A properly functioning fuel injection system is vital for an engine to run smoothly and efficiently. Fuel injectors deliver pressurized fuel into the engine cylinders, and when they become clogged or malfunction, it can cause a variety of performance issues. Some of the most common symptoms that indicate one or more bad fuel injectors are:
Poor Engine Performance
One of the first signs of clogged or malfunctioning injectors is a noticeable drop in engine performance. The car may lack power when accelerating and struggle to maintain speed when driving uphill. Acceleration may seem sluggish like the engine is being held back. This happens because restricted fuel injectors cannot deliver enough fuel for the engine to produce optimal power.
Rough Engine Idling
With clogged or faulty fuel injectors, the engine may idle roughly instead of running smoothly. The idle rpm may fluctuate up and down or even stall out entirely. This is caused by an uneven distribution of fuel getting into the engine cylinders. Cylinders that are getting less fuel than others will misfire and run erratically.
Engine Misfires
Related to rough idling, engine misfires are common with malfunctioning fuel injectors. When injectors are clogged or contaminated, they deliver inadequate amounts of fuel to the cylinder. This causes one or more cylinders to misfire because there is not enough fuel present for proper combustion. The engine control unit detects misfires and can trigger the check engine light.
Loss of Power Under Load
Drivers may notice a significant power loss when the engine is under a heavy load. This can happen when merging onto the highway, passing another vehicle, or climbing a hill. The engine may hesitate, bog down, or be unable to accelerate due to weak fuel delivery from clogged injectors.
Decrease in Fuel Economy
As injectors become increasingly clogged, the engine’s fuel economy diminishes. More fuel is required to compensate for the lack of atomization and incomplete combustion. Fuel mileage numbers will drop and the vehicle will require filling up more frequently.
Dark Exhaust Smoke
Excessively black or dark exhaust smoke can signify problems with fuel injectors. When fuel is not properly atomized by the injectors, it does not fully combust in the cylinders. This incomplete combustion results in some of the fuel getting exhausted as black smoke rather than clean emissions.
Gasoline Smell from Exhaust
Drivers may notice the smell of raw gasoline coming from the exhaust as another symptom of faulty fuel injectors. Since the fuel is not burning properly, some of it gets passed into the exhaust system and emitted as an odor. This unburnt fuel smell indicates inefficient combustion.
Check Engine Light
Modern vehicles have onboard computers that monitor engine performance and emissions. If it detects issues like misfires, unusually high emissions levels, or problems with fuel delivery, the check engine or malfunction indicator light can illuminate to alert the driver. A diagnostic scan tool is needed to read the fault codes and pinpoint the specific injector(s) causing problems.
Causes of Fuel Injector Failure
Several different issues can lead to the malfunction of fuel injectors, causing the symptoms described above. Some of the most frequent causes include:
Injector Clogging
Over time, the tiny nozzles in fuel injectors can become clogged with contaminants like dirt, fuel additives, and carbon deposits. These restrict fuel delivery, causing efficiency and performance problems.
Wear and Tear
The constant pounding of the fuel injectors opening and closing thousands of times per minute eventually takes a toll. The injector valve stems and tips can wear down over high mileage use, leading to leakage and spray pattern issues.
Failed Electrics
Each injector has an electrical coil that energizes the valve to open. Corroded electrical contacts or blown fuses for the injector coils can cause malfunctions.
Failed O-Rings
These critical rubber seals around the fuel injector nozzle prevent leaks. When they degrade over time, it affects fuel atomization and allows pressure to escape.
Damaged Nozzle Tips
The fine mist of fuel injected into the cylinder comes from the nozzle tip. Damage like a cracked or bent tip affects the spray pattern and fuel distribution.
Leaky Fuel Pressure Regulator
The fuel pressure regulator maintains the optimal pressure for injection into the engine. If it leaks or fails, it can cause injector problems due to inadequate fuel supply pressure.
Carbon Buildup
Carbon deposits that form around the injector nozzle overtime hamper atomization and full valve opening, restricting fuel delivery.
Failed Piston Rings
Engine oil being able to bypass the piston rings and mix with the fuel can contaminate and clog the injectors over time.
How to Diagnose Bad Fuel Injectors
If you suspect problems with the fuel injectors, here are some methods to help diagnose the issue:
1. Scan for Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Connecting a code scanner and pulling any stored trouble codes is the first step in diagnosing injector issues. Codes pointing to cylinder misfires, fuel delivery errors, emissions system issues, or sensor failures can indicate faulty injectors.
2. Check for Leaks
Visually inspect the fuel injectors and fuel rail for any external leaks. Signs of wetness or dripping around the injector bodies or spray tips indicates a leak that should be addressed.
3. Perform a Fuel Pressure Test
Using a fuel pressure gauge, check that the system fuel pressure is within the manufacturer’s specifications with the engine running. Abnormal pressure readings point to a problem with regulators, pumps, or clogged injectors.
4. Check for Proper Atomization
Remove each injector and observe the spray pattern. It should be a consistent fine mist. Any irregular spraying, dripping, clogging, or uneven atomization indicates faulty injectors.
5. Do a Power Balance Test
This compares the power contribution of each cylinder using a diagnostic scanner. Any cylinders delivering significantly less power are likely not getting sufficient fuel due to injector issues.
6. Perform an Actuation Test
Actuating the injectors with a scan tool while cranking the engine allows you to listen for variance in operating noise pointing to differences in fuel delivery.
7. Check for Leaking Valves
A cylinder leakage or compression test can reveal if weak valve seals are causing cross-contamination of the intake fuel with engine oil, which may clog injectors.
How to Clean Fuel Injectors
If the injectors are determined to be clogged or contaminated, try these cleaning techniques:
Fuel Injector Cleaners
Adding a quality detergent-based fuel injector cleaner like Techron or Red Line to the gas tank can help clean deposits and free up stuck injector valves. Allowing the cleaner to run through the system for several tank fills can dissolve a lot of buildup.
On-Car Power Cleaning
Some mechanics have special equipment to hook up to the fuel rail that flows pressurized solvent through the injectors while still on the car to blast away clogs. This is done with the engine running so the valves cycle as normal.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Removing the injectors and soaking them in an ultrasonic bath of cleaning solution aggressively vibrates away stubborn deposits. This thorough off-car method fully cleans all parts of the injector.
Abrasive Flow Cleaning
Another professional method is pumping an abrasive media like walnut shells with solvent through the injectors to scrub and scour. This can remove corrosion and clogs when other methods fail.
Fuel Injector Replacement
If cleaning efforts do not restore proper fuel injector function, replacement is required. Here is an overview of the replacement process:
1. Purchase New OEM or Aftermarket Injectors:
Buy injectors designed specifically for your engine from the dealer or quality aftermarket parts supplier. Match the flow rate, electrical requirements, and connector fittings.
2. Disconnect the Battery:
Always disconnect the negative terminal first to avoid potential shorts when removing injectors.
3. Relieve Fuel System Pressure:
Consult the manual to locate the Schrader valve to release pressure before removing any fuel system components.
4. Remove Air Intake Components:
Take off the air filter housing, intake ducting, etc. to access the fuel rail and injectors.
5. Disconnect the Electrical Connectors:
Label and detach the wiring harness plugs for each injector to avoid confusion when reconnecting.
6. Remove the Fuel Rail:
Take out the mounting bolts to separate the fuel rail with attached injectors from the intake manifold. Cover the openings to prevent debris from entering.
7. Remove Bad Injectors:
Take out the retaining clip and detach the faulty injector(s) from the fuel rail. Note the original orientation to install the new ones correctly.
8. Install New Injectors:
Slide new injectors into the fuel rail and secure with the retaining clips. Ensure they are fully seated and snapped into position.
9. Replace Fuel Rail:
Reattach the fuel rail assembly with new injectors onto the manifold. Replace any seals and tighten mounting bolts to the proper torque specs.
10. Reconnect Electrical:
Plug in all the injector wiring harness connectors corresponding to the right cylinders. Double check you have tight, secure connections.
11. Reinstall Intake Components:
Put all the air intake ductwork, hoses, airbox, etc. back into place and secure with all fasteners.
12. Pressurize the Fuel System:
Turn the key forward for a few seconds without cranking to build system fuel pressure. Check for any leaks at new injector locations before starting engine.
13. Start the Engine:
Crank the engine and check for smooth running. The check engine light may stay on for a few drive cycles as the computer relearns the new injector operating parameters.
14. Test Drive Vehicle:
Take it for a test drive to confirm normal power delivery and performance. Recheck for leaks, proper fuel pressure, and trouble codes afterward.
Conclusion
Properly functioning fuel injectors are vital for peak engine performance and fuel efficiency. Clogged, dirty, or worn out injectors can negatively impact all aspects of engine operation. Being aware of common symptoms like decreased power, poor acceleration, rough idle, and fuel smells can clue you in to potential injector problems.
Regular fuel system maintenance with detergent additives, as well as cleaning and testing injectors periodically, can help prolong their life. But eventually worn out or damaged injectors will need replacement. Installing new or remanufactured OEM injectors, properly matched to the engine, will restore like-new operation.
