Most cars are powered by internal combustion engines. For these engines to work, they need fuel and air to aid in fuel combustion of fuel thus releasing power. Fuel injectors deliver fuel to the engine. Sometimes the combustion process is not completed fully, and carbon deposits are left in the fuel tank as a by-product. When this happens, you need to use a fuel injector cleaner. Here we cover what you need to know.
What is a Fuel Injector Cleaner?
Most cars are powered by internal combustion engines. For these engines to work, they need fuel and air to aid in fuel combustion of fuel thus releasing power. Fuel injectors deliver fuel to the engine. Sometimes the combustion process is not completed fully, and carbon deposits are left in the fuel tank as a by-product. When this happens, you need to use a fuel injector cleaner. Here we cover what you need to know.
Fuel injector cleaners are concentrated solvents that aid in the cleaning of clogged fuel pathways. Chemical fuel injectors contain concentrated chemicals that help dissolve carbonaceous deposits and any additional deposits to clear the fuel filters. These cleaners are often confused with fuel system cleaners. Although they are both fuel cleaners, they serve different purposes.
A fuel system cleaner is a detergent-based additive that cleans up solid deposits and other dangerous deposits that build up in the engine. It serves as a complete fuel treatment product.
How are Fuel Injector Cleaners Used?
Fuel injector cleaners are pretty straightforward to use. The best time to add a cleaner to your tank is when it is almost empty. Check that the gas tank is almost out of gas, and pour the entire fuel injector into the fuel tank. Next, top up with fuel. Ensure you read the manual to know the right amount of fuel injector cleaner and fuel to mix.
This injector cleaner cleans up solid particles and engine carbon build-up. They help break down carbon deposits that affect combustion engines slowing the throttle response.
Difference Between Fuel Injector Cleaner and Fuel System Cleaner
Usage
Due to their light nature, fuel injector cleaners are ideal for people who regularly clean their injectors. On the other hand, fuel system cleaners are recommended for people who clean their fuel systems after a long time. They are heavier to eliminate the carbon debris that forms with time.
Base
Fuel injection cleaners are light solvent-based additives, while fuel system cleaners are heavy detergent-based additives.
The Part They Clean
Fuel injector cleaner cleans up fuel injectors, fuel lines, fuel pumps, and valves. Fuel system cleaner cleans the whole fuel tank or fuel injection systems.
Cleaning Strength
Since they are light solvents, fuel injector cleaners are mainly used to eliminate small carbon build-ups. Fuel system cleaners have more cleaning strength. They are used to clean the heavy build-up of deposits that hinder the engine’s optimal performance. If not cleaned early, dirty injector fouling may lead to loss of engine performance.
Suitability
While fuel injector cleaners are made for engines with modern technologies, fuel system cleaners can clean old-model carburetor engines.
You can use any, depending on the purpose, or use both of them alternately.
When Do You Need a Fuel System Clean?
You are advised to check your fuel systems regularly for harmful deposits that may alter the engine performance. Clogged injectors lead to the inefficiency of the engine, which can be very frustrating.
Some of the indicators that show you it’s time to use a fuel injector cleaner to achieve a clean engine include:
1. Misfiring of the Engines
Engine misfires are when the cylinders fail to produce power. Some causes of engine misfires are a faulty spark plug, clogged fuel injectors, or a spoilt oxygen sensor.
Some of the signs that your engine has misfired include:
- Slow acceleration
- Engine hesitation
- Engine loses power
- The engine starts unevenly
- More vibration of the engine.
2. The Idling Gets Rough
Car idling is leaving the car engine to run on its own when the car has stopped, for instance, in traffic. Rough idling is when the engine doesn’t run smoothly. The culprit is often the presence of harmful deposits in your engine. Therefore, if your engine isn’t running smoothly when idling, it’s time to clean it.
3. Check Engine Light Signal Ignites on Your Dashboard
When there is a problem with the engine, the check engine light regularly illuminates the dashboard. It is also a reminder that you must clean your fuel system. Cleaning your engine as soon as you see the light signal helps reduce the harmful effects of clogged injectors.
4. Fuel Leakage
Fuel leakage can be financially draining as vehicle fuel consumption increases drastically. A broken fuel injector causes the gasoline to leak. You will be required to fill your tank with gas as a result constantly. Using fuel injectors to clean the fuel pipes may help clear the carbon build-up in your tank and minimize the chances of fuel leakage.
5. Fuel Odor
A foul odor from your fuel tank may result from a faulty injector. You should check your fuel lines and sensors immediately after smelling gasoline. Look for a suitable fuel injector cleaner to clean the dirty fuel injector before it causes further damage to your engine. Using the correct type of fuel also helps reduce foul fuel odor. Ensure you purchase fuel from the best fuel distributors not to compromise fuel quality.
When to Replace Fuel Injectors
Here are signs that show you need to change your fuel injectors.
- Your Car’s idle becomes extremely rough
- Drop in fuel mileage and gas mileage
- Lack of power
- You experience a difference in fuel economy while driving
- Fuel Leakage from the metal fuel tanks
- Engine knocking
Conclusion
In summary, it is crucial to understand how a fuel injector cleaner works to clean engines efficiently. Regular engine cleaning using fuel injectors helps clear fuel tanks and eliminate fuel additives that may cause the engine to stall. Moreover, regular cleaning reduces carbon build-up. Always have a fuel injector container in your car’s trunk to use whenever your engine exhibits poor performance.
It’s also important to ensure you buy your fuel from authorized and trusted dealers. This is because adulterated fuel can damage gasoline engines and clog engine parts. Harmful deposits in the fuel can also destroy the whole fuel system and even knock your engine.
In addition to providing good fuel efficiency, clean fuel injectors maintain gasoline and diesel engines. Clean your fuel injectors as soon as you notice any of the above signs to save your engine and gas tank from severe damage.