Generally, automobiles have one fuel injector for each cylinder, and each injector has a critical function. Fuel injectors use an atomizing nozzle to spray gasoline into the engine’s combustion chamber so it will ignite and start your vehicle. The injectors’ nozzles’ open and close quickly to ensure the gas is distributed evenly. Fuel injectors can get clogged with carbon deposits and debris. Hummel’s Automotive Diagnostic & Repair explains below why this is a problem and lists the signs of fuel injector trouble.
Fuel Injector Problems
There are two problems fuel injectors suffer from: clogs and leaks. As we mentioned above, clogs happen when carbon deposits build up on the injector nozzles, sticking them in either the open or closed position. Leaks are generally caused by an o-ring failure between the injectors and fuel rails. Engine heat can make the o-rings brittle and crack them, which then causes the fuel injector leak.
Signs of Clogged Injectors
Over-the-counter fuel injector treatments can only do so much. Professional injector cleaning is in order every 60,000 miles to 90,000 miles, depending on what your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends. Signs your automobile’s injectors are ready for a professional cleaning include
- Problems starting your automobile
- Rough idling/performance
- Failing an emissions test
- Poor engine performance
- Reduced RPM production
- Fuel consumption increases
- Engine bucking and surges
- Excess exhaust and pollution
- Engine knocks
- Engine detonation
- Catastrophic engine failure
The latter two bulleted items are realistic if you ignore the other symptoms of clogged fuel injectors. Remember, the injectors are spraying fuel into your engine and if they are stuck in the open position, they will flood the engine with gasoline which could catch on fire.
Signs of Leaking Fuel Injectors
Leaking injectors aren’t any better. Fuel leaks in the engine are dangerous to you and your passengers. Leaking fuel injectors are rare, but if your vehicle is old and has an impressive odometer reading, it’s time to think about engine wear such as o-rings. Leaking fuel injector symptoms include
- Fuel consumption increases
- Poor and shaky idling
- Gasoline smells
- Hard starts
- Bad emission performance
- Thinning oil
- Hydrolocking
As with clogged injectors, the latter two on this bulleted list can also cause catastrophic engine failure, which is why it is important to bring your vehicle into Hummel’s Automotive Diagnostic & Repair in St. George, UT, at the first sign of trouble. You can set up an appointment that fits into your schedule by calling us today.
