How to clean the car engine fuel injector by yourself?
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If you’re unfamiliar with what’s under your bonnet, you may want to skip to our section on fuel injector cleaning for beginners.
As this method requires no removal, you can definitely carry it out as a novice. However it could take longer, and may require some help from your manual on locating the parts involved.
1. Get prepared
Before you even get started on the cleaning, you need to be dressed appropriately. You should only be working on a cool engine, however a fitted long sleeved top and full-length trousers will protect your skin should any accidents occur.
You then need to decide where to clean your fuel injectors. As you’ll be using cleaning solvents, you want to choose a well ventilated area, such as a driveway or open garage.
Having an area for your tools to be laid out and within reach can also quicken the process.
2. Locate your fuel injectors
If it’s your first time cleaning your fuel injectors (whether for a new car or at all), you might not be sure where they’re located. They can be found in different layouts under the hood depending on the car make and model, so double check your vehicle manual if you’re uncertain.
3. Disconnect the fuel pump from fuel injectors
Locate the fuel pump at the side of the engine, and gently pull the fuel injectors to disconnect them from the pump. Then connect the fuel return line with the fuel pump in order for the gas to return to the tank when you’re cleaning.
4. Disconnect the pressure regulator
Your car manual should indicate whether you need to do this step. If necessary, just look for the pressure regulator and the vacuum line, gently pulling to disconnect.
5. Connect your cleaning kit to the fuel port
Find your fuel port, then follow your cleaning kit’s directions for attaching the hose and port.
6. Remove the fuel tank cap
This will prevent an excessive build up of pressure.
7. Turn on your car engine
Start your car and wait for the cleaning solution to be used up (typically 5-10 minutes).
8. Remove your cleaning kit
Disconnect your cleaning kit from the car and re-attach the pressure regulator and the fuel pump.
9. Turn your car on
Your car should be good to go, but listen out for any unusual noises. If you think you’ve carried out the cleaning successfully but still notice your car running abnormally, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic.
As this method requires no removal, you can definitely carry it out as a novice. However it could take longer, and may require some help from your manual on locating the parts involved.
1. Get prepared
Before you even get started on the cleaning, you need to be dressed appropriately. You should only be working on a cool engine, however a fitted long sleeved top and full-length trousers will protect your skin should any accidents occur.
You then need to decide where to clean your fuel injectors. As you’ll be using cleaning solvents, you want to choose a well ventilated area, such as a driveway or open garage.
Having an area for your tools to be laid out and within reach can also quicken the process.
2. Locate your fuel injectors
If it’s your first time cleaning your fuel injectors (whether for a new car or at all), you might not be sure where they’re located. They can be found in different layouts under the hood depending on the car make and model, so double check your vehicle manual if you’re uncertain.
3. Disconnect the fuel pump from fuel injectors
Locate the fuel pump at the side of the engine, and gently pull the fuel injectors to disconnect them from the pump. Then connect the fuel return line with the fuel pump in order for the gas to return to the tank when you’re cleaning.
4. Disconnect the pressure regulator
Your car manual should indicate whether you need to do this step. If necessary, just look for the pressure regulator and the vacuum line, gently pulling to disconnect.
5. Connect your cleaning kit to the fuel port
Find your fuel port, then follow your cleaning kit’s directions for attaching the hose and port.
6. Remove the fuel tank cap
This will prevent an excessive build up of pressure.
7. Turn on your car engine
Start your car and wait for the cleaning solution to be used up (typically 5-10 minutes).
8. Remove your cleaning kit
Disconnect your cleaning kit from the car and re-attach the pressure regulator and the fuel pump.
9. Turn your car on
Your car should be good to go, but listen out for any unusual noises. If you think you’ve carried out the cleaning successfully but still notice your car running abnormally, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic.