* Fuel Delivery Problems: Injectors deliver fuel to the cylinders. If they're clogged, leaking, or delivering the wrong amount of fuel, the air/fuel mixture will be off. This can lead to:
* Lean condition: Too little fuel. This causes the engine to run hot, potentially leading to melted pistons, damaged valves, and even catastrophic engine failure.
* Rich condition: Too much fuel. This leads to incomplete combustion, fouling spark plugs, building up carbon deposits, and potentially damaging the catalytic converter. Excessive fuel can also wash away lubricating oil from cylinder walls, causing increased wear and scoring.
* Hydrolock: In severe cases of injector failure, particularly with leaking injectors, excessive fuel can enter the cylinders, preventing the pistons from moving. This is called hydrolock and can severely bend connecting rods or crack the engine block, requiring a complete engine rebuild or replacement.
* Increased Wear and Tear: Running an engine with bad injectors for an extended period subjects it to excessive stress and heat, accelerating general wear and tear on all engine components.
* Damage to other components: As mentioned, a rich condition can damage the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors.
While a single slightly malfunctioning injector might not immediately destroy your engine, the cumulative effect of incorrect fuel delivery over time will undoubtedly increase wear and damage, eventually leading to serious problems and potentially costly repairs. It's crucial to address injector issues promptly.
