Leaking injectors problem. Recommendations please!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,172
Likes: 71
From: MA
Leaking injectors problem. Recommendations please!
Last year I sent my injectors (60 lb Seimens Dakas) out to be cleaned at the end of the summer because my idle had deteriorated. The car idled better after the cleaning (cleaning improved the low duty cycle balance). I drove the car about 1k miles before storing it for the winter and it ran fine. I used standard Sta-bil in a full tank of gas for winter storage.
This spring I took it out of storage and found that I had the typical hard starting symptom of leaking injectors. The car starts fine the first time I start it in the morning. However, if I let it sit for a hour or two it takes a while before it starts and has a raw gas smell after starting.
I have used 1 container each of Techron and Lucas fuel system cleaner and just added a second can of Techron. The leaking symptoms have improved some but are still there. I would like to avoid removing the injectors again for cleaning because it is expensive and I am not sure if the cleaning somehow damaged the injector seals.
My fuel filter was changed about 15-20K miles ago. I will change it soon.
This spring I took it out of storage and found that I had the typical hard starting symptom of leaking injectors. The car starts fine the first time I start it in the morning. However, if I let it sit for a hour or two it takes a while before it starts and has a raw gas smell after starting.
I have used 1 container each of Techron and Lucas fuel system cleaner and just added a second can of Techron. The leaking symptoms have improved some but are still there. I would like to avoid removing the injectors again for cleaning because it is expensive and I am not sure if the cleaning somehow damaged the injector seals.
- Could the original cleaning have caused the problem?
- Could Ethanol in the gas caused the problem?
- Do you have any suggestions for clearing the injectors other than sending them out to be cleaned again?
My fuel filter was changed about 15-20K miles ago. I will change it soon.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
It's really easy for the rubber o-rings to be damaged, from removal, etc. A tiny tear will leak, but first thing I'd do, is change all the o-rings, which is real easy. If this doesn't do the trick, I'd be surprised.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Pop out the fuel rail assembly from the intake manifold. Support it high enough so you can see the tips of the injectors. Turn the key on several times to pressurize the fuel system.
Examine each injector for any leaks. Over time see if you have any dribbles or leaks.
NOTE! Each injector should be RETAINED in the fuel rail by a metal retainer bracket. Before you pressurize the fuel system, MAKE SURE that each injector is retained by that clip.
Here is a vid that shows those retainers on the injectors.
Bill
Examine each injector for any leaks. Over time see if you have any dribbles or leaks.
NOTE! Each injector should be RETAINED in the fuel rail by a metal retainer bracket. Before you pressurize the fuel system, MAKE SURE that each injector is retained by that clip.
Here is a vid that shows those retainers on the injectors.
Bill
