How does a fuel injection flush work?
Fuel injectors, as their name suggests, are responsible for supplying fuel to the engine. Fuel injection systems either work through a throttle body containing just 2 injectors or go straight to port with one injector per…
Fuel injectors, as their name suggests, are responsible for supplying fuel to the engine. Fuel injection systems either work through a throttle body containing just two injectors or go straight to port with one injector per cylinder. The injectors themselves inject gas into the combustion chamber like a spray gun, allowing the gas to mix with air before igniting. The fuel then ignites and the engine continues to run. If the injectors become dirty or clogged, the engine cannot run as smoothly.
Performing a fuel injection flush may resolve power loss or misfiring problems, or may simply be performed as a precaution. The process involves flushing cleaning chemicals through the fuel injectors in hopes of clearing them of debris and ultimately improving fuel delivery. This service has been controversial, with some arguing that flushing the fuel injection system is not worth the effort. Because the cost of replacing a fuel injector is as significant as it is, a service that can fix fuel injection problems, or at least help diagnose the problem, can be extremely helpful.
How do fuel injectors get dirty?
Whenever an internal combustion engine is switched off, fuel/exhaust remains in the combustion chambers. As the engine cools, the evaporating gases settle on all surfaces of the combustion chamber, including the fuel injector nozzle. Over time, this residue can reduce the amount of fuel the injector can deliver to the engine.
Residues and impurities in the fuel also cause injector clogging. This is less common if the gas is coming from a modern gas pump and the fuel filter is working properly. Corrosion in the fuel system can also clog injectors.
Does your car need a fuel injection system flush?
Believe it or not, a fuel injection flush is most often performed for diagnostic purposes. If flushing the injectors on a vehicle that is experiencing fuel delivery problems fails, a mechanic can basically rule out a problem with the fuel injectors. If your vehicle has problems that could be related to the fuel injection system, or if it is just starting to show its age and noticeably loses power over time, a fuel injection flush will be helpful.
As a type of repair, a fuel injection flush is not very effective unless the problem is specifically related to debris in or around the fuel injectors. If the injector is faulty, it's probably too late. If the problem is more serious than just debris, then the nozzles can be removed and cleaned much more thoroughly using ultrasound. This process is very similar to professional jewelry cleaning. The added benefit of this is that the mechanic can test the fuel injectors individually before they are installed back into the engine.
If the nozzles do not work properly and nothing clogs them, then the faulty nozzles must be completely replaced.
