Fuel injector: Function and maintenance
What is it?
Patented by the engineer Rudolph Diesel, the first injection engine made its appearance in 1893.
The injection is a central part of the engine, located at the inlet of the cylinder in the case of direct injection and located in the inlet manifold in the case of indirect injection. This part has the role of injecting the fuel in the form of an atomised jet at the end of the compression cycle.
How does that work?
The injector is, in fact, a fuel pump whos role is to send the fuel under pressure into a common rail, where the injectors are attached. The latter, controlled by a cam (in the early systems) then sends the fuel in the form of a spray into the combustion chamber.
It was not until 1967 that electronic fuel injection made its appearance. The spraying of the fuel is managed electronically in this case. More precise in terms of the quantity of the fuel injected, as well as the timing of injection, this system allows a reduction in fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, while increasing the efficiency and engine performance.
Clogging of the injector, a common problem
Due to carbon deposits, poor fuel quality or even combustion residue, the injectors can become clogged, considerably reducing the volume of fuel injected. The air/fuel ratio is then affected, leading to:
- Loss in engine performance
- Unstable idling
- Lags in acceleration
- Loss of power
- A sluggish engine
- Problems with ignition etc.
How can injection problems be avoided?
Replacing the injection is a very expensive service, especially for engines with more than four cylinders: around £300 per injector. Before embarking on this operation, consider de-scaling by hydrogen injection to clean your injectors.
In fact, de-scaling by FlexFuel Energy Development® hydrogen injection allows cleaning of the injector nozzle, the part most exposed to deposits and other combustion residues. After treatment, get your vehicle’s performance back!