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A fuel injector is essentially an On/Off switch. When switched on, the fuel injector delivers a measured amount of fuel into the combustion chamber. When switched off, the fuel injector holds fuel in limbo. A series of sensors tells the fuel injectors when to switch on and for how long. In this way, precise amounts of fuel are metered into the engine, so the dual goals of maximum power and peak efficiency can be met and maintained.
The fuel injector switches on and off millions of times in its lifetime. A fuel injector can wear out or malfunction, just like a light switch that gets turned on and off many times over the years, but in a slightly different way.
System Advantages | Back To Top
The key advantage of a fuel injection system is that the fuel can be metered into the combustion chambers very close to the entry to the cylinder. This location also exposes the fuel injectors to engine heat. Constant heating and cooling are the enemies of the fuel injector. Ironically, most fuel injector problems arise not from when the engine is running, but instead from when the engine is turned off. As heat escapes from the cooling engine, it heats up the fuel sitting in the fuel injectors. A certain amount of fuel can then evaporate. Over time the gums and varnishes formed by this fuel evaporation can clog internal injector parts and restrict flow. Conversely these same deposits can prevent an injector from closing or turning off and causing a fuel leak.
Correct Diagnosis | Back To Top
While there are obvious signs of worn or malfunctioning injectors, such as cracks or leaking, it is important to properly diagnose the problem before replacing the fuel injectors outright. Fuel injectors can be very expensive. Rough idle, poor fuel economy, loss of engine power, a failed emissions test, or stumbling during acceleration can all be symptoms of clogged or dirty fuel injectors. These same symptoms can also be caused by a clogged air filter, fouled spark plugs, stopped up fuel filter, or a worn out oxygen sensor. A universal or vehicle specific code reader can help quickly diagnose fuel system problems, and a service manual is always the most important tool in the toolbox.
Start Clean | Back To Top
If malfunctioning or clogged fuel injectors are at the root of the problem then cleaning may save replacement costs. Start with the easy route and add a bottle of fuel injector cleaner at fuel fill up. If problems persist then removal, testing, and professional fuel injector cleaning can often restore injectors. If replacement injectors are the final solution, always replace all respective seals and o-rings as well. Seals on fuel rails, fuel pressure regulators and throttle bodies should also be checked and replaced if required. Installing new injectors with worn out seals is truly false economy. Inspecting and replacing the fuel filter and fuel line is also good insurance. Finally, use the utmost care when working with gasoline or other flammable fuels. Safety is always a good idea.
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