A clean car fuel system is the key to reliable and economical engine operation. The most serious consequences (up to the impossibility of starting the engine) can arise from clogged injectors. For emergency situations, as well as in order not to waste money at car services, it is worth knowing how to clean injectors yourself.
We also recommend reading the article on how to check injection injectors without removing them from the engine. From this article you will learn about available ways to check the injector directly on the car.
Average cost of injector cleaning
Cleaning the injector without removing the injectors while the engine is running will cost the owner approximately $15-20. The cost of diagnosing and cleaning a nozzle on a cavitation stand or in an ultrasonic bath is about 4-6 US dollars.
To replace the basket microfilter mesh and purchase a repair kit, which includes rubber O-rings, you will also need from 5 to 10 cubic meters. A set of works to flush the injector and replace individual elements is often accompanied by a warranty of up to 6 months or 10-15 thousand kilometers.
When cleaning injector nozzles may be useless
Routine washing of the injector and injectors without removing it yourself or at a service center should be carried out every 10-20 thousand kilometers. If you clean the injectors after a longer distance, there is a risk that this procedure will no longer be useful.
Such neglect can ultimately lead to severe damage not only to this part, but also to other interconnected engine components. In this case, simply cleaning the injector will not get rid of it; the engine will need repair.
Buying new components, including injectors, is labor-intensive and not cheap. Therefore, cleaning the injector should not be put on hold, especially in cases where signs of a malfunction have already appeared.
But the best option is to prevent the problem from occurring by cleaning the injectors from time to time without removing them, for example, before changing the engine oil. Such prevention will help protect your car from unnecessary problems with engine injectors.
Self-washing
As a last resort (for example, if there are no service centers nearby that you trust), you can use auto chemicals from the store. There are many cleaning products, the technique is simple - just pour the contents of the bottle into a container. However, the effectiveness of such liquids is low compared to a professional car wash: even if the engine starts to work better, this is no longer a fact. It is dangerous to use such auto chemicals on cars with high mileage. Usually their fuel system is very dirty, and adding a fuel additive can only worsen the situation: the contaminants in it will not dissolve, but will begin to travel along the route in the solid fraction and get directly to the injectors. Therefore, we recommend not to settle for “half measures”, but to contact the specialists of the group’s dealer centers.
It should be noted that flushing the fuel system of a gasoline engine does not always pay off. For some cheap car models, the cost of ultrasonic cleaning is up to 80% of the cost of new parts - in such cases we offer replacement of injectors. Our experts will always help you assess the economic feasibility of the operation.
Check Engine Error
When such signs appear, the “Check Engine” indicator lights up on the instrument panel.
Your first action in this case is to contact a service center where they can carry out diagnostics.
If it is determined that any of the injectors is not working correctly, the question of replacing it will arise.
In order not to bring the injectors to a state of wear when it becomes necessary to replace them, it is necessary to carry out their preventive maintenance at a certain time. Preventive measures include the fact that the injectors need to be washed in some way.
Methods for flushing the injector
There are several ways to wash the injector. The choice of each method is determined by the degree of contamination of the fuel supply system, wear of the power plant itself and other factors.
Fill the gas tank with rinse
The simplest and at the same time gentle cleaning method is to fill the car’s fuel tank with a special rinse aid. This energy system cleaner is usually sold in ampoules of approximately 300 ml. This amount is enough for 60-70 liters of fuel. The principle of operation of the additive is that while driving it gradually dissolves deposits in the injection system and partially prevents their subsequent formation. It is necessary to regularly add a cleaner to the fuel (every 4-5 thousand km). If you are not sure that you are using the correct quality fuel, we recommend shortening the specified interval.
It should be noted that this method is only suitable for those new or short-lived cars in the CIS. In this case, washing the tank is a “preventative” measure to keep the injector and fuel system of the car clean.
For vehicles where the fuel injection system and fuel system are already heavily contaminated, this cleaning method is not suitable. In addition, flushing the fuel tank may even make existing problems worse. Dirt and deposits washed away by the cleaner enter the injectors and clog them even more. Next, you will need to disassemble and clean the fuel injectors using other methods. The second nuance is that there is a high probability that the dirt washed away in the gas tank will clog the fuel pump. Contamination of the electric fuel pump leads to increased wear and reduced efficiency of the device.
Cleaning the injector without removing the injectors
The injector can be cleaned so that the injectors and fuel rail are not removed from the engine. For cleaning, a special washing unit and cleaning liquids are used. The most commonly used formulations are Wynn's and Liqui Moly.
The cleaning process is carried out by connecting the washing unit through the adapter fittings directly to the car injector. This eliminates the gas tank, fuel pump, fuel filter and fuel lines from the circuit. With this approach, dirt is washed away exclusively into the fuel rail and injectors. The car engine is started and left to run on a mixture of gasoline and washer fluid for about 30-40 minutes at idle speed. The mixture is supplied by a washing unit under pressure from 3 to 6 atmospheres. The pressure is adjusted according to the technical requirements for a specific car model.
How to determine that injectors need to be cleaned
In general, experts advise carrying out this operation every 30,000 kilometers. Especially taking into account the quality of fuel at domestic gas stations. Here are the main signs that the injectors are clogged:
- engine starting is difficult;
- strong vibration of the car after starting the engine;
- unstable operation at idle speed;
- engine power is lost, throttle response deteriorates;
- increased fuel consumption;
- engine malfunctions during acceleration;
Such symptoms do not appear immediately, progress gradually and are clearly noticeable when the average mileage has already begun to reach about 100,000 kilometers. However, the worse the quality of the fuel and the general condition of the power system, the sooner this will happen.
Replacing the injector filter
A decrease or absence of a positive effect after cleaning the injectors on a washing or ultrasonic stand may be caused by a clogged fine mesh filter. The specified basket filter is made of nylon and installed in the injector inlet fitting. This filter can become clogged with tiny insoluble fractions and particles. Among them, it is worth noting not only dirt, but also metal dust, which forms and accumulates on the filter as a result of the gradual wear of fuel pump parts.
Most injectors of various types are designed to allow the strainer to be replaced with a new element. Replacement is carried out by removing the clogged filter from the nozzle. To do this, use a special mechanical puller.
Cleaning agents for diesel engine injectors
Whether in a gasoline engine or a diesel engine, the elements of the fuel system gradually become contaminated. For diesel engines, the following products are most often used:
- LAVR ML 102. The product has a decarbonizing effect. Effectively cleans the high pressure fuel pump (HPF). The volume of the bottle is 1 liter. Article number - LN2002. Cost - from 500 rubles.
- Hi-Gear Jet Cleaner is a product for cleaning diesel injectors. The injector nozzles are cleaned of accumulated resin deposits. Protects against the formation of carbon deposits on the mirrors of cylinders and pistons. Safe for turbochargers and catalytic converters. Bottle volume - 295 ml (HG3415), 325 ml (HG3416), 3.78 liters (HG3419). Prices: 400, 500 and 2100 rubles.
- Wynns Diesel System Purge. Recommended for purchase, many positive reviews online. Container - iron can, 1 liter. Article number - 89195. Price - from 700 rubles.
- LAVR JET CLEANER DIESEL is an additive for diesel fuel. Manufactured in Russia. Binds water in diesel fuel and protects against corrosion. The volume of the jar is 310 ml. Article - LN2110. Price - up to 300 rubles.
- Liqui Moly Diesel Spray. Removes deposits on injectors and other parts of the fuel system. After cleaning, the injectors spray the fuel optimally. Cleans the entire fuel line. Recommended by the BMW manufacturer for its diesel units. One bottle - 500 ml. Dilute with 75 liters of diesel fuel. It is recommended to clean it with this product every 3000 km. Article number - 1912. Price - about 800 rubles.
The efficiency of cleaning will also depend on the quality of diesel fuel.
Why do injectors need to be flushed?
Injectors are special devices designed to spray fuel inside the engine. The design consists of small holes ending in a needle valve through which fuel is injected.
The reasons for rapid clogging of injectors are constant exposure to high temperatures and the use of insufficient quality fuel. When the needle becomes coated, it stops functioning properly. As a result, the seal is broken and fuel enters the cylinder.
At the same time, high-quality fuel that fully meets the relevant standards does not always end up in the car tank. High temperature and pressure effects are a severe test for injectors. And they are exposed to it every time you drive.
When fuel burns, carbon deposits form and settle on these devices. Because of this, their operation is disrupted, which prevents the supply of fuel. Is it really worth the time and effort to clean the injectors? Experts recommend doing this regularly, since infrequent washing can cause some parts to become deformed. The supply of gasoline or diesel will be difficult. As a result, you will experience poor engine performance and increased fuel consumption.
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How to find out when it is necessary to wash the injectors? Without diagnostic measures, it is very difficult to identify their blockage. But we will tell you about a number of malfunctions that usually indicate clogged injectors. If you notice these phenomena while operating your vehicle, it is recommended to urgently check the fuel system. You need to pay attention to the following signals:
- the presence of extraneous sounds when the engine is loaded;
- uneven operation of the motor;
- increased toxicity of exhaust gases;
- increased fuel consumption;
- painting exhaust gases black;
- difficulties when starting the engine;
- reduction in power or acceleration dynamics.
If at least one or several signs from this list appear, it is advisable to contact a car repair shop to flush the engine. Service specialists will be able to determine the exact cause of the malfunction. You should not delay cleaning the injectors, as this may result in a serious malfunction in the fuel system of your car.
About prevention
Here I would like to talk about a cleaning method in which special additives are added to the gas tank. Unlike others, this method has not been scientifically proven. In addition, an additive that is suitable for a certain type of engine may not be suitable for another.
The additive is added to the gas tank, so its chemical elements will affect the entire fuel system.
If anyone decides to use the additive as a means of prevention, carefully study the reviews, as well as the manufacturer’s recommendations. The main thing is not to harm the engine.
And the most reliable and inexpensive way to prevent the fuel system is, oddly enough, to fill in with high-quality fuel, use the same fuel filter and change it in a timely manner.
Rating of the most popular and effective means
Before buying this or that product, it is recommended to read truthful reviews about it, for example, on the Yandex market or third-party sites, but not on the seller’s website, which may not have objective reviews.
So, the rating:
Wynn's Injection System Purge
Used for cleaning the fuel system of gasoline internal combustion engines, injectors, and injectors. The work is carried out in a special installation into which VINS is poured. The work is carried out as follows: disconnect the fuel line and tank, connect the installation into which the product is poured, in this case Vince, and start the engine. Injectors are cleaned not by washing, but by burning off carbon deposits.
According to the manufacturer's description of this substance, the product cleans not only the injectors, but also the intake tract, fuel distribution line, fuel pressure regulator and the tubes themselves from deposits that have formed. In addition, Vince creates a decoking effect. We have long published an article on what engine decarbonization is and how to do it. This liquid is aggressive, so when working with it, you must use hoses that are wear-resistant to aggressive substances, and the washing installation must be connected directly to the ramp, that is, there should be no rubber hoses between the ramp and the special installation. Product code W76695. Price for 2022 - from 600 rubles.
Liqui Moly Fuel System Intensive Cleaner
Suitable for cleaning both injection and carburetor engines.
The solution removes accumulated deposits in injectors, fuel rails, fuel pipes, removes carbon deposits from the surfaces of valves, spark plugs and combustion chamber surfaces. Produced in 500 ml cans. One such cylinder must be diluted with gasoline, with a volume of 4-4.5 liters. The result is about 5 liters of the finished solution. To clean a 1500 cm3 engine, about 700-800 ml of finished liquid is required. To prepare this volume of solution, 100 milliliters of Liqui Moly Injection Cleaner and 700 ml of gasoline are required.
The prepared solution is used in a special washing unit for washing the injectors on the ramp. Articles: 5151, 3941.
Cleaner for gasoline engines Suprotec
SUPROTEC is manufactured in Russia. Effectively cleans cold and hot engines. Due to the content of oxygenates in the liquid, burned gasoline is enriched with oxygen. Suprotec does not contain hazardous substances such as methanol, benzene, metal, etc. The octane number is within acceptable limits.
The volume of the bottle is 250 ml. One bottle for 20 liters of gasoline. Article number - 120987. Cost is about 500 rubles.
Lavr ML 101 Injection System Purge
It is also one of the most popular products that drivers and repairmen buy to clean injectors. To use Lavr ML 101, a special installation Lavr LT PNEUMO is required. Therefore, this product is used for washing either at a service station or at home, if anyone has such an installation. Some people do this installation with their own hands. To do this, you will need a compressor to build up pressure.
After using this product, the engine, as they write on the Internet, begins to consume less fuel without loss of power. Engine oil consumption is also reduced and the engine starts easily in cold weather. Sold in containers - 1 liter. Article - LN2001. The cost for 2019 ranges from 500 to 700 rubles.
Hi-Gear Formula Injector
High Gear Formula Injector engine cleaner is easy to use. You just need to pour it in the required volume into the fuel tank, the rest is up to you. According to the manufacturer's descriptions, once cleaned in this way with this product, carbon deposits are removed from the injector. This additive has the effect of lubricating the injector needle valve, protects it from jamming and increases the injector overhaul period several times, preventing detonation, that is, knocking of fingers.
Sold in a 295 ml bottle. This volume of High Gear is enough to clean a 2500 cm3 engine. It is advisable to fill the fuel tank full with fuel.
Also sold in 946 ml packaging. It is enough to clean parts and components of three passenger car engines or two truck engines.
The product in 295 ml packaging is purchased more often. Article - HG3215. The cost is up to 500 rubles.
Kerry KR-315
This cleaning liquid, like the previous one, is poured into the fuel tank. Produced in 335 ml bottles. One bottle should be diluted with 50 liters of gasoline. If a full car tank does not hold 50 liters, then the bottle should not be poured out completely, and calculate the required proportion.
The additive effectively cleans injector nozzles, corrodes resins and deposits on the surfaces of parts that interact with fuel.
Article - KR315. The price is low, about 100 rubles.
Recommendation: such products that are poured into the fuel tank must be used with high-quality gasoline. Low-quality fuel contains less oxygen, which gives not very effective results.
Recommendation No. 2: after filling the product, it will be better if you drive at high speeds so that the engine warms up well.
If you have used any other product, please write in the comments.
Other chemicals for cleaning injectors
There are also popular means. These include:
- AUTO PLUS PETROL INJECTION CLEANER;
- STP SUPER CONCENTRATED FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER;
- COMMA PETROL MAGIC;
- Toyota D-4 Fuel Injector Cleaner;
- RVS Master Injector Cleans Ic;
- Carbon Clean;
- VERYLUBE GAS TANK XB 40152;
- Injector cleaner Abro IC-509;
- Runway RW3018;
- Injector cleaner StepUp SP3211;
- Mannol 9981 Injector Cleaner;
- Lavr Injector cleaner.
