Generally, 6% of engine problems are caused by injector failure. This breakdown is one of the highest and most complex in terms of costs. You must budget between $100 and $500 per injector for this intervention. This cost includes parts and labor. This high cost may tempt the car owner to postpone replacing this part. However, there is a risk of driving with an out-of-order injector.
Causes of injector failure
No matter how reliable a well-maintained engine is, it is not destined to last forever. After covering certain mileages, you should inevitably face some problems including fuel injector failure. Several factors can cause this failure.
1. Corrosion in the system
The intrusion of foreign bodies into the system may be the cause of injector failure . These foreign bodies can be dust, rust, water or other unwanted liquids or even small pieces of metal parts. All of these elements are generally inserted through leaky seals or a damaged fuel tank.
2. A clogged fuel filter
The role of the fuel filter is to collect and store all particulate contaminants on their own. It also ensures the separation of water from the fuel, which prevents corrosion of different parts of the injection system. Irregular replacement of the fuel filter and use of poor quality filters can lead to damage to the injectors.
3. Poorly done reprogramming
Improper reprogramming of the engine can damage the injector. This reprogramming may be a performance increase or a removal of the ERG valve.
4. A problem with the high pressure pump
Over time, the high pressure pump wears out. It begins to form small metal shavings which subsequently reach the injectors through the collector. In this case, the injector will be irreparably damaged.
When should you change the injectors?
When a malfunction in the engine is noticed, identifying the source of the problem is the first reaction to take. Car maintenance must also be done regularly. Remember to clean the engine from time to time to avoid injector failure.
However, despite periodic vehicle maintenance, cleaning is no longer enough. It is very possible that dirt and the overpressure suffered by the injector and the engine cause damage to the geometry of the tubes and also affect the proper functioning of the valves. In this case, replacement of the injectors must take place.
It is strongly recommended to replace all the injectors at the same time so as not to disrupt the existing balance between them. If only one injector breaks down, it is not obligatory to change everything.
However, if one injector fails, expect that the other three will tend to fail as well, one by one or together. You can only replace one injector but you should know that you are very exposed to breakdowns of this type in the near future. If you have any doubts, you can ask your mechanic for advice.
To avoid any problems related to injector failure, it is wise to remain very attentive to the various symptoms of injector malfunction or failure . Be sure to always use good quality fuels for a long life of your car’s parts and engine.
Overall, the injector does not have a fixed replacement period since related problems (black smoke, starting problems, loss of engine power, etc.) can occur at any time. Generally, the lifespan of an injector is approximately 150,000 to 250,000 km.
The risks of driving with a bad fuel injector
It is strongly recommended not to continue driving a car with one or more injectors leaking or damaged. This breakdown will surely cause a fuel leak and impact the combustion quality of the engine, resulting in excess fuel consumption. The remaining unburned fuel which stagnates will promote the creation of carbon. The latter will surely block certain elements of the engine.
Apart from that, if you continue to drive with a damaged injector, the risk of destroying the catalytic converter is very high. In this case, the injector will allow fuel to pass into the exhaust line. Hence the risk of significant problems for the part but also a risk of fire for your vehicle.
An out-of-order injector can therefore cause damage to parts of the engine system . You should know that all the parts making up the engine must be waterproof in all situations. If you continue to drive with a faulty injector, you will risk breaking the turbo, the piston or the engine. Replacing the injector will, in this case, be less expensive compared to replacing a complete engine.
Practical advice for driving with bad fuel injector
Especially for diesel engines, you might have a clicking injector. Generally speaking, the noise comes from the introduction of a small object into the injector, which will disrupt the proper functioning of this part. Be aware that a clicking injector can cause the same problems as an injector malfunction or breakdown.
Therefore, as soon as you hear a clicking sound, it is strongly advised to react quickly and resolve the problem as quickly as possible. To avoid injector chatter, always use good quality fuel, change your fuel filter from time to time and carry out regular inspections and maintenance of all parts of your vehicle. If possible, do not drive on reserve to avoid the introduction of impurities into the injectors.
If there is a leak at the injector seals, it is not necessary to replace these injectors. If you have good knowledge and comfort in automobile mechanics, you can replace these seals by yourself. In this case, do not hesitate to call a professional otherwise you risk causing other problems to your engine.
The injection system is one of the most important elements of your vehicle’s engine. It plays an important role, that of ensuring that combustion goes smoothly. Thus, it calibrates the fuel-air quantity in the engine.
If the flow is too great, it will drown. In this case, no combustion will take place. In both cases, you should not hesitate to take a closer look at the source of the problems as quickly as possible in order to repair the fault and limit other problems that may arise. Never drive with one or more faulty injectors to ensure the longevity of your car and its engine.