The Best Ways to Clean Injectors

Fuel injectors are part of the engine’s fuel injection system. As fuel is drawn from the tank, it passes through the filter and is sent to the injectors, which spray fuel into the cylinders. Misfiring, rough idling, hesitation and loss of power indicate dirty fuel injectors, reports the website AA1Car. This also reduces fuel economy. Cleaning fuel injectors is important for engine performance and life of the vehicle.
Basics of the Fuel Injection System
Fuel is pulled from the fuel tank by the fuel pump. The fuel filter removes contaminates from the fuel as it passes through and is sent to either the injection pump or directly to the injectors, depending on the engine model. Fuel is sprayed into the cylinders by the injectors, then the fuel is compressed and ignited by the spark plugs, causing the piston to fire down with tremendous force.
How Injectors Become Dirty or Clogged
During normal engine operation the fuel filter traps contaminates such as bacteria and dirt into its media, preventing them from reaching the fuel injectors. A clogged filter media will not be able to trap contaminates and allows dirt to travel to the injectors. Bad fuel also plays a role in clogging fuel injectors. Some filling stations use a cheaper grade of fuel or may have received a bad shipment from the fuel processor.
Cleaning Injectors with Fuel Additive
The most cost effective way of cleaning fuel injectors is using a fuel additive. Injector cleaner solutions are readily available in pints at auto parts stores. The additive is introduced to the fuel by pouring it directly into the fuel tank. The ratio of fuel additive to pure fuel depends on the brand of additive purchased. It may take several pints of additive over a few days to completely clean injectors.
Removing and Cleaning Injectors
When fuel additives are not enough to clean injectors, the injectors will need to be removed from the engine. Following the service manual for your type of engine, remove the injectors and place them in a bucket of clean motor oil. Allow the oil to penetrate the injectors for at least an hour. Remove the injectors from the bucket and use a wire brush or Brillo pad to scrub around the port tip of the injector until the carbon is removed.
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