Signs That Fuel Injectors Need Fixing

Most drivers don’t spend much time thinking about the components in their engine. We’re too busy worrying about our next big work project, or getting our kids to school on time. One of the most crucial parts of internal combustion systems today is the fuel injector. A bad fuel injector can cause serious drivability issues and lead to numerous problems if ignored. So how can you tell if your fuel injector needs to be serviced? Today the Thompson Sales team will give some fuel injection tips so you can keep your vehicle running.

What is Fuel Injection?

Let’s begin with the basics of fuel injection. A typical internal combustion engine creates power with a four-stroke cycle. As the piston moves down the cylinders, air and fuel enter. When the piston moves back up, the fuel-air mixture is compressed. The spark plugs ignite this mixture, and the combustion forces the piston back up. As the piston moves up waste gases are moved out into the exhaust system. The pistons are connected to the crankshaft, and this cycle is converted into rotational energy to spin the wheels.

Fuel injection refers to how the fuel actually gets into the cylinders. Depending on the engine, fuel injectors squeeze measured amounts of fuel into the cylinder’s air intake or the cylinder itself. The job of the fuel injector is critical to the combustion engine, as the process doesn’t work without fuel. As such, a malfunctioning fuel injector can completely shut down your vehicle. However, it is more likely you will notice a change in your engine’s performance before it comes to that point.

How to Tell if Your Fuel Injector Needs to Be Replaced?

So what are the signs of a problematic fuel injector? Since it’s such an important component, even a small reduction in fuel flow can be very noticeable. If, for instance, your injector becomes partially clogged you may notice that your vehicle has trouble starting. Having too little fuel in the mixture can cause “knocking”, leading to expensive engine repairs. 

With too much fuel — from leakage — your engine may suddenly accelerate or flood during startup. If it is an extensive leak, fuel can make its way into your crankcase. When fuel mixes with your oil it greatly decreases the effectiveness of engine lubrication and can lead to a whole host of problems. 

For most of those issues, the check engine light will come on. You can also notice an acrid smell from unburned fuel. If you’re experiencing startup issues or a rough idle you should schedule an appointment with a professional mechanic as soon as possible. 

Luckily, fuel injectors are designed to last the lifetime of the engine without needing extra maintenance. However, clogging and malfunction can occur because of low-quality fuel and excess water in the fuel. 

Visit Thompson Sales

If you have a malfunctioning fuel injector that needs to be replaced it can be a very costly repair. If you are driving an older car, it may be time to look at upgrading to a new vehicle. Visit Thompson Sales today to see the best deals on GMC, Buick, and Cadillac vehicles in Springfield, MO. You can call our team today at (417) 763-6811 to learn more!