When the car starts to consume a lot of gasoline, the engine does not respond promptly when you step on the accelerator pedal or idle with difficulty - it may be time to clean the injectors. You can ask the mechanic to take care of it, or you can save some money and do it yourself. All you need is an injector cleaning kit and a tool to stop the flow of gasoline. Some injectors cannot be cleaned and must be replaced. Remember that if you use cleaners that are not approved by the car manufacturer, you could damage the internal components of the fuel system.
Steps
Step 1. Purchase a specific cleaning kit
You can find it in any auto parts store or online. It generally consists of a can of detergent, a pressure gauge to check the fuel pressure and a hose to be connected to the injector and to the common manifold.
- Most of these cleaning kits are suitable for every vehicle, however read your car's maintenance manual to make sure you are buying the right product.
- In some cases the cleaning liquid is sold separately from the can and the rest of the tools in the kit.
Step 2. Check the vehicle's engine system
Read the use and maintenance manual to understand where the injectors are located. Also identify the location of the fuel pump and its components.
Step 3. Disconnect the pump from the fuel injectors
You can connect the pump to the fuel recovery line or insert a U-tube so that the fuel flows back into the tank as you clean. In some vehicles it is necessary to remove the pump fuse or relay.
Follow the instructions in the manual if you do not know how to disconnect the pump and connect it to the recovery line or if you are unable to insert a U-tube
Step 4. Disconnect the pressure regulator
Step 5. Hook the canister to the fuel inlet port
It is connected to the common manifold of the engine.
- The cleaning kit should come with detailed instructions for connecting the hose and couplings to the fuel inlet port.
- Check that the injectors have no traces of fuel, as the cleaner is flammable.
Step 6. Remove the cap from the gas tank
The cleaning kit allows you to spray the detergent into the injectors with some violence, in order to remove dirt and debris. Opening the tank cap prevents too much pressure from building up, which in turn could cause combustion.
Step 7. Start the car and let the engine idle
Before proceeding, however, check that the fuel pump is turned off.
- The cleaner typically takes 5-10 minutes to go through the injectors and do its job. Follow the kit instructions carefully for this step.
- Once all the cleaner has been used up, the engine should stop by itself.
Step 8. Detach the can
Step 9. Reconnect the pressure regulator and pump to the power supply
Step 10. Put the fuel cap back in place
Step 11. Start the engine again to make sure the injectors are working properly
Pay attention to any strange noises. Take a short drive in the car to make sure there are no problems.
- If you have followed the procedure correctly but notice any anomalies, take the car to a workshop.
- If the car continues to consume a lot, the engine hesitates when you accelerate or does not turn properly, then take it to the mechanic as the petrol injectors may need to be replaced or there may be another problem.
Advice
- You should always have a fire extinguisher suitable for fuel-fired flames, such as class ABC, available.
- If an injector is severely clogged, it will not be sufficient to use detergent to clean it during normal maintenance. More products will be needed to get rid of stubborn deposits.
- Prevents cleaning solvents from coming into contact with the exterior of the car, as the paint will be damaged.
