Over time, carbon tends to build up in the fuel injectors and in the engine, making your car use more gas and get worse gas mileage. Additives and detergents might help you reduce this problem, but it will not be able to eliminate the clog entirely. Cleaning your vehicle’s fuel injectors is necessary if you want to keep your engine running as smooth as possible.
In this post, we are going to discuss how to clean fuel injectors in your car. While professional services are recommended, we are confident that you can do this task on your own, if you have the right tools. This task can either be done manually with the injectors removed or by using a fuel injector cleaning kit. Read on to know more about your options.
How to Clean Fuel Injectors in your Car: An Easy Guide to Do it by Yourself What You Will Need to Follow this TutorialStep-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Fuel Injectors in your Car1. Select the right fuel injector cleaning kit2. Locate your vehicle’s fuel port and attach the cleaning kit3. Disable the engine’s fuel pump4. Disconnect the pressure regulator and turn the ignition on5. Turn on the enginePro TipsConclusionBefore we start, you need to prepare all the materials that you are going to use to clean your car’s fuel injectors, which includes the following:
You have three options on how you can clean the fuel injectors in your vehicle. First is by using a cleaning kit that you can connect to the fuel injector system. Second, you may remove the injectors entirely from the engine, which allows a more thorough cleaning. Third, you can seek professional help.
Using a fuel injector cleaning kit is considered an easy and effective way to clean the fuel injectors in your car. Here is how it is done:
Via: https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/BMW-3-Series-E46/25-FUEL-Removing_and_Replacing_Your_Fuel_Injectors/25-FUEL-Removing_and_Replacing_Your_Fuel_Injectors.htm
While these cleaning kits are generally applicable to all types of engines and fuel injectors, you still might want to check the owner’s manual to make sure about compatibility. At times, the cleaner kit you have purchased may still require you to make additional purchases for connectors and adapters.
The cleaning kit consists of the cleaning solvent, a hose, and a gauge. You may now fill the canister with the appropriate solvent. Again, it is wise to check the compatibility of the solvent with the fuel injectors by referring to the owner’s manual.
You will find the engine’s fuel injector system on the fuel rail. You may also check the manual to know the exact location of the fuel injectors. It usually contains more information where these connections are located, as well as the steps on how to attach this specific cleaning kit.
You can disable the fuel pump by using the fuse box or by removing the pump itself. Connect the return line, which will ensure that the fuel is returned to the tank. Always remember that the fuel can be under pressure and the vehicle may show error codes once the pump has been disconnected, removed, or disabled.
Now you must remove the fuel pressure regulator, as the cleaning kit will already be providing pressure. Next, you must turn the ignition to ensure that the fuel pump is already offline. Remember to remove the cap on your car’s gas tank, just as a safety precaution. Doing this step will avoid excessive pressure buildup in your vehicle’s fuel injector system.
Before starting your car, make sure that you connect the cleaning kit first and adjust the pressure to appropriate levels. Now, you can start your car and let the kit use the cleaning solvent. This process may take up to 15 minutes. You will notice that the engine shuts off by itself once all the solvent has already been used up.
If you want to see how to do this procedure, refer to the video link found below:
As mentioned above, another way to clean the fuel injectors in your car is to manually take the engine apart. This procedure is not recommended for beginners, as it may cause more problems than solutions.
There are times that the entire fuel injector system needs a thorough cleaning. You might think that disassembling the parts and cleaning them will be enough. Unfortunately, it will not be. Professional services often result in a successful cleanup while a low-tech DIY approach to clean fuel injectors has been proven to be unsuccessful.
When cleaning fuel injectors manually, you must check if there is a leak, if the injectors have the appropriate amount of fuel volume, if there is atomization of fuel, and lastly, if the spray pattern of the fuel mixture is being distributed properly.
Lastly, you may visit a professional mechanic or an automotive repair shop to manually clean your car’s fuel injectors using professional tools. It is safe to say that these professionals will be able to get the job done. To add, they will be able to test the fuel injectors after it has been cleaned. However, the only downside is that it is a lot more expensive than the other two.
Knowing how to clean fuel injectors in your car may seem like a difficult task, especially if you do not know where to even begin. It is recommended that you read this guide, as well as take extra precaution when dealing with flammable substances. If you are not confident that you can do this job by yourself, we always advise that you seek professional help.
