Regan Brown
Fuel injectors are responsible for spraying the right amount of fuel into a vehicle's engine at the right time and angle. Clogged or dirty fuel injectors can affect a vehicle's performance and even prevent it from starting. The process of cleaning a fuel injector depends on whether the vehicle is diesel or petrol-powered. For Deloreans, the fuel tank can be cleaned without removing it. The process involves using a solvent like B12 or acetone to clean the tank, followed by installing the fuel injectors and observing the spray pattern. It is important to flush the solvent out of the injectors with fresh gas to avoid damaging internal rubber parts. Dedicated testing equipment is required to check for issues with the spray pattern, as petrol vapours need to be controlled inside a special chamber.
Table: Characteristics and Values of Cleaning DeLorean Fuel Injectors
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to clean | When the vehicle's performance is affected, e.g. stalling, misfiring, or not starting |
| Frequency of cleaning | No set schedule; clean when clogged or dirty injectors cause decreased performance |
| Testing equipment | Dedicated testing equipment to check spray pattern; onboard diagnostic tool (OBD) to check fuel system pressure |
| Engine state | Cold |
| Injector location | Inlet manifold |
| Procedure | Disconnect pipework, test, clean, and flush with fresh gas to remove solvent |
| Fuel | B12, Acetone, Simple Green, or Carb Cleaner |
| Notes | Pulling the tank is not necessary for cleaning; replace rubber seals, copper washers, and soft/swollen rubber hoses |
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What You'll Learn
Use acetone to wipe the inside of the tank
When cleaning a DeLorean fuel tank, it is important to first drain the tank of old fuel. This can be done by purchasing an electric fuel pump and pumping the old gas into gas cans. Alternatively, if you have a working pump and are happy with the condition of the fuel, you can disconnect hose number 23 from the metering head and put the hose end into a jerry can. Disconnect the RPM relay and use a jumper wire to connect the diagonal pins on the plug (brown to white/purple). The car will then drain itself.
Once the tank is empty, use shop rags or heavy-duty paper towels to soak up any residual gas left in the tank. Next, it's time to wipe down the inside of the tank with acetone. Put on gloves and eye protection, and ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Using a rag, wipe down the inside of the tank with acetone, repeating the process several times until the rag wipes up clean.
Acetone is a strong chemical, so it is important to take breaks every 10 minutes for safety. It is also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher nearby as a precaution. If your tank is particularly dirty, you may want to use a scrub pad along with the acetone to help remove stubborn stains and bits of fibre.
After wiping down the inside of the tank with acetone, you can move on to the next step of cleaning the fuel injectors and lines. It is recommended to send off the injectors for professional cleaning if you want them cleaned inside and out. However, if you are just looking to clean the outside of the injectors, you can use a product like Simple Green.
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Flush the lines and metering unit
Flushing the lines and metering unit is a crucial step in cleaning the fuel system of a DeLorean. This process ensures that any contaminants or old fuel are removed from the system, preventing potential damage to the engine and fuel distributor. Here's a detailed guide on how to flush the lines and metering unit:
First, it is important to assess the condition of the fuel tank and lines. If the car has been sitting for an extended period, the fuel may have evaporated or been used up, leaving only a small amount of sediment at the bottom of the tank. In such cases, simply wiping the inside of the tank with Acetone can be sufficient. Acetone effectively cleans the tank, ensuring that any remaining fuel or residue is removed.
Next, prepare a solution of B12, a fuel system cleaner, in the tank. Run the pump to circulate the B12 throughout the system, including past the accumulator, through the fuel filter, and to the mixture unit. This process will help clean the various components of the fuel system. Ensure that you do not leave B12 in the system for too long, as it can damage internal rubber parts.
After circulating the B12, remove the fuel injectors and push down on the air sensor plate. This action will force the B12 out of the lines going to the injectors. It is crucial to flush the B12 out of the injectors with fresh gas to prevent any potential damage to rubber components. Once the B12 is out, install the fuel injectors back and observe the fuel spray patterns.
If the fuel injectors require further cleaning or testing, specialised equipment is needed. An injector cleaner/tester can assess the spray pattern and opening pressure of the injectors. This step is essential to ensure optimal fuel delivery and engine performance. Additionally, consider replacing any deteriorated parts in the tank, such as the fuel filter and accumulator.
Finally, reassemble the fuel system by reattaching the fuel lines and replacing any necessary components, such as copper washers and rubber hoses. This process will ensure that the fuel system is clean and functioning correctly, providing optimal performance for your DeLorean.
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Check the spray pattern with a dedicated testing machine
To check the spray pattern, you will need a dedicated testing machine. This is because petrol is highly flammable and its vapours need to be controlled inside a special chamber. The testing machine will allow you to see the spray pattern and determine whether there is an issue with the supply of fuel to the engine, and that it is emerging at the correct angle. This can be a matter of microns to get right.
The spray pattern is important because fuel injectors have the critical job of spraying the right amount of fuel, at the right time, and at the right angle into the vehicle engine. The process is controlled by the vehicle’s ECU, which uses information gathered from all the sensors inside the engine to determine when and how to spray in fuel to keep the combustion process going as efficiently as possible.
You can easily see if the spray pattern is good. If it is bad, you will see squirting jets of spray instead of the liquid being atomised into a cloud. The dedicated testing machine will also check the opening pressure.
All of the Delorean vendors have at least one of these machines, and any shop that works on Volvos should also have one.
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Remove the fuel injectors and flush with fresh gas
To clean the fuel injectors of a DeLorean, you will first need to remove them from the vehicle. This can be done by unlocking the clips that hold the injectors in their seats and unscrewing the banjo bolts on top of the injectors. Once the injectors have been removed, you can flush them with fresh gas to remove any remaining B12 or other solvents.
It is important to note that you should never use anything containing silicone to clean the rubber covering of the fuel injectors, as it can damage the internal rubber parts. Instead, a product called Simple Green is recommended for cleaning the hoses. Additionally, if the rubber seals on the injectors are no longer rubbery, they should be replaced.
- Obtain fresh gasoline and pour it into a clean container.
- Submerge the fuel injectors in the gasoline, ensuring that all openings are fully covered.
- Allow the fuel injectors to soak for a few minutes, then remove them from the gasoline.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any remaining residue from the fuel injectors.
- Reinstall the fuel injectors in the vehicle, following the reverse of the removal process.
It is worth noting that some sources suggest sending the fuel injectors to a specialist for cleaning and testing, as it can be a complex process. However, if you choose to clean them yourself, it is crucial to take the necessary safety precautions and follow the correct procedures for your specific vehicle.
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Replace the fuel filter and accumulator
Once you have cleaned the fuel injectors, you can install them and see what the patterns look like with fuel. When you have them all spraying, you can replace the fuel filter and, if necessary, the accumulator.
The accumulator is an important part of the fuel system. It is a small, cylindrical device that is responsible for maintaining the pressure in the fuel system. It also helps to smooth out any pulses in the fuel delivery, ensuring a consistent flow of fuel to the engine.
To replace the fuel filter and accumulator, you will need to locate them in the fuel system. The accumulator is usually located near the fuel filter, so you should be able to find them together. There are a few different types of fuel filters, but they are typically cylindrical or oval-shaped. The accumulator is a smaller version of the fuel filter.
Before you begin, make sure you have the correct replacement parts. You can purchase these from an auto parts store or online. It is important to get the right parts for your specific vehicle, so be sure to have the make, model, and year of your DeLorean handy when purchasing the replacement parts.
To replace the fuel filter and accumulator, you will need to disconnect the fuel lines that lead to and from them. This will involve loosening or removing clamps or hoses. Be careful not to spill any fuel during this process and have a rag or towel handy to catch any drips. Once the fuel lines are disconnected, you can remove the old fuel filter and accumulator. Install the new ones in their place, ensuring that they are secure and properly connected to the fuel lines.
Finally, you will need to refill the fuel system with fresh fuel. This will help to flush out any remaining B12 or cleaning solution and ensure that your vehicle is ready to start.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few methods to clean your DeLorean's fuel injectors. One way is to use an injector cleaner/tester, which can be purchased from a DeLorean vendor. Another method is to send them off to be cleaned professionally. If you are cleaning the tank, you can use acetone or B12 to clean it, and then run the pump to circulate the B12. It is extremely important to flush the solvent out of the injectors with fresh gas when you are done.
If your fuel injectors need to be cleaned, it will be evident from the vehicle's performance. This could include a stalling or misfiring engine, or the vehicle not starting at all.
It is not necessary to pull the tank to clean it. However, if you do need to pull the tank, undo everything on top, remove the bottom plate, and stand on the tank to get it loose. Once it starts to move, use a 2x4 to lever it out.
