Are you considering changing your fuel filter? Without years of car maintenance experience, you may cause damages that will cost you much more than the filter itself. If you are considering performing this task solo, you should at least follow your manufacturer’s instructions.
Failure to change your fuel filter correctly, among other factors, can cause cracks in your fuel injector nozzle. This broken nozzle will drip fuel into your engine cylinder whenever the fuel system is pressurized. If this problem isn’t taken care of, you’ll experience reduced fuel economy as well as white smoke from your exhaust pipe.
When your injector usually works, the fuel within the injector acts as a cushion. This allows the nozzle needle to close smoothly and evenly. When there is too little fuel in the injector or air in the system, the nozzle will slam shut forcefully, which can cause cracks.
Things to Look For
There are a few elements that should be examined to make sure that there isn’t any air getting into the fuel system. If the pump is faulty, it won’t be able to maintain adequate fuel pressure. Failing to refuel your car’s injector body between injection events will leave it starving for fuel. Clogged or dirty fuel filters can also restrict the flow of fuel and lead to fuel starvation.
Check the suction side of the fuel supply system. Your fuel supply system is between your fuel tank and the transfer pump. A leak in this area can lead to air getting sucked in by the fuel system. Lastly, a failed injector combustion seal is another common cause of why air gets into your fuel system. A leaking gasket will enable superheated combustion gases to overheat the injector nozzle and let air into the system.
An area of concern for some injectors is the detachment of the stator housing from the injector body. A stator is an electronically controlled assembly that sits on top of your car’s injector. It contains a high-pressure oil inlet as well as a small valve and control coils. Typically, this type of failure is due to the inject door over pressurizing with oil. over pressurization overwhelms the strength of the bolts that hold the stator to the injector.
Prevention
When unwanted air finds its way into your fuel system, your car becomes at risk of reduced performance, and even engine failure. The best way to prevent this from happening is to take your vehicle in for regular maintenance. A professional mechanic will be able to change your fuel filters safely during every oil change. They will also be able to recommend good quality fuel for your car. Poor quality fuel can overheat your engine and cause stress fractures in your injector nozzle. Qualified mechanics can also address any fuel system problems quickly and effectively before worse damage occurs.
If you are experiencing problems with your fuel injectors, talk to one of our professional mechanics here at McKinney Motor Company. Visit our automotive repair shop in Albuquerque, NM, for excellent maintenance at an even better price.
