RoboRam12 Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 Hey guys, I'm looking to do an oil change in the next few weeks and I'm looking into some products to help clean the engine internals. I will also be changing the spark plugs since I know that hasn't been done in a while. My main question is how to approach it. I put in some STP fuel injector cleaner last week in a full tank of premium (which the car hasn't seen in over 4 years) and ran it empty. Already I've noticed a 10-15% jump in fuel economy. What I am looking to do now is get down into some of the tougher stuff that has accumulated over the 134k+ miles the car has on it. I've got it narrowed down to Seafoam and Restore (http://www.restoreusa.com/). What I am looking for is if anyone has experience with either of these products, and which one I should use. Or even both. Also, some insight on how to do some of the basic maintained on the car (2000 GS 300 if you need to know) would be great, because I've finally acquired some jack stands so I can properly (and safely) do the work myself. Thanks for your time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRK Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 If you are so concerned with engine sludge why are you waiting a few weeks to do the oil change? Just change the oil, perhaps at shortened intervals - 2k miles perhaps for a couple of changes. I wouldn't use any additive at ALL. Modern engine oils are one of the most intensively researched and blended liquids you can think of, and the dorks who run "seafoam" don't know more than Exxon..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoboRam12 Posted June 18, 2009 Author Share Posted June 18, 2009 That works just as well. Should I be changing the oil filter while I'm at it? And I am waiting a few weeks because between work and summer classes I don't have the time to do it right now. I also need some new O2 sensors and I was hoping to do everything at once. Which reminds me, I need to replace the front 2 O2 sensors and I need to know where I can get them at a decent price. The shop we took it to when the check engine light came on was going to charge $183 each, and then $90 in labor, and that is just too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRK Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 Always change the filter. I use the Toyota ones. Cheap in a 12 pack. All four O2 sensors have different codes associated with them, so your "shop" should be able to tell you which one has failed, and replace just the one. There is no need to change both, or all of them, at the same time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoboRam12 Posted June 18, 2009 Author Share Posted June 18, 2009 The mechanic read the codes and the first two where the ones that failed. One in the back has already been changed too. The part numbers are 234-4048 and 234-4630, I got that from the preliminary receipt they gave us. Also going back to the original topic, it isn't sludge so much that I'm worried about (though that probably is an issue) it is the carbon build up which Seafoam is specifically made to get rid of. I was just wondering if anyone had ever used it or not. I'm just trying to compile a list of things to do since it has been decided that we are keeping the car for the time being while my dad is switching jobs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillsndale Posted June 20, 2009 Share Posted June 20, 2009 Have never tried Seafoam, but we had a more fun cure for carbon - find a long stretch of open road, preferably up a looong hill, pedal to the metal and smile! Probably best to do on clean oil since the engine will need good lubrication. I couldn't find any reference in my owner's manual, but a lot of modern engine manufacturers specifically state not to use oil treatments or additives. FWIW, after changing spark plugs at 70k mi., I'm getting 2 mpg. better. B) Edit: Come to think of it, they also did a Fuel Injection Service. p.s. This message is for entertainment purposes only and must not be construed as condoning or encouraging unlawful or unsafe behavior. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoboRam12 Posted June 20, 2009 Author Share Posted June 20, 2009 Alright, I won't end up adding anything other than new oil. And I am near 100% certain the spark plugs are way overdue to be changed, I can't find any service records that say they were. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillsndale Posted June 21, 2009 Share Posted June 21, 2009 Also, some insight on how to do some of the basic maintained on the car (2000 GS 300 if you need to know) would be great, because I've finally acquired some jack stands so I can properly (and safely) do the work myself. Service Manual Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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