How the Professionals Clean Fuel Injectors

Fuel injectors help to create better fuel efficiency and emission control in vehicles, making them an important part for more environmentally-friendly vehicle operation. Their durability allows them to last for essentially the entire expected life of the vehicle.

That doesn’t mean they won’t be susceptible to damage or problems, though. There are issues that can pop up with your fuel injectors that will need to be resolved, and in many cases, they are a result of clogging due to a buildup of debris, carbon or watered gas. Typical signs of fuel injector problems include low power, engine misfires, fuel leaks and/or the illumination of the check engine light.

The best way to avoid these issues is to know how to clean fuel injectors and complete this task on a regular basis. This is something you can add to your regular vehicle maintenance routine in Everett, WA, but it’s also a job you can do yourself if you feel comfortable with your skills.

Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved with cleaning fuel injectors. You’ll need a fuel injector cleaning kit that’s compatible with your vehicle’s engine, as well as a cleaning solvent (the kit will usually have a specific recommendation):

• Get connected: Connect the cleaning kit to the fuel port on the engine. There will be instructions in the cleaning kit’s manual for the exact way to do this—each type of cleaning kit will have different types of connection designs.
• Disable the pump: Disable the fuel pump and ensure all fuel is sent back to the gas tank. You can plug the fuel return line to accomplish this, or insert a U-tube. Your onboard computer might display error codes after you connect the pump, but these codes can be cleared later.
• Disconnect the pressure regulator: Once the pressure regulator is disconnected, you can connect the cleaning kit to the fuel port.
• Remove fuel cap: Take the fuel cap off your gas tank to prevent a pressure buildup within the fuel system.
• Attach hose: Attach your compressed air hose to the cleaning kit. Your vehicle’s service manual will have specific information about the appropriate fuel pressure for your vehicle. Open up the valve on the cleaning kit and get it to match your vehicle’s required fuel pressure.
• Start the engine: Start up your car and let the engine run for five to 15 minutes to allow the cleaning solvent to run through all of the injectors. Once the cleaning kit has used up all the solvent, the engine should then be shut off.
• Reverse: Reverse all the steps, disconnecting the kit and activating the fuel pump and fuel generator. After you’ve gotten the vehicle back to its normal state, turn on the engine and listen to see if you can hear any unusual noises. You should hear rapid clicking sounds to indicate fuel injectors that have been properly cleaned.

For more information about how mechanics clean fuel injectors, or to schedule service at our shop in Everett, WA, contact the team at Auto Truck Service Inc. today.

Categorised in: Vehicle Maintenance