The role of an injector is to deliver the fuel required for engine operation according to principles which are briefly detailed here. It has three functions:
- Filtering fuel
- Controlling the flow of fuel
- The distribution of fuel
The filtering is done by a small cylindrical screen (30 to 40 microns) to retain the solid particles that could descend further. The goal here is to prevent abrasive particles from coming in, such intruders could scratch the cylinders and thus degrade the quality of compression, thus the need for fuel injector cleaners.
The control of fuel flow is possible thanks to a solenoid (an electrical magnet controlled by the ECU). The metal core is secured to a cone which sits perfectly on a sort of cradle. When at rest, the needle is held pressed against the cradle by a spring. When the solenoid is jolted, the core compresses the spring and space is released between the needle and its seat, allowing the fuel to flow.
Holes are used to control the distribution of the fuel. Located at the tip of the injector body, their role is crucial to get the perfect fuel/air mix, as homogeneous as possible. The injector is literally spraying fuel so that it mixes with the intake air.
Therefore, it’s easy to understand that a clean injection system is crucial for engine performance. Proper maintenance by a professional is of course worth it, but it can be beneficial to use fuel injector cleaners, especially if you’re doing short drives often (as you would with sports cars). Prices vary a lot, but the main idea is the same with those fuel additives. Ask your mechanic which one is best for your car. The aggregation of small particles can lead to many issues, all of which could be avoided.
Plausible malfunctions
Filter plug
The build-up of solid particles at the entrance of the injectors might slowly clog the filter and thus restrict the flow. While this restriction remains low, the ECU will try to compensate by leaving the injector opened longer (by controlling the solenoid’s voltage). At low speeds, the consequences are hard to feel, but at higher speeds, when the injector is supposed to give the maximum load, output can be compromised. The mixture may also be too poor and lead to overheating.
Failure of the solenoid
Under the excessive heat or vibration, the solenoid can break and/or change its resistance. This can result in a lack of power to open the valve and thus a delay between the moment where you hit the pedal and when the car actually accelerates. It can sometimes feel like a transmission issue. It is possible to measure the resistance of the solenoid, but failure can be sporadic and difficult to measure.
A grinding plunger
The accumulation of deposits in the fuel can lead to more friction between the core and the sleeve, also resulting in a delay between the order to open and the actual opening of the valve, but it might also affect closing. A simple cleaning may solve the problem.
Leaking
The adjustment between the needle and its seat is very precise (a few microns in some cases). If there’s a gap, there will be a leak that could result in a slow unstable engine, and even self-ignition (drops of fuel falling on burning hot metal). Cleaning will solve the problem only if the leak is due to a deposit.
Failure of the nozzle
In theory, a nozzle does not wear out. It may become, however, clogged over time. Two things would then occur: restriction and an abnormal jet of fuel. Restriction in the flow would give you similar symptoms as those described above. It is also possible that the clogging is irregular, leading to a change in the shape of the jet. In this case, fuel can be sprayed onto the intake ducts or it may be vaporized instantly thus creating a local overpressure.
You’ve guessed it, fuel injector cleaners might just solve the problem.
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