Back to all

Fuel Injection Basics for Columbus

June 23, 2024



All modern Columbus vehicles come with fuel injection systems, so it's a topic Columbus drivers need to know something about. The mighty fuel injector is a valve that delivers the gas or diesel fuel to the right place, in the right amount at the right timeto be mixed with air and burned in the engine.

So how many fuel injectors does your vehicle have? There's one for each cylinder. So four, six or eight for most folks in Columbus, Ohio. Some vehicles have 10 or 12 cylinders. The engine control computer makes adjustments to the fuel injector as it monitors the engine and other sensors. Fuel injectors are a pretty high-tech.

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Grandview can help Columbus drivers with a fuel injector cleaning service. What's the benefit? In order to work right, the fuel injectors have to deliver the fuel at a precise pressure at a very precise time. It's important that the fuel is sprayed in a particular pattern as determined by the engine design.

Over time, varnish can start to build up in the fuel injectors, effecting the pressure, pattern and timing of the fuel charge. The result is that the fuel doesn't get burned as efficiently as it could. That robs performance and hurts fuel economy.

What about dirty fuel? How does that affect the fuel injectors? The fuel injectors are the last stop in the fuel system. It starts at the fuel tank. Frankly, the best way to keep your fuel injectors working well is to use high quality fuel. It's tempting to shop for bargains in Columbus with fuel prices as high as they are, but major brands in the Columbus, Ohio, area have better detergents and additives and deliver consistent quality.

What about a good fuel filter? The fuel filter is component of the fuel system. Its job is to filter out the dirt and rust that collect in the fuel tank. If it's clogged up, the dirt will bypass the filter and head upstream to the fuel injectors.

It's important to replace the fuel filter when your manufacturer recommends it. That's part of a comprehensive fuel system cleaning.

There are different kinds of fuel injection systems. Port fuel injection systems, the kind most gasoline engines have, operate at 60 pounds per square inch. The injectors for the new gas direct injection engines Columbus drivers are starting to see require 10 to 30 times as much pressure. And some diesel engines for passenger vehicles have injectors that operate at 30,000 pounds or more per square inch. There's no room for dirt and gum in a precision part like that.

There are a lot of good products available in Columbus, Ohio, that can clean fuel injectors. They're best used to prevent fouling in the fuel injectors. Many can't clean a seriously gummed up injector – that requires a professional deep cleaning, like those we offer at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Grandview in Columbus. But putting the cleaner in the fuel tank after you've had Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Grandview take a look at your fuel system will help keep it clean. Be sure to read the label for directions.

Give us a call if you think your vehicle may be ready for a fuel injector cleaning.

 

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Grandview
1524 W. Fifth Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43212
614-487-8776
http://www.tuffycolumbus-fifthave.com

 

More articles from Tuffy Grandview

Is Your Columbus Driving Severe?

September 15, 2024

People near Columbus, Ohio, often ask Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Grandview how often they should have a particular service done. It's a great thing to ask. You can look at your owner's manual or have your Columbus, Ohio, service advisor at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Grandview look up your vehicle i... More

Easy on the Wheel (Power Steering)

September 8, 2024

Steering a vehicle these days doesn't take much effort, but if you got behind the wheel back before power steering was invented, you'd need to practically have the strength of Hercules to turn the wheel. The first power steering systems widely available changed everything. Chrysler introduced... More

Avoiding Exhaustion (EGR Valve Replacement)

September 1, 2024

No, ERG isnt the sound a pirate makes. Its a part in your vehicle that recirculates exhaust gas to reduce certain gases and pollutants in the atmosphere. In fact, ERG stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. One gas our vehicles may make when they burn fuel is nitric oxide, which can play a big ro... More