I have a 2000 monte carlo 3.8L SS. during the summer, my remote start took two times to start the car. Once in a while using the key I had a dead start. I put in two bottles of fuel injection cleaners and it doesn't do it anymore. Is it worth taking the car in for a fuel system flush? It has 90,000 miles on it.

 

I've never heard of a "fuel system flush" but my guess is it's a scam. When people talking about "flushing a fluid" (like power steering, brake or trans fluid) it's the idea of ensuring all OLD fluid is removed (that you don't have a line still holding old cruddy fluid to contaminate the new fluid you are adding). By nature of gasoline, it is a consumable fluid. New gas is constantly being added. It's possible some of it is not always "clean" and gunks up (hence injector cleaner additives).

You would be better off replacing your fuel filter then paying for a "flush".

 

I would Fill it up with gas and put some injector cleaner. Then take a nice long highway trip. I'd put that pedal down a bit too just to get everything all cleared out. Run it down as far as you can without running out. Also change the fuel filter.

 

I think the 'flush' they might have been talking about is hooking up a machine that 'flushes' varnish and carbon deposits from the injectors using a high detergent cleaning solution. Hard starting would be one symptom of dirty injectors, but you will usually have additional symptoms such as hesitation, poor acceleration and reduced mpg. If you have these symptoms you may need to have the injectors cleaned, but if it's just an occasional occurrence I'd just run some injector cleaner through the system you get at a parts store then change the fuel filter.

 

Yea I read somewhere that the never cars don't need the fuel system flush. The dealer offer $249+ for the flush and engine coolant flush. I got the coolant flush and that fixed my heater not getting hot enough. It runs fine, I don't think I'll have to get the fuel system flush. Any thoughts on if the MAF should be cleaned?

 

the reason why the fuel system flush is becoming popular is the additives and the 10% ethonal included in fuel and during the winter time. anti freeze additive that can cause varnish and heavy carbon build up on injectors and valves. using the seafoam and fuel cleaner can help out alot on making the combustion chamber burn a little hoter to burn it off the injectors and valves. but it sounds a little to high to pay over 70 dallars for a fuel system cleaning.

 

I'm still not sold on a "fuel system flush" for a car that's driven regularly.... I know I've used the drop in injector cleaners, and usually those make little to know change. I question the success of a "fuel system flush". Just my opinion.

 

there's antifreeze in gas?