Techron versus "nitrogen enriched"

[Joe C.]

Many seem to think that Chevron/Texaco with Techron is very effective at reducing intake valve and combustion chamber deposits. How does BP-Shell's "Nitrogen Enriched" gasoline compare?

[Brian M.]

Re: Techron versus "nitrogen enriched"

Try the Techron with the Shell gas, let us know what happens.

[Gene M.]

Re: Techron versus "nitrogen enriched"

What is Techron?

I thought Nitrogen was a gas not a liquid at normal temps so how could "Nitrogen Enriched" be possible?

Is this all snake oil hype?

[Michael W.]

Re: Techron versus "nitrogen enriched"

I wish I had a car that suffered all the horrible problems that these miracle products solved. I don't, mine all run just fine without them.

Am I missing out on life?

[Duke W.]

Re: Techron versus "nitrogen enriched"

Shell appears to have come up with a new detergent additive that probably has one or more nitrogen atoms in what is probably a very complex organic molecule.

Marketers and the Web have no end or endorsements and arguments for various detergent additives.

I recall one post by a petroleum industry professional some years ago on some forum I participated on then, and his recommendation was to swtich brands frequently to get the benefits of all of them.

It made a lot of sense to me.

Duke

[Joe C.]

Re: Techron versus "nitrogen enriched"

What is Techron?

I thought Nitrogen was a gas not a liquid at normal temps so how could "Nitrogen Enriched" be possible?

Is this all snake oil hype?

Shell's marketing name for the nitrogen polymerized fuel is "V-Power". I have been using Shell V-Power exclusively in my 1965 Corvette for the simple reason that it is the closest "name brand" gasoline station to my home. The "V-Power" claim has nothing to do with the choice. See reference below regarding the effectiveness of "V-Power".

According to a quote from Wikipedia, "Techron" is:

"Techron is a patented fuel additive developed by the Chevron Products Company, usually consisting of gasoline mixed with 400 ppm of polyetheramine (Farmer). With the introduction of Techron, Chevron gasolines became designated as meeting Top Tier standards for fuel cleanliness. Chevron gasolines with Techron were some of the first gasolines to be named as a “Top Tier Detergent Gasoline.”(Upshaw) “Top Tier Detergent Gasoline(s)” are agreed to lead to better performance in engines by BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Audi (Upshaw). Chevron with Techron also exceeds the TOP TIER standards in all three grades of gasoline (Chevron). Both Volvo and Mercedes-Benz have issued factory service bulletins advising the use of concentrated Chevron Techron in repair procedures for vehicles with certain mechanical problems. Techron is available at Chevron, Texaco, and Caltex stations in all three grades of gasoline (techron.com). Techron is also available as a packaged concentrate, for use with lower quality gasoline ("under-additized")."

Texaco is a Chevron brand, and also contains Techron.

One of the reasons that I bring this subject up is that an inspection of the intake valves reveals some carbon deposits on them which have already accumulated after only 4000 miles. Another reason is that a well respected contributor to this forum, initials DW, has stated that most fuel detergents "with the possible exception of Techron" are mostly snake oil.

[Michael W.]

Re: Techron versus "nitrogen enriched"

Dick Whittington said that?

[Clem Z.]

Re: Techron versus "nitrogen enriched"

the big problem occurs with modern FI engines where the gasoline is sprayed directly on the back side of the hot intake valve and this causes a carbon buildup. the gasoline you use need to have a strong detergent to help clean and keep clean this valve. i bought a use V-6 celebrity back in the 80s with low 6000 miles and the car had no power. after checking all things out we found the back side of the intake valves were so coated with carbon hardly any fuel was getting thru. after removing the heads and cleaning the valves the car ran great. i use high test gas after that because back then only high test had the detergent . most all gasoline today have the additives are added at the bulk plant. GM sells techron+ as a GM product. my advice if you don't want to have a problem like this stay away from "no name" gasoline brands

[Duke W.]

Re: Techron versus "nitrogen enriched"

According to a quote from Wikipedia, "Techron" is:

Another reason is that a well respected contributor to this forum, initials DW, has stated that most fuel detergents "with the possible exception of Techron" are mostly snake oil.

I've never said that. I have said that additives - bottles of stuff that you buy and add to the fuel tank are mostly snake oil.

EPA required and industry fuel quality tests include a test for deposit formation, so all commercial gasolines have detergent additive packages, but some may be more effective than others, and Techron has been recommended by various OEMs, as stated, to solve certain driveability problems on modern emission controlled engines - rough idle and low speed stumble due to deposit buildup on injectors, which really isn't an issue on vintage engines.

I've used Techron, successfully, to "repair" fuel gage sending units that didn't perform properly due to deposit buildup on the wire wind.

Most deposit buildup on inlet valves is carburized oil that slips down the valve guides. On modern engines that operate at stoichometric condition at idle and less than WOT these deposits can "absorb" gasoline and cause momentary leanness. This is typically not an issue with vintage engines that operate 20 percent rich at idle and 5-10 percent rich at cruise.

These deposits buildup in the "dead space" between the valve stem and head where there is little air flow/velocity, and have little affect on flow. In fact, in some cases, such deposits may actually improve flow.

The bottom line is: If you switch around brands using mostlyTop Tier gasolines and your engine doesn't exhibit excess oil consumption - or maybe even if it does - your vintage Corvette engine is not likely to develop issues due to excessive deposit formation, and you don't need to regularly use any supplemental gasoline additives.

Duke

[James G.]

Re: Techron versus "nitrogen enriched"

As a former Chevron dealer, I may be biased, but every engine we took apart that used TECHRON, had extreamly clean valve systems, and also no deposits on pistons.

In the late 90's, all EPA mileage tests were done using Chevron gasolines with TECHRON, and the chemists at Chevron receieved many top awards for the product.

I also used it in my 64 B/P Vintage Race Corvette added to the leaded 113 racing fuel, and found similar success with a lot less deposits.

For those of us that pinch pennies and buy the cheap gas, splurge with a bottle of TECHTRON and add it to your tank. I buy a case of 12 oz bottles, and add it when on a trip.

[Joe C.]

Re: Techron versus "nitrogen enriched"

One of the reasons that I bring this subject up is that an inspection of the intake valves reveals some carbon deposits on them which have already accumulated after only 4000 miles. Another reason is that a well respected contributor to this forum, initials DW, has stated that most fuel detergents "with the possible exception of Techron" are mostly snake oil.

I've never said that. I have said that additives - bottles of stuff that you buy and add to the fuel tank are mostly snake oil.

EPA required and industry fuel quality tests include a test for deposit formation, so all commercial gasolines have detergent additive packages, but some may be more effective than others, and Techron has been recommended by various OEMs, as stated, to solve certain driveability problems on modern emission controlled engines - rough idle and low speed stumble due to deposit buildup on injectors, which really isn't an issue on vintage engines.

I've used Techron, successfully, to "repair" fuel gage sending units that didn't perform properly due to deposit buildup on the wire wind.

Most deposit buildup on inlet valves is carburized oil that slips down the valve guides. On modern engines that operate at stoichometric condition at idle and less than WOT these deposits can "absorb" gasoline and cause momentary leanness. This is typically not an issue with vintage engines that operate 20 percent rich at idle and 5-10 percent rich at cruise.

These deposits buildup in the "dead space" between the valve stem and head where there is little air flow/velocity, and have little affect on flow. In fact, in some cases, such deposits may actually improve flow.

The bottom line is: If you switch around brands using mostlyTop Tier gasolines and your engine doesn't exhibit excess oil consumption - or maybe even if it does - your vintage Corvette engine is not likely to develop issues due to excessive deposit formation, and you don't need to regularly use any supplemental gasoline additives.

Duke

You said that yesterday.
See post #2:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?t=82098&uid=4189

[Joe L.]

Re: Techron versus "nitrogen enriched"

All------


I consider Techron to be the best fuel additive available. If you buy Chevron or Texaco gasoline, you get it "automatically". If you buy other brands of gasoline you can get the Techron separately and add it. However, the difference in price between "budget" gasolines and Chevron or Texaco is not as great as the cost of a bottle of Techron. So, it's more economical to just use the Chevron or Texaco fuels, even though they might cost a little more.

Notwithstanding the above, I think if one confines their gasoline purchases to those brands that qualify as "Top Tier" one won't have any fuel problems.

Some folks say that "gasoline is gasoline". That's only partially true. Gasoline that you purchase at the pump is a combination of base stock + additives. As far as gasoline base stocks are concerned, "gasoline is gasoline". As far as additives are concerned, there is a difference.

If you purchase a gasoline brand that is part of Top Tier, you are guaranteed of getting a high quality additive package. If you purchase other than Top Tier gasoline, you are only guaranteed of getting an additive package that meets USEPA minimum standards.

[John F.]

Re: Techron versus "nitrogen enriched"

Ever since I was a kid I have found that Shell gasoline always kept the inside of my carbs extremely clean. Not sure what their additives were in the old days. Purchased a car with a gummed up carb and after a tank or so that carb was clean on the inside. So I figure it does the same to the valves. I am not an expert, but it has worked GREAT for me.

[Terry M.]

Re: Techron versus "nitrogen enriched"

During the National Convention in San Jose some of got to tour the Chevron Research Laboratory. We heard a lot about Techron, and even got a free bottle. I recall one of the engineers giving the tour stating that all fuel additives contain nitrogen, so the claims of Nitrogen enrichment were not a big deal. Please consider the perspective of that individual whose livelihood came from Chevron.

[Joe L.]

Re: Techron versus "nitrogen enriched"

Ever since I was a kid I have found that Shell gasoline always kept the inside of my carbs extremely clean. Not sure what their additives were in the old days. Purchased a car with a gummed up carb and after a tank or so that carb was clean on the inside. So I figure it does the same to the valves. I am not an expert, but it has worked GREAT for me.

John-----


Shell is among the brands that are included in "Top Tier".

This is the entire current list:


76
Petro-Canada
Aloha Petroleum
Phillips 66
Chevron
QuikTrip
Chevron Canada
Rebel Oil
Conoco
Road Ranger
CountryMark
Severson Oil
Entec Stations
Shell
Esso
Shell Canada
Exxon
Sunoco Canada
Kwik Trip / Kwik Star
Texaco MFA Oil Co.
The Somerset Refinery, Inc.
Mileage Stations
Tri-Par Oil Co.
Mobil
Turkey Hill Minit Markets
U.S. Oil