How do injectors go bad

When you drive a lot, the gas needle moves from "F" to "E. What do dirty fuel injectors do? They can cause the needle on the tachometer — the gauge that displays the vehicle's RPM — to move unpredictably.

You may notice the needle moves unprompted, indicating changes in RPM when your car isn't switching gears. Fuel injectors deliver gas to the appropriate cylinders. That's Job 1. And when Job 1 isn't getting done, your engine won't receive its crucial combination of air and fuel.

When the ratio of air and fuel in your engine is off, your motor may not generate the combustion it needs to operate. It's rare, but in some cases, fuel injector issues can lead to engine failure that prevents your car from starting. It's also possible that your car won't start because, um, you forgot to put gas in it. It happens to all of us! Unfortunately, running out of gas can also lead to fuel injector issues.

If you think your fuel injectors need a little attention, visit your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care. A Complete Vehicle Inspection can help identify and remedy any issues giving your ride a hard time. Blog Categories Blog Home. Poor quality fuel gets in the way of the injection process because it contains impurities that build up in the fuel system over time.

These impurities can clog the fuel injectors, leading them to perform poorly or even fail. Anything from dirt particles to rust and even water in the fuel can block your system. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent getting poor quality fuel in your system. The first thing is to think about where to get your fuel. Opt for places known for high fuel quality and go there consistently.

You might have to pay a little more, but it will be worth it in the long run to keep your system cleaner. The costs of a clogged system will ultimately outweigh the cost of a few extra cents per gallon. Another variable is timing. Avoid getting fuel right after the gas station gets a new shipment, if you can. Fuel additives are another way to keep your system running clean. They help break down impurities and prevent them from building up and clogging your system.

Do some research or ask your mechanic what product would be best for your system. Components of the fuel injection system themselves can experience structural damage. The internal seals in the fuel injection system can wear down over time and start to leak. Cheap fuels can also cause the injectors nozzle to degrade over time preventing the plunger from stopping fuel flow.

Cheap fuels, along with carbon build-up, can also clog or block the injectors nozzle. A bad injector has the following symptoms. A part of the injector sits outside of the engine and connects to the fuel rail. Damage to this section will cause fuel to escape through the injector and leak inside the engine bay.

If you open your hood and you can either see or smell gasoline, your injector may be cracked. If a fuel injector is badly corroded or is jammed in the open position fuel will constantly be spraying into the engine, causing your RPMs to fluctuate when the car is at idle or with a constant load. A blocked injector, or one where the plunger is stuck in the closed position, will cause the engine to misfire. This leads to a decrease in performance, fuel economy, and causes a delay in acceleration.

Fuel injectors make a sharp clicking sound, when they are functioning properly. So, the absence of this sound can indicate, a problem with an injector. In general, fuel injectors are hard wearing and with a little care, can often last; the life of the engine. Like any other engine part, regular maintenance is the key, to keeping them going.

If you plan on running up high mileage on your car; then there are a few things you can do to help. So, the most effective way to keep injectors in good working order is; to have them removed and inspected at regular intervals. Under normal circumstances, that would be every 25, miles or 40, kms.

Another great way to keep injectors in good health is; to regularly add a fuel injector cleaner to to your fuel tank. Many manufacturers claim that these cleaners, will give your car extra power or increased mpg. I usually do not recommend additives, but this is one area that does help. Regular oil and filter changes will go a long way towards maintaining, a healthy engine.

Driving a car hard, combined with short start stop journeys, will increase the wear and tear on injectors. Letting the engine cool down, before shutting it off, will increase the lifespan of the injectors. This will also, benefit the rest of the engine too. As a result, a well kept fuel injection system, will keep your car going for years.

If the O-ring fitted to the injector is the problem; then replacing this O-ring will usually fix the leak. If the injector body; nozzle or internal components are cracked; then a new or refurbished injector is your only option.

Replacement fuel injector seals and washers are cheap and are, fairly easy to install.