for $$ and TOP TIER is the only one making out with bags of money.


All this buys you is a sticker on the pump and recognition. Like that warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you see that "Microsoft Certified" sticker on all the pc peripherals you buy. .

Look at the other players on the list....Turkey Hill Minit Markets ...Kwik Trip...yeah..i dont think i'd ever buy gas from this place....top tier or not. I'll go to one of the top 3. Going to a TOP TIER retailer that doesn't move its gasoline is worse than stopping at a no name which has continuous traffic. Gasoline which sits in the storage tanks underground is prone to water contamination/condensation if left there too long. Always fill up at busy stations.

My preference to to use gasoline from a nationally recognized retailer and use additives to clean/lube my fuel system every 10k.

My point is that we always need to keep things in perspective to avoid falling for marketing hype. Is EXXON-Mobil truly sub-par gasoline since its not on the list??

[cfjara]

the story gets better......i just googled this.....came from GMs website.
You'll never see Mercedes or Ford making this recommendation.....hmmm...wonder why....read on...



GM - Environment - TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Celebrates Two-year Anniversary

What is TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline?
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is a new class of gasoline with enhanced detergency. It meets new, voluntary deposit control standards developed by four automotive companies that exceed the detergent requirements imposed by the EPA.

Who developed TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline standards?
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline standards were developed by four automotive companies: BMW, General Motors, Honda and Toyota.

Why was TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline developed?
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline was developed to increase the level of detergent additive in gasoline. The EPA requires that all gasoline sold in the U.S. contain a detergent additive. However, the requirement is minimal and in many cases, is not sufficient to keep engines clean. In order to meet TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline standards, a higher level of detergent is needed than what is required by the EPA. Also, TOP TIER was developed to give fuel marketers the opportunity to differentiate their product.

Why did four automotive companies join together to develop TOP TIER?
All four corporations recognized the benefits to both the vehicle and the consumer. Also, joining together emphasized that low detergency is an issue of concern to several automotive companies.

What are the benefits of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline?
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline will help keep engines cleaner than gasoline containing the "Lowest Additive Concentration" set by the EPA. Clean engines help provide optimal fuel economy and performance and reduced emissions. Also, use of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline will help reduce deposit related concerns.

Who should use TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline?
All vehicles will benefit from using TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline over gasoline containing the "Lowest Additive Concentration" set by the EPA. Those vehicles that have experienced deposit related concerns may especially benefit from use of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.

Where can TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline be purchased?
The following marketers have met the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline standards and are offering this product in all octane grades and in all their respective marketing areas:

[Bogie]

One more thing. After extensive searching, I have yet to determine what (if any) difference there is between additives in Top Tier gasoline and additives in gas provided by a reputable company without the Top Tier label, such as Exxon.

Here's what I found on the Top Tier website:

1.2 Deposit Control Additive Requirements. The deposit control additive used to meet the performance Standards described in 1.3 shall meet the substantially similar definition under Section 211(f) of the Clean Air Act. Also, the additive shall be certified to have met the minimum deposit control requirements established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 40 CFR Part 80. Lastly, the additive shall be registered with the EPA in accordance with 40 CFR Part 79.

This is simply stating the need to meet the already established government standard.

There is nothing that requires any particular amount of additives above and beyond what is already required under the government.

What, EXACTLY, does a Top Tier gasoline such as Chevron contain (in content or percentage) that Exxon/Mobile does not contain? I find it strange that I can't find an answer.

Two warning signs when it comes to standards and certification. This applies to any venue...not just gasoline:

1. A monetary interest between the standard bearer and the certifying authority.
2. Obfuscation in the connection between the standard and the certification.

As for (1), the entities that established Top Tier seem to have a vested monetary interest in the certification of gasolines as "Top Tier". As for (2), why the big secret on the actual steps/costs required for certification?

[Jeff Donald]

Originally Posted by cfjara

Where can TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline be purchased?
The following marketers have met the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline standards and are offering this product in all octane grades and in all their respective marketing areas:

I think the key is that to be Top Tier you must meet the additive standards for all grades of fuel, not just a premium grade. The other key factor is a retailer may not use the additives in all markets. This impacts very large retailers that cover large geographic areas. It may not be economically feasible to apply required additives, to all grades of fuel, in all their markets.

[soslowgtp]

Acutally section 1.3.1 + lays out all the things the fuel & testing must meet above & beyond government standards.

It explains what tests are used, what numbers are to be reported, and what them must meet. It does go into a fair amount of detail about what the fuel has to meet, how well it controls build up on valves, in the combustion chamber, on injectors and several other performance tests it must meet their standards on.

Now how much all the testing costs, who you have to pay for the fancy sticker, and how much of a difference it truly makes I can't say.

[Bogie]

Originally Posted by soslowgtp

Acutally section 1.3.1 + lays out all the things the fuel & testing must meet above & beyond government standards.

As for the fuel, can you identify what they state is above government standards?

As for the testing, can you identify ANY fuel that meets minimum government standards that has failed their tests?

[thefred]

get your gas at SHEETZ they have good gas + great coffee

[uranium-238]

were do sheetz and wawa buy their gas from? alot of people say it's foreign but i haven't seen any "official" word, just hearsay.