How to Clean Fuel Injectors

There are several ways of cleaning fuel injectors. One is to use one of the varieties of fuel injector cleaners, available in the market and do it yourself or take the car to a mechanic and have them do an in-tank cleaning with a fuel injector cleaner kit. Another method is to remove the fuel injector and have it professionally serviced, as well as cleaned. While this last method may be more expensive and time-consuming, it also can be the best fuel injector cleaning process. This process is better, because in addition to cleaning, repair is done on the injector at the same time. It should be undertaken approximately once a year. This Buzzle article will focus on how to clean fuel injectors yourself (the in-tank method) and why it is best to have it removed once a year and serviced.

How to Clean Fuel Injectors

The fuel injector is a small engine part, that injects fuel at a rate that is controlled by the ECU (Engine Control Unit). The fuel pump supplies pressurized fuel to the injector, which is then sprayed into the intake valve of the engine according to the air-to-fuel ratio requirements. When in perfect condition, the fuel injector filters out debris that is not good for the engine. It then allows the filtered fuel to be used by the engine correctly. Cars run properly and get the best mileage, when the fuel injection system works properly and stays clean. The fuel injector cleaning process works best if you can find the best fuel injector cleaner for your particular car.

Step 1: Disable Fuel Pump and Block Fuel Line
To begin your fuel injector cleaning you will need a cleaning kit, which costs around $100. After you have bought a kit, first read the instructions. You are then ready to begin the cleaning process. First you will need to locate the injector and make sure that fuel will not go through the injector, while the engine is operational. This can be ensured by using tubing, to bypass the fuel injector (making the fuel return to the tank) or removing the fuel pump (along with blocking the fuel return line) and preventing fuel to enter the injectors.

Step 2: Disconnect the Fuel Pressure Regulator
Before continuing with connection of the fuel injector cleaner kit, you must completely disconnect the fuel pressure regulator.

Step 3: Connect Cleaning Kit
Now you can connect the cleaning kit to the fuel input port, which is part of the fuel rail. Before going ahead, remove the fuel cap from the tank, to release the pressure that may be built up by the cleaning kit.

Step 4: Set Cleaning Kit Valve Pressure & Start Engine
Check your car manual for the precise car injection pressure value and open the kit valve till the pressure value matches the recommended value. Now you can start the engine, which will send the cleaning solvent through the injectors and clean out any debris that's preventing proper operation. The complete passage of the cleaning fluid will take a few minutes.

Once the fluid has done its job, you can switch off the engine. Restore the fuel pump and fuel line, back to working condition and reconnect the fuel pressure regulator. At this point, you are done with the job. When you attempt to start the engine, without the cleaners hooked up to the engine, you will notice a significant change in performance. If not, retry the whole procedure. If you still do not notice, a difference, you will need go to a fuel injector cleaning service at your local mechanic shop.

Yearly Service is Necessary

It is very important to have your fuel injectors serviced annually. This is necessary for several reasons. It is essential because, when you do an in-tank method of cleaning your injector, you are not able to see the condition of the filters, O-rings and other parts of the injector. These do eventually wear out and can cause low mileage and other problems.

It is good to get the injectors replaced, at least once a year, to ensure a healthy engine and good gas mileage. It is also important because the in-tank method can actually damage parts of the injectors, such as the filter, seals, oxygen sensors and other parts of the injector. With a professional method of servicing the injectors the mechanic tests them, checks the filters, O-rings and other parts and replaces them if necessary.

In addition, the mechanic uses a special method for cleaning the injectors, that does not cause damage to any of the injector parts. Thus, this is the best way to get the injectors serviced and again, it is recommended to get this service at least once a year.

The fuel injector cleaning process is not a difficult one. All it requires is a good fuel injector cleaner apparatus. It is also important to know which of the many fuel injector cleaners is best suited for your type of car and fuel injector. Be sure to take your car to a mechanic if you have finished cleaning the injectors and you do not notice a difference in the way the engine runs. Fuel injector cleaning by yourself at home is good occasionally, but it is important to have the fuel injection system cleaned, repaired and tested by a professional once a year. Knowing how to clean fuel injectors is one important car maintenance chore, that can save you money and time in the long run.