How to clean and unclog fuel injectors at home
How often should you clean your fuel injectors? Most car owners don’t even think about cleaning them because they never consider the possibility that they might be clogged. But if you’ve had your car for more than a few years, they’ll eventually get clogged.
You’ll notice clogged injectors because your fuel economy will decrease. If the situation gets worse, you might even notice your engine hesitating when you press the accelerator pedal. The only way to solve this problem is to clean the injectors.
Cleaning Fuel Injectors at Home (Step by Step)
You don’t need to go to a professional mechanic to clean your injectors. Why not do it yourself and save hundreds of dollars in labor costs? All you need for this job is a fuel injector cleaning kit.
You can buy one of these sets online or at a reputable auto parts store. The tools in the set include a canister with cleaning fluid, a hose, and a measuring device. The gauge measures the fuel pressure as the hose enters the fuel injector.
If the canister doesn’t come with cleaning fluid, you can always purchase the cleaning fluid separately. For recommendations, see our article “Best Fuel Injector Cleaners.”
Your fuel injectors are easy to find by simply opening and lifting the hood. They should be located somewhere around the perimeter of your vehicle’s engine head. The nozzles should stick directly into the combustion chamber. If you’re having trouble finding them, check your owner’s manual for detailed location information. Below are 5 basic steps to cleaning fuel injectors at home:
1) You will need to remove the fuel pump from the injectors. Use a U-tube to return the fuel to the gas tank. Use a fuel return line if you have one. Next, remove the vacuum line from the pressure regulator.
2) Take the hose from the cleaning kit and attach it to the fuel pressure port. At this point, you need to direct all fuel away from the injectors. The cleaning fluid is flammable on contact.
3) Remove the fuel cap. Then use the canister to fill the injectors with the cleaning fluid. During this injection, a slight amount of pressure will be generated. The open cap is a precaution to prevent any build-up of pressure that could cause burns.
4) Turn off the fuel pump if it is not already off. Turn on the vehicle and run the engine for approximately 6-7 minutes. During this time, cleaning fluid will flow through the injectors. Once all the cleaning fluid has been removed, the engine will automatically shut off.
5) Next, remove the canister and hoses. Replace the fuel pump on the injector and reconnect the vacuum lines. Place the cap back on the fuel tank.
At this point, all components should be back in their original positions. Start your car again to make sure your fuel injectors are working properly.
Take your car for a quick drive and see what happens. If it’s acting strange or you hear strange noises, you should have a professional check the injectors to see if there’s anything wrong with them.
