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Fuel injector question
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Posted by: BEEF706---------------------
Hey guys, I have a 97 Dodge Dakota and it has started to run rough, even after a major tune up. I had diagnostics run on it and they said it was the #5 fuel injector, probably clogged, run some cleaner through it and see if it improves, it did. Then over Christmas the truck sat for about 6 days without being started, and the engine light was back on and it was running rough again. so far the injector cleaner has not cleared this up. I thought about replacinrgthe injector, but my mechanic says if ya replace one ya have to replace them all. My question is do any of you have experience with this, and can't you just clean out the orifices like you do on a carb? Seems awful drastic to me, but I know zero about fuel injectors. Thanks!
Posted by: Highbeam---------------------
Too tiny and sensitive to clean the injector nozzle manually, but they can be bench cleaned and flow tested. It is usually cheaper to just replace the actual injector.
Yes you can replace individual injectors, the danger is that the rest may be getting close to cloggature. Once you've gotten far enough into the engine to replace one injector, the rest are just sitting there exposed begging for replacement. On my 98 chev 350 the #7 injector was replaced last year under warranty.
The problem with in-tank fuel system cleaners is that they clean everything including the tank so all that crap is suspended and floats through your system. If your fuel filter is in good shape it will catch them and not get plugged. Maybe it is time to replace your fuel filter.
Posted by: Patman---------------------
Here's another key question. Which cleaner are you dumping in your tank? Some work pretty good and others are a joke. I've been REAL impressed with both Lucas & the Vavoline Synthetic cleaner but they are a bit spendy. Something else to consider is are you using per the directions? Most call for like 1 bottle per 10-15 gallons of gas.
Posted by: BEEF706---------------------
Thanks for the input guys, The fuel filter was replaced in the tune-up about 3000 miles ago. The stuff I was using was STP, because I had heard of it :o . I did put it in with a fill up Acout 12 galls) each time. I may try the Valvolene stuff, and if that doesn't work guess I'm gonna have to bite the bullett and replace them, about $700 but I want to keep this truck for another 100k miles. Thanks for the response.
Posted by: gasgasman---------------------
Have them professionally cleaned.
The stuff you pour in the tank may not be concentrated enough.
The Dealership I work at, charges $120 for the injector flush and throttlebody desludge.
We can have a vehicle come in with one injector that has no flow, then flush them and they will be back to regular flow.
Posted by: Boozer---------------------
yeah, it is rare that you would need to replace an injector. you shouldn't have to just because it is dirty. we have done some engine conversions with Japanese import engines. some of the engines have been sitting around for a few years and when we get them, the injectors are stuffed with black sludge. with professional cleaning, they come good again.
Posted by: BEEF706---------------------
Thanks guys I will try to tind a shop that will do a professional clean first , before the big bucks.
Posted by: Highbeam---------------------
Unless your dakota has a 12 gallon fuel tank you should have added more cleaner. The stp was too diluted trying to treat the more likely 20 gallon tank.
Another product that gets good reviews is the chevron techron concentrate.
Posted by: Patman---------------------
I've used the Chevron and have not been overly impressed. I know I'd for sure rather spend $120 having them professionally cleaned than replacement.
Oh and FYI I actually know gasgasman, if he says it's mo' betta' you can be sure he's tellin' ya' straight, he's the only Ford tech to ever lay hands on my Powerstroke and I plan to keep it that way. (it's worth the 3.5 hour drive 
)
Posted by: gnarlykaw---------------------
Before you go and spend any more money on it, make darn sure the fuel module can produce the spec pressure, and flow enough fuel to pass the volume test as well. Dodge pumpa are a pretty common failure when the mileage gets up there. i have never even seen a injector failure on a P.F.I. 6 & 8 engine. Let us know what you find.........
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