Fuel injectors, refurbish or leave alone.

Post by **rguzz** » 27 May 2018, 15:04

Probably over 220k, original to 96 850t. No apparent problems, maybe slight rough starts but runs well, no hesitation, good under acceleration. Will there be any benefit, as I go through this car, to having them flow tested, cleaned, replaced? Or do I leave well enough alone.

Post by **Clemens** » 27 May 2018, 15:41

Leave them as they are if everything is fine. There is very little to be gained. Either they work or they don't (speaking on street car level, not racing). Startup is rather ignition, vacum leaks and the idle air control among possibly other sensors (maf, water temp, O2, ...)

Post by **abscate** » 27 May 2018, 18:55

It’s about $100 to get them ultrasonic cleaned, so if your fuel costs are average of $2400 per year, ypu would need a 5% mph improvement to pay off in one year

Post by **oragex** » 27 May 2018, 19:07

I've tried the ultrasonic on Ebay, it did reduce my fuel consumption so it's worth. The spray pattern just gets worse as varnish builds up with time, fuel is not atomized properly, mixture doesn't fully burn

I will soon also try the carb cleaner (Youtube) see how it goes. Watch out no weird chemicals on these (no lacquer thinner, acetone, brake cleaner, etc). Will update if there a change in mpg/acceleration.

I have a spare set of injectors from the junk yard so no trouble if I damage them

In tank injector cleaners is a scam imo

Post by **rguzz** » 27 May 2018, 21:41

If I decide to do anything, once I have removed the injectors is it established practice to replace the injector seals and 0 rings?
I have had them out of the rail before, when I did my PCV and never replaced any seals?

Post by **abscate** » 28 May 2018, 04:59

I think the $100 nut gets you cleaned and tested injectors with new Pintle and rail seals, all included

Post by **rguzz** » 28 May 2018, 12:06

I think so, thanks.

Post by **mrbrian200** » 28 May 2018, 17:40

I don't know how it works for anyone else. When I notice econ starting to drop and/or slight imbalances in idle quality that I suspect are injectors getting pluggy I make a point next time I'm in a federally mandated RFG fuel area to fill up from empty from a top tier station while I'm there (home is not an RFG area). In my case that's usually when I'm in Chicago. By the time 1/4-1/2 of the tank has run through the car runs all happy and perfect again.
This is how I've dealt with it going back several vehicles. For a while I lived in Chicago. I never ever had issues with plugged/leaky injectors while I lived there. I filled the S60 in Chicago about 45 days ago, I noticed a difference (throttle became 'punchier', highway econ jumped about +4-5mpg almost right away. The effect has lasted 2-3 tankfulls since then (of non RFG back at home).
Next time you're in nearest city/county marked as a 'green area' in the map below try it. It's always worked for me good as or better than those expensive bottles of snake oil you add to the tank or pulling the injectors.

Post by **abscate** » 29 May 2018, 10:24

Well that solved a long mystery for me, mrbrian

In summer, when I see clients in Boston, I fill up there and notice better running.

If I'm in upstate NY, it gets crappier again.

Post by **rguzz** » 29 May 2018, 10:43

Yeah that is interesting, thank you. In MD frequently but avoid gas there as it is so much more expensive than in VA.