Questions and Answers
Nissan Injector Cleaning
Q. Dear Vince: What do professional mechanics (in this case, the Nissan dealership) do when they "clean" your fuel injectors? This was recommended at my last oil change and I'm curious if I can do this myself with something bought at an auto parts store.
Thanks.
A. Nissan has a special machine that they use to do injector cleaning. Basically it replaces the cars fuel system> there is a bypass to reroute the cars fuel back to the tank and the machine has it's own fuel pump. We use a special cleaner that Nissan provides and it is mixed with gas to provide the proper mixture. There's a tank on the side of the machine that has two lines, fill to the first with gas and the second with cleaner. The machine is started and the engine is started and runs at about 1500 rpm. It takes about 15 minutes to run out the mixture. The cleaner is very strong and does an excellent job of cleaning the injectors but there is a down side. You can only do this three times over the life of the injector. After the third time, the injectors must be replaced.
You can buy an injector cleaning kit at most auto parts stores and do it yourself. The kit basically consists of a pressurized can of cleaner and the hoses and fittings to connect it to the fuel system. They do a good job but, in my opinion, it is more of a maintenance thing than a cure for a problem.
When you get the kit make sure you read and follow the instructions to the letter!!! Fuel is under high pressure and if you're not careful, fire or personal injury can result.
