If you see dark smoke from your tailpipe or experience engine performance issues like rough idling, poor acceleration, or engine stuttering, you may need to do some maintenance on your fuel injectors.
Clean and well-functioning fuel injectors ensure fuel efficiency and compliance to U.S. EPA tailpipe emission standards both of which are critical from an owner’s perspective.
For minor clogs, using a diesel fuel injector cleaner is a great solution.
However, if your fuel injectors have serious clogs then you may have to consider using a fuel cleaning kit to clear harmful build-up in your injectors.
What is A Fuel Injector?
As the name suggests, fuel injectors perform the function of injecting fuel into the combustion cylinders to initiate combustion.
Combustion is the process by which power is produced in a vehicle using conventional fuels like gasoline or diesel.
Why Are Fuel Injectors Important:
They are important because they are the heart of the diesel fuel injection system.
A fuel injection system is made up of
- Holding tank
- Transfer pump
- Fuel filter
- Interconnected tubes, pipes, and hoses
- Fuel pump
- Fuel injector
All these components must work in perfect harmony for the fuel to be delivered to the engine resulting in complete combustion of air and diesel in the engine.
Functions of A Diesel Fuel Injector:
Modern-day diesel engines use the direct method of fuel injection (DI). The other method is the Indirect method which is used in older generation engines.
In direct injection, diesel fuel is directly injected into the cylinders via diesel fuel injectors.
Before the diesel is injected it is pressurized to a very high pressure of approximately 3000 bar by the fuel pump.
The pressurized fuel is passed on to the injectors through high-pressure steel tubes.
The high-pressure diesel is then injected into the cylinders by the injectors.
The injector must ensure the following parameters during injection.
- The right quantity of fuel
- Timing of injection
- Angle of injection
- Penetration of injection
- Atomisation of fuel
Injecting the fuel by adhering to the pre-set values of the above-mentioned parameters is essential for optimal engine performance.
If there is a problem even with one of these parameters, it may lead to poor fuel efficiency, undesirable emissions, and other problems.
What Does Fuel Injector Cleaner Do?
Diesel fuel injector cleaner is an additive you add to your fuel tank. These additives mix with the diesel fuel and reach the injectors through the fuel injection system.
These additives act on the particles clogging the injectors and remove them.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Diesel Fuel Injector Cleaner:
- Choosing the right cleaner:
- Check the product label to see if you’re choosing the right cleaner for your vehicle.
- Choose the cleaner that is meant for diesel vehicles. Review the product label to see if it is compatible with your engine specs.
- Review the usage instructions and warning alerts. If in doubt, check with the manufacturer or consult a skilled mechanic
- Make sure the engine is turned off. Ensure you only have a few gallons of diesel fuel left in your tank.
- A low quantity of fuel will help in increasing the concentration of the additive.
- Before you pour the cleaner, use a funnel to avoid spillage
- Wear gloves to ensure the cleaner does not come in direct contact with your hands
- Measure and pour the additive as per the manufacturer’s instructions
- Fill up the tank with fuel and run it for at least 10 minutes to ensure that the fuel and the additive mixture in the tank circulate through the injection system components including injectors.
- Topping up fuel and running the engine for more time will ensure good circulation of the additive aiding in the removal of clogs and dirt particles from the injectors.
Using a Fuel Injection Cleaning Kit:
For heavy and serious clogs, it is recommended to clean the injectors using a fuel injection cleaning kit. This is available at any local or online stores.
- Check if the kit is compatible with your diesel vehicle
- You may have to purchase additional connectors and accessories that may not be part of the kit
Guide to Using the Kit:
- Ensure your vehicle is tuned off and the key is removed from the ignition slot. This is to make sure the electrical circuit is turned off.
- Remove the fuel cap and keep the hatch open to ensure that pressure in the tank is contained.
- Locate the fuel pump fuse. To know its location, refer to your vehicle’s manual. Once you have located the fuse panel remove the fuel pump fuse.
- Removing the fuse cuts off the fuel supply to the engine.
- Pop the hood and locate the fuel rail.
- Remove the fuel supply hose and connect it to the kit. Since the fuel pump fuse has been removed no fuel from the tank will be pumped to the injectors.
- Start the engine.
- The engine will now run because of the solvent in the kit. Allow it to run for at least 15 minutes.
- Let the solvent be fully consumed. Remove the kit and connect the fuel pump hose to the fuel rail. Connect the fuel pump fuse and close the lid of the fuel tank. Now everything should be as it was earlier.
- Start the engine. The engine should be running smoothly without any trouble.
Conclusion:
Fuel injectors are the heart of the injection system in direct injection engines. Keeping them clean will ensure peace of mind.
Diagnosing fuel injector performance from time to time by keeping an eye on the symptoms is vital for its maintenance.
If you have tried all the DIY methods of cleaning the injector but are still not satisfied with the results, it’s time to consult a diesel automotive expert.
At Diesel Fuel Components Inc. our skilled technicians use certified OEM equipment and testing methods to diagnose fuel system problems.
We provide thorough Diesel Fuel Injector Testing, cleaning, rebuilding, and replacement services for all types of on or off-highway vehicles.
