Clogged fuel injectors can cause a world of problems in your vehicle and hinder its overall engine performance levels. Luckily, removing dirty fuel injectors is a fairly straightforward task that you can perform on your own at home. To learn more about fuel injectors and how to clean them, stick around and follow our step-by-step instruction guide below.
What is a car injector?
Before we get into how you can clean your dirty fuel injectors, we first need to outline what exactly these car components are. Fuel injectors are controlled electronically, and are designed to deliver precise amounts of fuel to your car's engine combustion chamber.
When delivered, the pressurized fuel is then combined with air in the chamber before it undergoes a combustion process that generates power. Your vehicle's engine is then able to power the wheels with the transmission to propel your vehicle forward. Ultimately, fuel injectors play a crucial role in ensuring the combustion process is as efficient as possible, which in turn, optimizes your vehicle's engine performance and fuel economy.
Types of fuel injectors
Depending on your vehicle's engine layout, it may have the following type of fuel injectors installed:
- Port fuel injectors (PFI): PFI injectors are mostly found in gasoline engines. They work by injecting fuel into an intake manifold, before it travels into the combustion chamber.
- Direct fuel injectors (GDI): You'll find GDI injectors in modern engines. They spray fuel directly into the chamber, making the process more efficient.
- Multipoint fuel injection (MPI): In multipoint fuel injection processes, numerous injectors are used to deliver fuel. This ensures that the fuel is distributed evenly to all engine chambers.
The importance of clean fuel injectors
As you continue to use your vehicle, the fuel injectors naturally accumulated fuel deposits and other impurities that can impact their performance levels. When dirty, this can lead to engine misfires, rough idling, and other problems.
Therefore, by cleaning them regularly, you will be able to maintain the fuel atomization process, which will lead to optimal fuel economy. This in turn, will contribute to lower emissions caused by incomplete combustion processes and prolong your vehicle's engine life.
Common signs of a dirty fuel injector
Over time, your fuel injectors can become clogged with thick carbon deposits and other debris, which can significantly reduce the amount of fuel that's sent to the engine and disrupt your engine's performance. Here's how to tell that you have clogged fuel injectors that need to be cleaned and what each symptom may indicate for your vehicle:
Rough Idle
A properly functioning injector will ensure that there is a balance between the air and fuel mixture. This balance is what contributes to smooth idling. When there are clogs blocking the fine mist from entering the combustion chamber, as your vehicle idles, it will begin to shake, may not run smoothly, and even stall when you are stopped at a red light.
Engine Misfire
Another sign of clogged injectors is when your vehicle's engine begins to misfire as you start it each time. Misfiring occurs when the injector is unable to deliver enough fuel to one or more of your engine cylinders, preventing proper combustion.
When your engine misfires, it can cause jerky acceleration and reduced engine efficiency. Additionally, it may cause your check engine light to activate and cause a substantial increase in emissions, due to the levels of unburned fuel in your engine.
Reduced acceleration and power loss
As you now know, clogged injectors limit the amount of fuel delivered to the engine, which causes a reduction in your engine's ability to generate power. So, when you press on your gas pedal, you could experience sluggish acceleration or a delayed response from your throttle. This will be particularly noticeable when you're about to merge on the highway or driving up hills.
Poor fuel economy
You'll also notice that clogged injectors will reduce your vehicle's fuel economy. If you're spending more money on gas, dirty fuel injectors are likely the reason behind this issue. This occurs because the engine control unit (ECU) will compensate by injecting more fuel into the engine to maintain performance levels.
Difficulty starting vehicle
If your fuel injectors are clogged or completely blocked, the fuel will struggle to deliver to the cylinders when you go to start your engine. This will lead to extended cranking times, requiring multiple ignition attempts before your car finally starts. And, in some severe cases, your vehicle may not start at all.
Vehicle stalling
When your vehicle accelerates, you may have difficulty pressing on the gas and gaining speed, given that the fuel system is clogged and you need a fuel injector cleaning. If the clog is particularly bad, your engine may stall completely.
What causes a dirty fuel injector?
Fuel injectors come into direct contact with fuel. Over time, these components can become dirty and clogged, reducing your engine's efficiency and performance levels. The main reason you may be experiencing a dirty fuel injector:
Carbon deposits
As fuel burns in the combustion chamber, it leaves carbon residue behind. These carbon deposits gather inside the injector nozzles over time, which will restrict fuel flow by disrupting the injector's spray pattern. This results in poor fuel efficiency, engine misfires, and incomplete combustion.
Low gasoline quality
Not all gas is created equally. Lower gas qualities will often lack essential cleaning agents that are found in premium gases. Without these additives, impurities build up inside the injectors, leading to clogs and blocks. Opting for a higher-quality gasoline can help prevent excessive carbon build-up, keeping your fuel injectors cleaner for longer.
Shorter trips and infrequent vehicle use
Vehicles that are driver for shorter trips or go unused for long periods of time tend to accumulate carbon deposits and other impurities more quickly as the injectors do not get hot enough to burn off this residue. Over time, this leads to buildup.
Contaminated fuel filters
Fuel filters are designed to trap dirt, rust, and other contaminants before reaching the fuel injector. When the filter is clogged or not regularly replaced, the debris can pass through, leading to build up.
Water contamination
Fuel can absorb water over time, especially if you live in a humid climate. Water contamination can lead to corroded injectors, causing rust that reduces their efficiency. Additionally, water in your fuel system can lead to poor combustion processes.
Ethanol-blended fuels
Many fuels today contain ethanol, which can absorb moisture from the air. This increases the risk of internal fuel system corrosion and contributes to build-up in the injectors, leading to clogging and poor engine performance.
Cleaning fuel injectors: step-by-step
To perform a fuel injector cleaning at home, you'll need to purchase a professional fuel injector cleaning kit from a local auto store. Each fuel injector cleaning kit comes with a can of fuel injector cleaner to remove the harmful deposits, a hose, and a fuel rail.
Note that most fuel injector cleaning kits can be used on most vehicles. However, we do recommend that you look at your vehicle's manual to determine if a specific fuel injector cleaner kit is needed. Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning your vehicle's fuel injectors:
1. Safety precautions
Before starting your DIY cleaning process, follow these safety measures:
- Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling and dangerous fuel fumes.
- Disconnect your car battery to prevent electrical hazards.
- Wear gloves and safety goggles.
2. Locate the fuel injectors
Once you've got your cleaning kit, it's time to locate the fuel injectors. You can find the location of the fuel injectors by looking at your owner's manual, which outlines the engine layout of your specific vehicle. In most vehicles, the fuel injectors are connected to a fuel rail that is right above the intake manifold.
2. Remove your fuel injector and disconnect the fuel pump
Once you find the fuel injectors, you'll need to disconnect the fuel pump from the injectors. Remove the fuel injectors from the fuel pump by gently pulling them out. Once they've been removed, attach the fuel return line to the fuel pump. This will keep the gas returned to your tank while you're cleaning.
Now, locate the fuel pressure regulator and the vacuum line attached to it. Gently detach the pressure regulator vacuum hose. Note that some vehicles do not have a fuel pressure regulator. To determine if you need to do this step, confirm by looking at your vehicle manual.
3. Connect the cleaning kit to the engine fuel port
Next in the cleaning process is to attach the injector cleaner to the fuel port by following the cleaning kit's detailed directions. We recommend a OTC 7448A cleaning kit or a similar pressurized system.
Because the cleaning solvent is flammable, make sure it does not come in contact with the fuel injectors. Afterward, pressure buildup can be prevented by removing the fuel cap from the fuel tank. The chemical cleaner will clean your fuel injectors and dissolve thick carbon deposits using a burst of pressure.
4. Turn your engine on
Now, turn your engine on and allow the fuel injector cleaner to clean the fuel injectors. Let your engine run through the fuel injectors for approximately ten minutes. After time has passed, shut your vehicle off and remove the fuel cleaning kit. Then, reattach the fuel injectors and put your fuel cap back in place.
Lastly, start your engine again to ensure your vehicle functions properly and the cleaning is successful. If your engine misfires or runs roughly, it may need further cleaning.
Troubleshooting tips
We’ll share some simple tips for cleaning your vehicle’s injectors. Here are a few general tips:
- If your injectors are still dirty, you may need to remove them completely and manually deep clean the pieces or make an appointment for an ultrasonic cleaning.
- If you notice that your injectors are physically damaged with cracks or excessive wear, you'll need to replace them entirely.
- If the injectors are still clogged after numerous cleaning attempts, you may also need to replace them.
Additional cleaning methods
1. Fuel additives (pour-in injector cleaners)
An easy way to clean fuel injectors is to add a fuel system cleaner into your gas tank. These fuel additives will dissolve the carbon deposits and work to clear minor clogs. Here's what you need to know:
- Pros: Straightforward application, affordable, and effective for preventative measures.
- Cons: Doesn't work well with severe clogs.
- Best brands: Chevron Techron, Lucas, Red Line SI-1, Sea Foam, and BG 44K.
- Application: Use every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for best results.
2. Ultrasonic fuel injector cleaning (professional services)
If there is severe carbon build-up within your fuel injectors, a professional ultrasonic cleaning is recommended. This process involves removing the injectors and putting them in a machine that conducts ultrasonic waves to break apart the deposits. Keep reading to find out more:
- Pros: Deep and thorough clean of injectors, improves vehicle performance, restores spray pattern.
- Cons: More expensive than a DIY cleaning kit.
- Application: Best for seriously clogged injectors that DIY methods cannot fix.
How to maintain your fuel injectors for longevity
Properly maintained fuel injectors ensure optimal vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, and a longer lifespan of your vehicle in general. Here are some maintenance tips to avoid clogs and costly repairs:
- Use a high-quality gasoline: Lower-quality feels lack cleaning agents, which leads to build-up overtime. Opt for a premium fuel when possible, especially if you have a direct-inject engine, as these are more prone to clogging.
- Change fuel filter regularly: Check your owner's manual for the recommended replacement intervals of your fuel filter. Generally, you should change it every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, but it may be different for your specific vehicle make and model.
- Drive longer distances: Short and frequent trips prevent your engine from reaching its ideal operating temperature. Driving longer distances for at least 15 to 20 minutes can help burn off excess buildup, keeping the injectors clean.
- Use fuel injector cleaning kits: Adding a fuel injector cleaner every 5,000 miles will dissolve small carbon deposits before they turn into severe clogs. This is cost-effective and will help prevent performance problems.
- Avoid excessive idling: Prolonged idling leads to incomplete combustion, which allows for unburned fuel and carbon residues to accumulate within the injectors. Prevent this by avoiding unnecessary idling. For example, if you know your car will be stationary for more than a couple of minutes, turn your engine off.
Fuel injector vs. carburetors: what's the difference?
While a fuel injector and carburetor deliver fuel to your engine for combustion purposes, they operate in different ways:
- Carburetors: Carburetors are a fuel delivery system used in older vehicles. They work mechanically, by mixing fuel and air before sending it to the engine. Ultimately, these lack performance precision, which leads to inefficient fuel use, higher emissions, and inconsistent performance.
- Fuel injector: Modern cars use a fuel injector, which is controlled electronically to deliver fuel with higher precision rates. Instead of relying on airflow, the fuel injector will spray atomized fuel directly into the combustion chamber. This provides better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and improved vehicle performance.
Why fuel injectors replaced carburetors in cars
In this section, we'll explain why fuel injectors took the place of carburetors in cars. Fuel injectors are more effective and here's why:
- Better fuel efficiency by reducing fuel waste.
- Lower emissions which meet modern environmental regulations.
- Improved engine longevity by reducing carbon buildup.
Does fuel injector cleaner really work?
Yes, fuel injector cleaner kits do work in the right scenarios. High-quality fuel injector cleaning kits contain detergents that dissolve carbon deposits, which keep the injectors clean.
But, they won't fix mechanical issues when the injectors themselves are damaged or leaking. Additionally, they rarely work when the build-up is severe or completely blocked. In this scenario, you'll want to make an appointment for a professional ultrasonic cleaning.
Which fuel injector cleaning kits work the best?
Let's talk about different types of fuel injector cleaning kits according to how well they work and their cost. We'll look at affordable options and those that offer high performance. Understanding these can help you choose the best one for your needs.
- Deep cleaning: BG 44K, Red Line SI-1 (contain strong detergents for stubborn deposits).
- Best budget option: Chevron Techron (affordable and effective for routine maintenance needs).
Unsure how to find a good mechanic? Check out our guide!
How often should I clean dirty fuel injectors?
Generally speaking, you should perform yearly cleanings to ensure your fuel injectors work as efficiently as possible. Typically, you can ask to have this done during your vehicle's yearly oil change. If you don't feel comfortable cleaning fuel injectors yourself, contact local repair shops and have a professional auto mechanic conduct the yearly cleaning on your behalf to keep your engine running smoothly until its next appointment.
Protect your vehicle with high-quality car insurance
To ensure your vehicle is safe on and off the road and to protect your interests in the event of a car accident, having the right car insurance in place is a must. In Canada, all drivers who want to operate a motor vehicle on public roads must purchase minimum coverage. However, the coverage minimums and policies will vary between provinces and territories. The types of auto insurance available in Canada include:
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