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Nozzle cleaning: should I do it or not?
Car mechanics, in general, is not a very frequent issue among people. There is always something that can cause confusion, in addition, of course, to various opinions on the subject. And one of the most controversial topics about the car is the question of cleaning the nozzle, after all, do or not do? That is the question. Find more here: when to use fuel injector cleaner
In general, this topic ends up being controversial among mechanics, parts manufacturers and automobiles, because fuel injection valves, the correct technical name for the injector nozzle, are self-cleaning, that is, in theory, cleaning would not be necessary by other means.
The importance of the diagnosis prior to cleaning the nozzle
Before choosing or not cleaning the nozzle, make a detailed diagnosis with a specialist who will indicate the best solution.
To find out if the component is in a condition to be reinstalled in the vehicle or just cleaned, there is a specific amount of tests that will precede the cleaning itself. They must be executed to guarantee the safety of the car.
In this first step, the injection nozzle analysis must be done with a specific scanner. This will provide the correct perception if there are failures in other sensors or actuators.
In addition to the use of bad fuel, other problems, such as high oil consumption, also cause deposit of dirt at the tip of the injection valve, causing the need to clean the injection nozzle. This prior analysis will reveal what is actually happening.
Cleanliness is sometimes not enough
If the valve is defective, the specialist must report this problem. This happens, mainly, because of the accumulation of dirt that makes the component work in a forced way and thus, damage it. In these cases, cleaning the injection nozzle is contraindicated, as only an exchange will repair the damage.
Experts indicate that an injection valve that locks open or closed can no longer be used because it already has an internal problem, and the part cannot be cleaned, as it will not be effective.
If the valve locks open, other parts may be affected, causing a hydraulic shim, or, if it locks closed, it may even cause the piston to melt.
Another point worth mentioning is that injector valves are not repairable. If a valve fails the tests applied by the cleaning nozzle specialists,
replacing the component is the most appropriate procedure, in addition to being the safest for the car.
This happens for some reasons, among them, the fact that even if the nozzle is cleaned in the machine and then it works again, the ideal is not to reuse them. Internal damage cannot be repaired and this is dangerous for the engine.
Nozzle cleaning: proper procedures and products
As it is an extremely delicate piece and the cleaning still raises doubts, the procedure must be very careful, in addition to the use of specific products to avoid causing further damage to the piece.
There are products in the automotive market that serve both for cleaning the nozzle and for flow tests. In these cases, the specialists who will perform the cleaning will know exactly the issue of use and dilution.
In general, in the ultrasound tank, the cleaning product can be diluted in the proportion of one to 10, but it can also be used pure, without problems. At the time of making the calibration, it will be necessary to dilute in the proportion of one part of product to 10 of water.
This happens, mainly, so that there is no foam effect and have the correct measurement reading.
And then? Did you understand how it works and how to clean the nozzle? If you have any questions, share it with us! We are ready to help protect your vehicle!