Every part of a car is important. No valve, pump, or pipe is useless. A fuel injector is one such small yet very crucial part. After all, it is the one that sprays fuel into your car’s engine. Therefore, keeping it clean is of utmost importance.
There are different fuel injector cleaners available in the market. They are poured into the fuel tank and clean all the debris, carbon buildup, and soot. It is an effective way to clean your car’s fuel system as a dirty system can make your engine sluggish, affecting your fuel economy and mileage.
But some people complain about problems after fuel injection cleaning. Is it true? Can fuel injector cleaner hurt your car? Can fuel injector cleaner cause smoke? If you also wonder, this guide is for you.
Here, you will learn what a fuel injector is cleaner, how it works, can it cause any problems, and what are the best fuel injector cleaners available in the market? So, let’s start!
What is a Fuel Injector Cleaner and How Does It Work?
Before understanding ‘what is fuel injector cleaner,’ you must know what a fuel injector is. There are two types of fuel injection techniques- port injection and direct injection. The traditional fuel injector sprays fuel into the intake manifold, where it gets mixed with air and passes into the combustion chamber. In the direct injection, though, the fuel is directly sprayed into the cylinder instead of the intake manifold, where it joins the air, swirls, and then passes into the combustion chamber to burn.
If you look closely, you can see that there is carbon buildup and a heavy layer of soot in and around your fuel injector and intake manifold. Your fuel injector has a very small hole from which it sprays the fuel into a V-shape. If it gets clogged or there is large debris and soot buildup, it will pass into your tank and cause several problems like a sluggish engine, lower fuel efficiency, excessive smoke, etc.
Now, come to the question of what is a fuel injector cleaner. Fuel injector cleaners are combustible solvents. They are poured into the fuel tank and clear away all the debris, small particles, and residue accumulated into the fuel lines surpassing the fuel filter. The cleaner runs through fuel lines and gets burned as the engine runs.
The answer to “what is a fuel injector cleaner made of” is that it includes three very important ingredients. Polyisobutylene and Polyether Amine are the cleaning agents which clean excess moisture from the fuel lines. In addition, PEA dissolves solid deposit particles, which clog the fuel lines.
This is a simple way to keep your engine clean and healthy. You can also take your car to the mechanic for a clean-up, but it’s expensive. Why not do it at home with fuel injector cleaners?
Can Fuel Injector Cleaner Cause Problems in Your Car?
A fuel injector cleaner is poured into the car’s fuel tank. It travels the same way as the fuel does. It contains chemical cleaning agents, which makes people wonder about fuel injector cleaner problems. “Can fuel injector cleaner cause problems in carburetor or another part?” is a question you must ask before you buy a fuel injector cleaner. Normally fuel injectors work as long as the life of the car, but it is possible that you may damage it by using a low-quality fuel injector cleaner.
There are certain problems, which are often taken to be caused by fuel injector cleaner. Check them out:
Can Fuel Injector Cleaner Cause White Smoke?
No, it is not the fuel injector cleaner that causes the white smoke. Instead, it may be caused by the fuel not burning properly, which is caused by the presence of water in the fuel tank, fuel starvation, a cracked or blown head gasket, or it may be the coolant leaking into the engine.
Before blaming it on the cleaner, you must check your car’s components. Sometimes, when the fuel lines’ moisture gets mixed with the cleaner, it may cause white smoke. On the other hand, if it has a sweet smell, it is the coolant.
A cleaner is created to clean. It does the work and gets burned away. If there is white smoke, it’s probably moisture, coolant, or gasket. If your car is blowing white smoke for 30-45 seconds, it’s okay. If you keep driving it, you may cause harm to the engine.
Can Fuel Injector Cleaner Cause Misfire?
No, it’s the other way round. The question must be, will injector cleaner fix a misfire, or can dirty fuel injectors cause misfire? First, you must know how a fuel injector works. The fuel passes through the fuel filter. The spindle opens up, and the fuel passes through it to the small hole where it mixes with the air, and if fuel does not pass through the injector properly due to being clogged, the air to fuel ratio increases. It means there is more air than fuel. It causes a misfire.
A cleaner passes through the fuel injector and cleans all the debris, and clears the clogs. As there is a fuel filter at the top, the debris is easily dissolved by the cleaner. Thus, the fuel injector clears the injector and fixes the misfire.
Can Fuel Injector Cleaner Damage Fuel Pump?
One of the reported problems after fuel injection cleaning is a damaged fuel pump. Understand that the fuel pump is a part of the fuel system, including fuel injectors, fuel lines, valves, intake manifold, etc. A fuel injector cleaner is a solvent that goes through this system and cleans it.
It does not damage the fuel pump if you use it correctly. It is also essential that you use only high-quality and trusted cleaner brands. There are several cheaper alternatives available in the markets which are high on strong chemicals. They may contain corrosive agents which may damage your tank and fuel lining. Plus, it also depends on your car, its model, and its engine. Not every cleaner is suitable for every tank.
Can Fuel Injector Cleaner Cause Catalytic Converter Problems?
Yes, and no! That’s because there are several other causes that damage the catalytic convertors. You should look at those other causes before thinking it to be fuel injector cleaner problems. If your fuel injector has gone bad and is leaking fuel, the unburned excess fuel leaks from the combustion chamber into the catalytic converter, causing overheating. If you are running your car on leaded fuel, it damages the catalytic converter. When you pass rocky roads with bumps and potholes, it may cause a dent in the convertor, damaging it.
Yes, if you are using a cleaner, it must be a catalytic converter safe. Sometimes, they may contain ingredients that may damage catalytic converters. If you are using a safe product, the cleaner is not the reason behind the catalytic convertor damage.
Can Fuel Injector Cleaner Cause Mass Air Flow Sensor Problems?
Do you know what a mass airflow sensor is used for? It is used to check the flow rate of the mass air entering the combustion engine. It is a part of the overall system, but the fuel injection cleaner has nothing to do with it. They do not come into contact with each other.
Plus, there is a separate mass airflow sensor cleaner that cleans the place and evaporates. The fuel injector cleaner is not the culprit here. Mass airflow sensor systems are robust systems. They do not fail easily. If they do, the car will be hard to turn on. It is a problem that needs mechanical assistance quickly.
What are the Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Injector?
You must use the fuel injector cleaner regularly. But in spite of all that, the fuel injector can go faulty. You must look for signs of a bad fuel injector and try to fix it in such a case.
The faulty fuel injection symptoms are described below:
The Engine Misfires
One of the warning signs of a bad fuel injector is the engine misfiring. If the fuel injector is clogged or leaking, it may not spray the required fuel into the combustion chamber, thereby increasing the fuel to air ratio. It causes engine misfires.
If your engine is misfiring, you will find it hard to accelerate and will pause after hitting the gas pedal. Fuel runs the car, and if it malfunctions, the car malfunctions. It is a problem that needs a check as fast as you can.
Rough Idling
When you slow down your car or idle it, the stoppage is smooth. But when your fuel injector has gone bad, it seems rough and makes some noise, which wasn’t there before; it is one of the bad fuel injector symptoms. It happens because the fuel does not reach the car’s engine in time, and its Round per Minute decreases its usual level, so when the engine stalls, it seems rougher. The engine also gets stopped jerkily, and you may need to restart it. You can also feel more vibration and shaking when you stop.
Poor Fuel Efficiency
When a fuel injector goes bad, it may not spray the required amount of fuel, or it may supply excess fuel, or it might start leaking. Anyway, the fuel gets wasted as the ECU releases the fuel, but it does not reach the combustion chamber in time or gets wasted unnecessarily through leaking. So, when wondering how you can tell if you have a bad fuel injector and you are making more rounds of the gas station, It is because your car has very poor fuel efficiency, and the reason is, most probably, a bad fuel injector.
Struggling to Start
The seconds in which your car catches speed is one of the points on which a car is judged. When your combustion chamber is receiving a proper supply of fuel, the acceleration is smooth. It is not the case when the fuel injector goes bad, as it may not supply the right amount or spray excessive fuel. If you are struggling to start your car in one swift pedal, it is one of the bad fuel injector symptoms. Whenever the machine acts strangely, there is some issue with it, and it shows signs that indicate towards it. Do not ignore them.
Check Engine Light Comes On
One of the flashing symptoms of a bad fuel injector is a check engine light. The car’s computer or rain makes the check engine light illuminate when there is a problem. It can be a minor problem or a major issue such as an engine misfiring, resulting in a catastrophe. This check engine light has been designed to alert you that there is an internal problem. You must ignore this light. A bad fuel injector is not always the case of the check engine light illuminating, but it is one of the possible signs of a bad fuel injector.
Fuel Smell
Your car doesn’t smell like fuel normally, does it? When it does, it’s time to check your fuel tank, your coolant and ascertain what it is. There are several reasons for that fuel odor. Sometimes the smell may be sweet, sometimes oily, and sometimes gasoline. It can be caused by a coolant leak that drips on the exhaust and burns, it can be leaking fuel due to a loose gasket, or it may be the sign of a bad fuel injector. It is a small part that endures great pressure and thus, may start leaking with time. It means you need to replace it. Do not ignore that foul smell in your car ever.
What is the Best Fuel Injector Cleaner on the Market?
Only the best cleaner gives the best results. To save your time and end your dilemma of choosing the best fuel injector cleaner for cars, the best three ‘top-rated fuel injector cleaners that actually work’ are described below. These fuel injector cleaners are carefully selected based on their reputation among customers, performance, and cleaning technology. Check them out:
Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner
It is the first one on the list as it has earned its reputation from its customers. Users love it. The instructions are clear, and it goes well with every fuel and almost every car. It cleans everything from soot, carbon build-up, and debris, including microscopic buildup from the intake valve, combustion chambers, and entire fuel system.
This fuel injector cleaner is multipurpose. You can use it in any vehicle, such as your ATV, two-wheeler, car, truck, boat, etc. Even your lawnmower. The usage is simple. You must use it after every 3000 miles in cars and trucks. You can also use it every time you change your oil. Use it, and you will experience a significant change in your vehicle. It improves fuel economy, addresses rough idling issues, and ensures fuel stability for almost a year.
Pros:
- Its patented PEA technology makes it one of the best fuel injector cleaners on the market.
- Its reviews are positive.
- The instructions are clear, so even if you are a novice, you can use them easily.
- Effectively clears away the gunk and debris.
- It improves the car’s performance.
- It keeps the intake valves, combustion chambers, and carburetors clean.
Cons:
- It is expensive, but it’s worth it.
LUCAS 10013 Fuel Treatment
If you practically live on the road and your truck is your best buddy, you need a fuel injector cleaner that lasts long. You will love LUCAS 10013 Fuel treatment as it is a top-rated fuel injector cleaner that comes in a resealable bottle.
The cleaner comes in a one-gallon bottle. You can use it, seal it and keep it In your car or truck by simply sealing the cap. If yours is an old vehicle with old injectors, Lucas is what you need. It is an all-rounder which works as an oil additive, fuel additive, and fuel injector cleaner.
It is made up of oils and additives, which work as a fuel conditioner and gives the car’s fuel system a thorough cleaning and improves performance. The high detergent action effectively cleans and eliminates low sulfur issues. When looking for the best fuel injector cleaner for cars, you can rely on Lucas.
Pros:
- It is perfect for vehicles, especially diesel ones, that travel long distances.
- Improves engine performance.
- It comes in a large quantity which justifies its price.
- It is a premium quality product so that your car is safe.
Cons:
- With its large bottle, you may find it hard to use. Make sure not to spill it, as it is very difficult to clean.
Red Line Complete SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner
As technology has evolved and cars have changed, Red Line has also evolved and has served various customers for forty years. The USP of this product is its cleaning technology, which includes high and low-temperature detergents that are hard on every type of gum and gunk and effectively cleans the entire system and saves it from corrosion.
The company is confident and guarantees 100% efficiency only after the first treatment. It comes in a 15-ounce pack which lasts for a year or two, depending on your vehicle and the distance it travels. You need to use it every 3000 miles.
Just pour it into the system, and it cleans carbon build-ups, lubricates cylinders, and works on your carburetor. Red Line Fuel Injector Cleaner is the answer to your question, “what is the best fuel injector cleaner on the market right now?”
Pros:
- Promises 100% efficiency from 1st use.
- Use one bottle on an old vehicle, and it will weave its cleaning magic.
- It is multipurpose and can be used in different types of vehicles.
- It will flush your entire fuel system with one bottle.
Cons:
- If your car or truck runs a lot, it won’t be very cost-efficient for you.
- The bottle is a very small one.
- If you have a diesel vehicle, you can try another fuel injector cleaner.
Does Fuel Injector Cleaner Improve Gas Mileage?
A smooth combustion system is not a dream. Proper upkeep of cars is important, and it requires investment in high-quality fuels and fuel injector cleaners. There is a whole debate going around “can fuel additives improve gas mileage?” as these cleaners play a very important role in fuel efficiency. There is a direct relationship between gas mileage and fuel injector cleaner.
A cleaner’s work is to clear away all the debris, soot, and carbon build-up and dissolve it. This debris may clog the fuel injector. A bad fuel injector may cause less fuel spray or no fuel spray affecting the engine and its performance.
As the problem keeps persisting, your car starts using more gas, and as a result, the gas mileage deteriorates. When a fuel injector cleaner cleans the fuel system, the gas passes through and balances the fuel system.
But it is only possible if you use the best fuel injection cleaner for cars. Low-quality cleaners often contain ingredients that clean the fuel system and damage it with strong chemical cleaning agents. Choose only the top-rated fuel injector cleaner and improve your car’s gas mileage.
How Often Should I Use Fuel Injector Cleaner in My Car?
Many customers buy the product and then wonder how often to use fuel injector cleaner. Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this question as It depends upon several factors, such as how much you drive, how old your car is and if it’s a diesel vehicle or a gas vehicle, etc.
Many people use a fuel injector cleaner when their fuel injectors cause problems such as there is gunk, soot, and debris in your fuel injector, causing fuel imbalance. But it is a corrective measure. Fuel injector cleaners should be used as a preventive and precautionary measure, so your fuel injectors last long.
Gas vehicles are better than diesel vehicles in terms that you don’t need to use cleaners very often. Every 3000-4000 miles will work for your car. Old vehicles with old fuel systems may need frequent cleaning.
One more effective way to remember pouring cleaning in your fuel tank is to use it every time you get an oil change.
You must not wait for your fuel injector to trouble your car. Whether you own a car, truck, ATV, a boat, or any other vehicle, make sure to use a fuel injector cleaner. And only use the top-rated fuel injector cleaner to save your fuel system from any damage.
What Happens If You Put Too Much Fuel Injector Cleaner?
It happens many times that you feel too much fuel injector cleaner in your car, and then you keep thinking, is it bad to put too much fuel injector cleaner? Well, the answer is NO! It won’t harm your car. But you must be careful because it is a waste of money. Every bottle contains clear instructions as to how much cleaner to pour in your tank, depending on the amount of fuel you have.
It will save you from wasting it. But if you have put too much cleaner, the advice is to refill your tank to the full after the fuel level is down to the quarter. It will balance the fuel and cleaner mixture, and you can be relieved.
Thus, it is always advised to use only the best fuel injector cleaner. The low-quality cleaners may damage your tank lining if you use too much of it. Always check the fuel level and bottle instructions before pouring it.
Can Fuel Injector Cleaner Cause Problems? – Author’s View
If you use the best fuel injector cleaner and use it as per the instructions provided, it won’t cause any problem to the car or its fuel system. There are several questions around cleaners, such as; can fuel injector cleaner cause white smoke? Can fuel injector cleaner cause problems in the carburetor? Can fuel injector cleaner cause damage? And many more. But all of these questions are answered above.
Now, you know the benefits of using the fuel injector cleaner, it’s time to choose the top-rated and fuel injector cleaner that actually works. Chevron Techron is known for its patented PEA technology and popularity among users due to its supreme performance.
Lucas Fuel Treatment is an all-rounder, and the benefits you reap are as big as its bottle. It is cost-effective and has proven performance without causing any damage to your car. If you drive hardly a few miles, the small bottle of Red Line cleaner will suit you. The perfect blend of slick oil and additives gives your fuel system a thorough cleaning.
These are the best fuel injector cleaner on the market. Check them out and choose the best for your vehicle.
