[enigmatictech]

I would like to share my experience on fuel injector cleaning so that other can benefit and be aware. My Zen MPFI has done 106000 kms and it had issues like rough idling and low pickup. the average it used to give in is about 14 to 15 kmpl in city without AC. after being recommended by the service center guy to get this done during regular service, i postponed this excercise inorder to witness what is it that is exactly done . because this was costing quite a bomb at 1500/= estimate! this is from suraksha motors in bangalore. so one fine day when I could no longer keepmyself calm without getting this thing done. I visited the service centre in at around 4 and left there by 6 with 1900/= minus from my pockets.

The machine is from carbon clean it runs on the car's batteries, and the car fuel systems are disconnected and the engine is cranked and run for 30 minutes on this contraption. which supplys petrol mixed with a 100 ml liquid which supposedly cleans the fuel injectors off its deposits like carbon gum and sludge.
The basic claim as per the brochure is that :
- The compression rations of the cylinders are brought back to normal
- The spray patterns become more even
- better fuel efficiency
- Increased power output
- lesser emmisions


We got started and after 30 mins of idling and revving the engine on petrol and special liguid mixture , the throttle body is cleaned too. so finally the bill is for 1900/= charging me for almost everything like usage of 3M lubrication spray 50 bucks for spraying 3 times during cleaning the throttle body! anyway with this one big pending task taken off my mind, even though I do not notice resonable diffrence in the performance pickup wise, the rough idling is certainly gone as far as the fuel average is concerned i can say a marginal increase of 2 kms is noticed. however it was more psychological for me than anything else because I want to use this engine at least for the next 2lakh kms. :-D So I am bound to do what ever it takes to keep the engine running as good as new.

[jalsa777]

Hey, Just saw this thread. I know its quite old, but that is precisely why i am replying.

You mentioned that you wanted to keep the car for around 2 lakh KMs more.
So, how much has the car run by now ?
How is the engine doing ?
and what all work have you had to put in it ?

[sanyal779]

My Zen Vxi mpfi has doen about 61K km and all these problems of rough idling , loss of speed etc are graually showing up- that zen like feel is ebbing away. I do not have much confidence on the carbon cleaning system, because cleaning carbon alone is not enough. The spray characteristics of the injector is controlled by correct functioning of the needle valve, whose mechanical wear downcan not be restored. I would want to change them.
My friend own an authorized maruti service station, with whom I keep on having arguments on this issue. However untill recentlt the MGP spares price of these injectors were quoted to be about 5500 rupees each, amking it a 30K rupees proposal to change the injectors , enough to silence me. But a week back , I had checked up with a general auto parts shop , ie all brands type, here in kolkata and the gentleman told me the price was rs 1900 for a set of four injectors. I find this encouraging enough. However I have not yet gone ahead with the changing as yet.
After I came across this thread, I would like to receive some informed advise from your experience.
Wram regards.

[enigmatictech]

Hi Folks, sorry i haven't been frequent in updating this thread, however i would like to inform you that I had sold my Zen 2 years Back at 120000kms on the odo and looking forward to owning a Diesel sedan some time soon. As far as your fuel injector replacement is concerned. IMHO if its not really giving you too much of a trouble or reliability issues please continue with how it is now. if not the 1900 per injector sounds good. Good Luck with that!

[Optimus7]

Is fuel injector cleaning for a TDCi mill recommended? If so do we need to take the vehicle to a garage or can we use an addictive? Which will be more effective? What about the costs?

[a4anurag]

Originally Posted by Optimus7

Is fuel injector cleaning for a TDCi mill recommended? If so do we need to take the vehicle to a garage or can we use an addictive? Which will be more effective? What about the costs?

I had got my Ritz DDiS engine injector cleaned at 70K Kms. Got this done during the regular 70K service. I was charged Rs 1528.38 for the job.

I found the engine responded a little faster and better to throttle inputs post the cleaning. This is not just a psychological feeling.

MASS says to get this cleaning done every 40K kms which I feel is a little too soon.

Regards,
Anurag.

[FlatOut]

0.15% pure acetone in diesel fuel, or up to 0.5% in a petrol car will yield very good results. I know, I do it all the time! Better fuel consumption, better engine performance, cleaner injectors. It's what does the job in many commercial products.

Steam injection is even more effective for an engine which is gummed up.

[Optimus7]

Originally Posted by a4anurag

I had got my Ritz DDiS engine injector cleaned at 70K Kms. Got this done during the regular 70K service. I was charged Rs 1528.38 for the job.

I found the engine responded a little faster and better to throttle inputs post the cleaning. This is not just a psychological feeling.

MASS says to get this cleaning done every 40K kms which I feel is a little too soon.

Regards,
Anurag.

That's nice to hear, guess its time to get my fuel injector cleaned, the Odo has already touched 70K. I am just wondering whether the FASS guys will do a good job, or if I can get this done from a local mechanic. Anyone know of a good service centre who has the required equipments in chennai?

[sbalagru6]

Bumping old thread...

Anyone has an idea, how much does a set of 4 fuel injectors cost in Bangalore for Ford Ikon 1.6 petrol..

I had the below errors in my ECU, which I cleared it. It has not come back again for last 2~3 days. Still I want to change my injectors to have a peace of mind.

P1131 Ford - Lack of Upstream Heated Oxygen Sensor Switch Sensor Indicates Lean Bank 1

Possible causes
- Faulty Oxygen Sensor
- Vacuum leak affecting bank 1 only
- Fuel injector problem bank 1
- Check for cylinder misfire on bank 1
- Engine mechanical condition

P1132 Ford - Lack of Upstream Heated Oxygen Sensor Switch Bank 1

Possible causes
- Leaking fuel injector bank 1
- EGR stuck open
- Engine mechanical condition

I have problems in my car like Petrol smell inside cabin/High RPM while clutch is pressed... Before going for O2 sensor replacement, I will try my luck with fuel injectors.

[ecosport rules]

Originally Posted by sbalagru6

I had the below errors in my ECU, which I cleared it. It has not come back again for last 2~3 days. Still I want to change my injectors to have a peace of mind.

I have problems in my car like Petrol smell inside cabin/High RPM while clutch is pressed... Before going for O2 sensor replacement, I will try my luck with fuel injectors.

Go to FASS and see what can be done as directly changing the injectors won't solve the issue. Here O2 sensor are also playing havoc.

If you haven't received the error codes after the drive if 2-3 days, I don't think it'll reappear again. If it does then the cause can be found by eliminating each possibility.

Try resetting the battery once. Just a suggestion.

[sgiitk]

I have done a maximum of 70k on my car before selling it. i find two things System G enough once in a few tankfuls and (more important) a good 30-45 minute run on a highway adequate, and no need for these treatments. Also remember Petrol has become far less 'gummy' post BS2/3.

[ecosport rules]

Originally Posted by sgiitk

I have done a maximum of 70k on my car before selling it. i find two things System G enough once in a few tankfuls and (more important) a good 30-45 minute run on a highway adequate, and no need for these treatments. Also remember Petrol has become far less 'gummy' post BS2/3.

Do have you done the fuel injector cleaning ever in your car's 70K kms life? ASC's keep bugging us to get these done, I know it is a money making trick but I feel this could be giving good results over longer period of time.

[sbalagru6]

Originally Posted by ecosport rules

Go to FASS and see what can be done as directly changing the injectors won't solve the issue. Here O2 sensor are also playing havoc.

If you haven't received the error codes after the drive if 2-3 days, I don't think it'll reappear again. If it does then the cause can be found by eliminating each possibility.

Try resetting the battery once. Just a suggestion.

Battery reset done, removed the battery + terminal for 1 hr and connected back. The errors not appeared again for last 4 days.

Any idea about the cost of O2 sensor and 4*fuel injectors?!

[amit_mechengg]

Taking out the injectors and getting them serviced at Bosch or Lucas authorized dealer seems to be a better solution. They change the filter and re-calibrate the spray pattern etc and give us before and after results.
For a petrol injector they charge 1800 rs with filter + o ring changes. This ensures good performance and perfect results.

[sgiitk]

Originally Posted by ecosport rules

Do have you done the fuel injector cleaning ever in your car's 70K kms life? ASC's keep bugging us to get these done, I know it is a money making trick but I feel this could be giving good results over longer period of time.

I had Hyundai charging me for it. Then once I got my Santro serviced outside, and found that extracting the Injectors took an hour. So I guess the HASS was just ripping me off.

On the other Honda advise against this, unless strictly necessary, in fact the GM advised against it since you will abrade and open the jet holes.