Fuel Injector Cleaner Problems

For people who are not aware of what a fuel injector is, let me enlighten you first on that: A fuel injector is an integral part of every automobile and is located above the engine in a throttle body. It is an electro-mechanical device that regulates the amount of fuel and delivers it into the combustion chamber of the engine. This looks much similar to the carburetor which too is placed above the engine. A fuel injector is driven by an injector driven electrical circuit. It remains open as long as the circuit is grounded, thereby allowing the fuel flow. A fuel injector is quite susceptible to clogging and plugging problems. Gasoline (fuel) contains substances like olefins (olefins are long chain polymers, also known as polyethylene) and diolefins. These substances get accumulated around the pintle valve of the injector and nozzle and restrict the fuel flow. Many a time, when your car does not start immediately after a repeated attempts, there is a possibility that your fuel injector is plugged. Clean fuel injectors are mandatory to pep up the performance of the engine.

Troubleshooting Fuel Injector
Troubleshooting is the first step when dealing with any technical faults in your vehicle. To know whether your fuel injector is working fine or not, first check for its electrical resistance. Ideally, a fuel injector has an electrical resistance of 10-18 Ω (Ohm). You can get a clearer idea on this by referring the service manual of the vehicle. So to diagnose fuel injector problems, follow the below troubleshooting procedure:

When the Vehicle Engine is Off:

• Remove the corresponding electric connector from the fuel injector.
• Two metal prongs are visible inside the injector. Take a multimeter and set it to Ohms setting to check for resistance.
• Touch the red meter lead to one prong and the black meter lead to another.
• If the reading is O.L (zero ohms), then it is apparent that there has been a short circuit and the injector must be replaced immediately. If the reading is higher than what has been stated in the service manual, the injector has to be cleaned and placed back.

When the Vehicle Engine is On:

• When the engine is on, check the fuel injector by placing the long shank screwdriver tip on the injector directly.
• Hold the screwdriver handle near the ear, with the shank on the sensor. A clicking noise can be heard.
• If the noise is not heard, there is a probability that the injector is clogged or the circuit inside is an open circuit with infinite resistance.
• In case, you are not convinced about the fuel injector problem, try replacing it with a smooth working fuel injector and again repeat the above procedure.
• If everything works fine, your fuel injector needs to be cleaned well.

How to Clean Fuel Injector?
For cleaning fuel injector, you require a fuel injector cleaner kit and a long screwdriver. Below are steps to clean your fuel injector:

• If your vehicle's engine is on, first switch it off. Locate the fuel injector.
• Disable the fuel pump and plug up the fuel return line. Instead, you can also install a U-tube, so that the fuel is redirected into the fuel tank.
• Disconnect the pressure regulator and connect the fuel port to the fuel injector cleaner kit.
• Remove the fuel cap from the gas tank so that there is not much pressure build up in the system.(Cleaning kits can put undue pressure on the fuel system.)
• Turn the ignition on to confirm that the engine will not start until the fuel pump is shut.
• Open the valve in your fuel injector cleaning kit until the fuel pressure is the same as is specified in the service manual.
• Start the engine and the kit will release the cleaner solvent into the fuel injector. Continue doing so until the solvent is exhausted and the engine drones down.
• Now switch on the fuel pump switch, replace the gas cap and reconnect the pressure regulator.
• A final check to confirm that your injector is now working fine, is to use the long screwdriver and place it on the tip of the fuel injector while the engine is on. A clicking sound should be heard. And so your fuel injector is back in working condition!

However one of the major fuel injector cleaner problems is if the cleaner is quite concentrated, it can erode the rubber and plastic components inside the fuel pump, fuel lines and regulators. Also if your injector is severely clogged, the solvent many not be able to pass through, even in a normal cleaning cycle. Lastly, there is a risk associated with fuel injector cleaner problems. Gasoline and the solvent used in cleaning of the injector are inflammable. Hence when the engine is on and fuel injector cleaning is going on, there is a probability of getting hurt! The entire fuel injection cleaning procedure should not cost you more than USD 150.

There are many fuel injector cleaner products available in the market. Some of them are:O'Reilly - Fuel Injector/Carburetor Cleaner, Justice Brothers - Jb Fuel Inj.,Casite - Fuel Injector Cleaner, Radiator Specialty - Fuel Additive, Valvoline - Fuel Injector & Intake Valve Cleaner, etc. But please, go through the reviews on efficiency of these products on their respective websites and also run a thorough check on fuel injector cleaner prices before you grab your wallet and buy one! Taking advice of an experienced mechanic is best recommended.