Hoe vaak heeft uw monteur u brandstofinjectorreiniger aanbevolen? Ik wed dat dit veel gebeurt en je kunt je afvragen of brandstofsysteemreinigers 'slangenolie' zijn. Werkt injectorreiniger echt? Vandaag proberen we erachter te komen.
Injectorreinigers zijn in feite oplosmiddelen die helpen bij het reinigen van de brandstofpaden. Deze flessen brandstofsysteemreinigers worden in de brandstoftank gegoten. Ze gaan aan de slag om het hele brandstofsysteem te reinigen door de kauwgom en andere resten die zich in de brandstofleidingen hebben verzameld, op te lossen. Hoewel het brandstoffilter voorkomt dat vuil het brandstofinjectiesysteem binnendringt, gaan er vaak kleine deeltjes en gomachtige resten doorheen. Weet wat de symptomen zijn van een slecht brandstoffilter.
Brandstofinjectorreinigers zijn brandbare oplosmiddelen, daarom worden ze in de motor verbrand terwijl deze draait.
Drie van de meest voorkomende ingrediënten in de brandstofinjectorreiniger zijn polyetheramine, polyisobutyleen en polyisobutyleenamine. Laten we begrijpen waarom ze zijn toegevoegd.
Polyetheramine: Polyetheramine wordt gebruikt voor zowel benzine- als dieseltoepassingen. Er wordt gezegd dat het overslaan en kloppen van de motor vermindert. Het is ook effectief in het verwijderen van overtollig vocht uit de brandstofleiding. Deze chemische stof helpt echt als er oud gas in de brandstoftank zit dat de brandstofleiding blokkeert en niet verbrandt.
Polyisobutyleen: Net als de Polyetheramine heeft ook de Polyisobutyleen vergelijkbare reinigende eigenschappen. In feite zijn beide op hen vrij dicht in chemische samenstelling. De meeste bedrijven die injectiereinigers gebruiken, labelen het als 'PIB' op hun producten.
Polyetheramine (PEA): PEA wordt aan de injectorreinigers toegevoegd zodat het vaste afzettingen in de brandstofleidingen kan oplossen. Vaste afzettingen kunnen het brandstofsysteem verstoppen en dit vermindert de rijeigenschappen van de auto. Een verminderde brandstoftoevoer kan ook de kans op kloppen vergroten. Dit is een veel sterkere chemische stof dan de vorige twee, daarom kan te veel toevoegen ook problemen veroorzaken.
Hoewel brandstofinjectorreinigers al tientallen jaren op de markt zijn, konden we geen gepubliceerde studie van een wetenschappelijk onderzoeksinstituut vinden. Het is echter veilig om te zeggen dat de brandstofsysteemreiniger echt werkt. Maar alleen als het correct wordt gebruikt.
Als de ophoping van afzetting te veel is, zullen gewone oplosmiddelen voor injectiereinigers niet effectief zijn. That’s because there are many laws and regulations that don’t allow companies to retail harsh chemicals openly.
In case of severe depositing and injector clogging, the injector cleaning machine is most effective. This requires injectors to be removed from the car and cleaned using pressurized cleaning chemical. This machine is used to clean severe clogging of injectors (video):
Carbon collecting at the intake valves
Fuel companies say that they already add additives that prevent carbon buildup. But the truth is that carbon buildup is a real problem that requires using fuel injector cleaners.
The back of the intake valve can collect a layer of carbon. This can reduce the velocity of fuel mixture and also prevent the valve to seal properly.
Apart from this, there are other areas that are prone to carbon buildup as well. This includes piston head, intake manifold and cylinder head. Fuel injector cleaner is the best solution to clean this carbon deposit. You can expect to see a better running engine after using an injector cleaner.
However, excess carbon buildup on the valves can only be cleaned by opening up the engine. If you are having a hesitant engine, then it’s worth trying out a good injector cleaner.
Reduced acceleration and fuel efficiency
The modern fuel injectors run on close tolerances through which pressurized fuel is pushed. For proper functioning, the injectors need to deliver an atomized mist of fuel when asked for. The clogging of the fine channels inside the injectors can disrupt its functioning.
When the spray pattern and pressure is not what is required, the car might start running rough. This also reduced fuel efficiency as the fuel droplets in the mist is not properly atomized. Fuel injector cleaner works well to solve this issue.
There are so many fuel injectors in the market today that it’s always recommended to read the directions first. If the concentration of fuel injector is too high for the amount of gas, then it might cause some damage.
Step 1) Pick a Fuel Injector Cleaner of your choice. There is an end number of fuel injector cleaners in the market. Go with a trusted brand at it should work out well for you. Our favorite ones are mentioned here.
Generally, a full bottle of the fuel injector is good for about 50-liter (13 gallons) of fuel. Your car’s fuel tank capacity can range between 35 to 70 liters (9.2 gallons to 20 gallons). Note the tank capacity of your vehicle from the owner’s manual.
Step 2) So how should you use it? It’s best to use fuel injector cleaner right before topping up your fuel tank . On your next visit to the gas station, pour out a bottle of injector cleaner into the gas tank first and then top up with fuel. Read instructions on the bottle of injector cleaner to know how much fuel you should add. When you add fuel, the injector cleaner will mix properly.
Now drive the vehicle normally. Remember:Let the fuel tank get near empty/in reserve before filling up again (Don’t dilute the mixture).
Dat is het. Your first cycle of injector cleaning will be complete after burning off this fuel mixture. Most of the time this is enough to notice some performance improvements but you can go another cycle if you’re not satisfied.
It’s often recommended to use a fuel injector cleaner every 10,000 km. However, if you suspect that the fuel quality in your area is not great then every 5,000 km will be a good choice.
But again, with so many injector cleaners with varying strengths, it’s best to refer to what the product manufacturer suggests. Know if you should use Octane Boosters
If you are confused about what’s the right fuel system cleaner for your car then here are our favourite products:
This is Amazon USA’s best selling fuel system cleaner for gasoline engines
This injector cleaner is compatible for all gasoline engines. Liqui moly injector cleaner has been tested to be safe for catalytic converters and turbochargers. This 300ml bottle is good for 70-litre of gas tank.
Here’s what the manufacturer claims:“Removes deposits on injection valves, intake valves, spark plugs and in the combustion chamber and prevents them from reforming. Eliminates start problems and rough engine running. Cares for all components in the gasoline injection system. Protects the entire fuel system from corrosion. Improves the throttle response and compression. Optimizes the emission test values and performance of the engine. Clean engines need less fuel and reduce emissions.” Check price on Amazon- here
Manufacturer says:“STP Super Concentrated Fuel Injector Cleaner contains concentrated detergents that help dissolve and remove harmful carbon, gum, and varnish deposits on fuel injectors. Without cleaning, deposits can lead to hard starts, lost acceleration and rough idling. This product is made with jet fuel, a high-quality carrier of active ingredients.”
It comes in 354ml bottle that’s good for 65 litres of fuel. Check price on Amazon- here
Developed especially for the Diesel Trucks, this Liqui Moly Diesel fuel system cleaner is trusted product. It promises good cleaning properties that maintain the performance of your diesel truck. It removes deposits from injector nozzles and from the combustion chamber.
It’s safe for EGR valve and DPF systems on the exhaust. Since all newer trucks are fitted with DPF exhaust systems, we need to pick a product that’s safe for it.
Manufacturer says:“It reduces wear of fuel pump, extends life of the equipment. Improves engine performance and emissions control. Prevents rust and contamination in fuel tank, pipes and injection system. Improves the economy.”
This product is tested to be safe for turbo cars. One bottle is sufficient for 75-litre of fuel. Check price on Amazon- here
This product claims to stops Diesel Engine Hesitation, helps Remove Water from Diesel Fuel Tank, and Improve Mileage by dissolves gum and deposits. Check its price on Amazon- Here
I hope now you have your questions regarding injector cleaners answered. If you have any other question, let us know in the comments section.
Watch this video to learn more about fuel injector cleaners and other additives:
Also Know:How to take care of your turbocharged car
