Toyota Corolla - 2003 Fuel system Cleaning?

[BigD]

I have a 2003 Corolla that I recently took into a Mr. Lube in order to get the oil changed. Of course they tried to up-sell me and I declined.

The one recommendation they made was that I do a Fuel system cleaning. He opened up what I thought looked like a carb intake and ran his finger around the inside which came out black with a soot type material.

My car has 170,000km on it. Is it worthwhile to do this type of cleaning or is this just another cash grab by Mr. Lube? Is there a real long term benefit? the cost is like $150 to do it and it only takes them like 5 minutes.

He also said that the rad coolant needed changing because it was the original red colour and was very old?

Any help appreciated.

 

[Carl S]

The fuel system cleaning is a potential scam. I regretably paid the $150 to have it done on my car and nothing has changed. I later read up on it and it turns out there is a potential to cause harm to your engine by dislodging "caked on oil" and clocking jets and tubes. Frankly you're better off without it.

The coolant flush (on the other hand), might actually be worth while. If you havent changed your coolant in a couple years, the $150 for replacing the fluids will probably help your car stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter better. It wont improve your MPG or drivability, but it'll help the longevity of your car.

The reason the fuel system cleaning takes 5 mins is because they just put 3 different chemicals in your gas tank and let it run in order. In all honesty, you can probably buy those 3 chemicals and do it yourself for $25.