Will Fuel Injector Cleaner Help Misfire?

A question that many vehicle owners ask at some point is, “will fuel injector cleaner help misfire?”

Yes, a fuel injector cleaner can solve the engine misfire issue if the reason is a clogged fuel injector. And if poor-quality fuel is used for a long time or the oil filter isn’t replaced on time, that can lead to dirt build-up in the injectors, which leads to many issues, and misfiring is one of them. 

In this guide, we’ve broadly discussed how fuel injector cleaner helps misfire and how you can clean fuel injectors. So, if you’re someone who does not know about all these, make sure to give it a read. 

Cleaning the Fuel Injector Solve Engine Misfire Issue?

Apart from clogged fuel injectors, there are many reasons why engines misfire. It could be due to worn-out spark plugs, vacuum leaks, carbon tracking, ignition coils malfunction, etc. 

If you’re sure the engine is misfiring due to the clogged fuel injector, then cleaning the fuel injector will solve the issue. Here’s how cleaning the fuel injector can solve the engine misfire issues. 

An engine needs a perfect blend of fuel and air to function properly, and fuel injectors ensure that. The fuel pump forces the fuel to go through the injector, where there is a filter. 

When the right moment comes, the injector sprays the fuel; therefore, the engine works. 

As you’ve already guessed, the engine won’t get the required air and fuel mix when the injector gets clogged. Therefore, the engine starts to misfire. 

If you notice that the vehicle’s losing acceleration or power, or consuming more fuel, then that’s also a sign of a clogged fuel injector. 

Once you clean the fuel injector and unclog it, that’ll again deliver the needed amount of fuel required by the engine to work. 

How to Clean Fuel Injector Properly to Solve Engine Misfire Issues?

Cleaning a fuel injector is something that everyone can do. All you need to do is add cleaner and drive. 

That said, if the injector is badly clogged, it needs to be cleaned differently, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It requires tools and a little bit of mechanical knowledge. 

In this section, we’ll be showing two methods. If you’re a beginner, you can try the first method, which is the easiest. 

The Easiest Way to Clean Fuel Injectors 

• The first thing you’d want to do is ensure that the gas tank is almost empty. You need a little bit of gas to reach the gas station. 
• Don’t mess with the fuel injector cleaner quality; if you’ve to spend some extra bucks, that’s okay. The cleaner should be top-notch. 
• Go to the gas station, and if possible empty the leftover fuel in the tank. Then pour the injector cleaner into the gas tank. You’ll need a full can of cleaner for a full tank of fuel. 
• After emptying the cleaner can into the fuel tank, load the entire tank with fuel. 
• Now, pick a road where you can maintain 60 mph continuously and use all the fuel. 
• The cleaner will mix with the fuel in the tank, and that mixture will clean the injector. Maintaining a good speed will allow the cleaner to work effectively. 

Cleaning a Fully Clogged Fuel Injector

If you have basic mechanical knowledge, this step-by-step guide will make cleaning a fully clogged injector a piece of cake for you. Take a look:

Take Precautions 

You should turn off the engine for at least 30 minutes before starting the cleaning process. So that the engine becomes cool and you can work safely. 

After that, you’ll want to finalize a well-ventilated location. Never choose a closed room, as you’ll be working with cleaning solvents. 

You’d not want to dirty your clean clothes, so wear old clothes. Don’t forget to wear protective eyewear. 

Find the Fuel Injectors

Different vehicles have different locations for the fuel injector. Hence, it’d be best if you checked the user manual. In most vehicles, the injectors are located in the engine block in the center, right under the hood. 

Remove the Fuel Pump Connection 

Once you’ve located the fuel injectors, now time to locate the fuel pump; the fuel pump should be on the side of the engine. And if you pull the injector gently, it’ll become disconnected from the fuel pump. 

After disconnecting the injectors from the pump, don’t forget to connect the return lines to the fuel pump. So that, while cleaning, the fuel will get back to the tank. 

Remove the Regulator 

The fuel pressure regulator is usually found on the right top of the injector. However, check the manual to find it in your vehicle. After finding it, hold and gently pull it to disconnect it from the engine. 

Find the Fuel Port

Locate the fuel port and connect the fuel injector cleaning kit. Make sure you attach the port and hose properly. Follow the instructions that come with the injector cleaning kit. And after attaching the cleaning kit, don’t forget to remove the fuel tank cap to avoid pressure build-up. 

Start the Engine 

Cross-check every connection and then turn the engine on. The engine may take 10 or more minutes to circulate the cleaner through. Stop the engine after 15 minutes and put back the connections. 

If you’ve used a good quality cleaner and done everything properly, the engine should start without any issues. But if you notice anything weird, pay a visit to the mechanic shop.

Conclusion 

Apart from the two mentioned methods, another one requires removing the injector, opening it, and cleaning it manually. But that requires decent mechanical knowledge and experience. 

However, if, even after cleaning the fuel injectors properly, the engine still misfires or loses power suddenly, then the fuel injector isn’t the problem. In that case, you’ll have to have an expert mechanic look at your vehicle to discover the problem. 

With that said, we hope this guide answers the question, “will fuel injector cleaner help misfire?”