Its been in use for about 60 years now, I remember it in the '50s when it was in a pump dispenser and you put in one shot per gallon. Fuels and oils have improved immensly since then rendering it no longer necessary for general use. I think it is basically a thin oil containing some detergents, I really can't see how it could do any damage - unless perhaps you ran the engine on neat Redex.

Don't waste your money.

Anybody else heard of some horror stories about redex? I have done some googling and there are engines out there that have suffered as a result of using redex

If you have a toolstation nearby, get down there and buy their petrol additive – it's great value at £2.65, I presume, like most injector cleaners, it's a neat shot of toluene which is a solvent that helps break down gummy deposits - why pay a tenner for the same stuff? Of course modern petrol already has Toluene along with its closely related cousin Benzene in it in smaller doses. Don't breath it in and wear some free disposable gloves from the forecourt when dispensing it. Like the vast majority of aromatics, Toluene is highly carcinogenic and will pass through skin easily. Good that we got rid of "nasty" old lead huh? (insert rolly eyes if I knew how!)

www.toolstation.com/shop/Automotive/Motor+Additive...2

I've been breathing petrol fumes, cellulose thinners, diesel exhaust, carbon tetrachloride and asbestos dust from brake linings for getting on for 60 years, either the danger of these things has been greatly exagerated or I have been very lucky - the danger of asbestos dust I will concede to as I knew a couple of people who died from it, at 71 the worst thing I have is diabetes, but that's not causing me any problems at the moment and as far as I know has not been caused by any of the foregoing. Watch out for my obituary!

I had a bit of a scare when dealing with an old gas boiler's flame/pilot window (asbestos). Glad to hear your story, Peter.

Peter, some say cinnamon is good for diabetes. Do a google and you'll see what I'm on about. There are lots of varieties, not sure which, various barks make cinnamon - possibly some are better than others. Some of the diabetes medications may weaken other parts of the immunity in some people.

Redex is snake oil. All additives/cleaners/engine flushers/power boosters are snake oil. Without exception.

And there is no difference between one brand of fuel and another, or between 'supermarket' and branded fuel. It all comes from the same damn refineries and depots, the only difference is the branding on the tankers which come to collect it.

Of course, the premium fuel is different (higher octane rating) but for ordinary modern engines it makes not the slightest bit of difference. Back in the day it did, when some finicky sports car engines required high octane to avoid pinking.

IIn the manufacturers labs they use research grade fuel- it has no detergent in it at all. He said he never saw any deposits with uk fuel..

So why is my engine and EGR valve covered with carbon?

I'm sorry but even modern engines have deposits... In a lab under ideal conditions maybe none.

I am afraid in real world conditions the above statement flies in the face of all actual world experience so it is therfore male cow excrement . On that basis I ignore everything else he is alleged to have stated.

Edited by madf on 18/11/2010 at 18:07