How to Clean Fuel Injectors in a Car?
3 Answers
Locate the fuel inlet and return lines of the engine, disconnect them from the engine connection points, and select appropriate adapters to plug the return line with a stopper. Disconnect the fuel inlet line from the engine connection point, choose a suitable adapter, and connect the fuel inlet line to the outlet pipe of the cleaning device. Open the fuel tank cap, remove the fuel pump fuse to stop the fuel pump from working. After cleaning, be sure to clean up the work area.
I've got 30 years of driving experience, and I think cleaning car fuel injectors is quite important. If the fuel injectors get dirty or clogged, the car will shake and fuel consumption will increase, so it needs to be dealt with promptly. What I often do myself is add fuel injector cleaner to the gas tank for cleaning: first, use up most of the fuel, then pour in a bottle of cleaner, fill up the tank, and drive on the highway for a few dozen kilometers to let it circulate and clean. This method is simple and cheap, and usually a DIY job can handle it. But if the car has serious issues, like severe idle instability, I go to the shop for professional high-pressure or ultrasonic cleaning. Disassembly is too complicated and can easily damage the injector tips. Remember not to use low-quality gasoline, and using additives can help prevent clogs. For older cars, cleaning once a year is a good idea.
I usually drive to and from work, and I save money by cleaning the fuel injectors myself. The method is simple: just buy a bottle of cleaner, available at supermarkets or online. Choose a reputable brand like Wynns. The process is straightforward: wait until the fuel tank is nearly empty, pour the cleaner in, fill up the tank, and then drive on the highway for about half an hour to let the cleaner circulate and clean the injectors. The results are usually good, as it can dissolve sludge and carbon deposits, restoring smooth engine performance. If issues like severe shaking persist after cleaning, the injectors might be internally clogged, requiring professional disassembly and deep cleaning. Preventive measures are crucial, such as choosing high-quality fuel from reputable stations and avoiding prolonged parking to prevent rust. The overall cost is low, with DIY expenses around a few dozen dollars, making it safe and time-efficient.