Bad Gas or Bulls*it.

[mikec]

My audi at 108,000 miles has the check engine light coming on. The audi dealer says it is because the EGR, throttle body, and intake need cleaned of carbon. I've had the for about two years and put on 25,000 miles. He says the Costco gas I use is the problem and that I should only use "name brand" gas.

They want $500 to clean the above mentioned parts. He did not mention the injectors. Does anyone know:

1. Is this reasonable?
2. Should I try any of the do-it-yourself cleaners you dump in the gas tank?
3. I think there are garages that specialize in cleaning carbon from fuel systems. Should I check on this and not go to the dealer?


I put this in off topic because the car in question is my 97 Audi A6, but..... I've been running my 01 NSX on the same costco gas since it was new (13,000 miles). If that gas really is bad then I should switch before it causes problems. Opinions?

Thanks
MikeC

 

[hlweyl]

Bad gas? Highly unlikely. Get a second opinion? Most definitely!

 

[ANYTIME]

Costco gets gas from either Chevron, Union76 or Texaco. The wife works there and they continually buy from those 3 only. :biggrin:

 

[W]

You can clean this yourself with a little bit of work. A dump in the tank fuel injector cleaner will not clean the EGR valve, throttle body and what not. What you need is a cleaner that you inject directly into the intake manifold, like SeaFoam (I think that is what it's called). The basic idea is to slowly feed the SeaFoam into one of the vacuum hoses off the throttle body.

If you're not comfortable doing this, $500 sounds a little high (but it is at a stealership). Shop around at an independent shop that offers a similar service (like the BG system).

 

[zoomnsx]

The carbon build up is most likely due to mileage than Costco gas.

 

[0ctan3]

THIS might be of interest. Came up after a quick google.

 

[polar]

I'm not too sure if the price quote they gave you is reasonable, but it seems a bit too much to me. Dealer always charges more, and I'm sure you probably can get a better deal from any independent audi shop.
If it is the check engine light that you're concerning about, you can always get a Ross-tech vag-com from www.ross-tech.com or check the audi forum and see if anyone got a vag-com in your area, post and see if anyone can help you clear the check engine light with their vag-com.