Fuel Line Fix: Spider Injection Made Easy

If you're looking to install a fuel line in your spider injector, you've come to the right place. This process can be tricky, and it's important to be aware of the potential dangers of working with a fuel system. Leaky gasoline can cause fires and explosions, so it's crucial to be cautious. There are a few options to consider when dealing with a faulty spider injector. You could buy a new spider set, purchase a MPFI retrofit system, try replacing individual injectors, or opt for a cheaper fix by cleaning and repairing leaky valves and injectors. If you're confident in your injectors' functionality, you can try resealing the injector with an O-ring kit, ensuring that all parts are in good condition and properly connected.

Diagnose whether the fuel pump or spider injector is causing issues

Diagnosing fuel pump issues can be tricky as many other issues can cause similar symptoms. Some common signs of a faulty fuel pump include a sputtering engine, strange whining sounds from the fuel tank, high engine temperature, and stalling at high temperatures. If you suspect a fuel pump issue, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic.

To diagnose a fuel pump issue, you can start by checking the fuel pressure and volume to ensure enough fuel is reaching the engine. You can also listen for the sound of the fuel pump by placing your ear near the fuel tank while turning the ignition key to the "on" position. If the pump is working, you should hear an audible noise.

Another test involves using a rubber mallet to whack the fuel tank while an assistant cranks the engine. If the vehicle starts during this test, it indicates an issue with the electric motor inside the pump. Additionally, you can use a digital oscilloscope to track voltage signal changes and diagnose automotive issues.

Now, onto the spider injector. Some symptoms of a faulty spider injector include hard starting, long cranks, random stalling, and poor fuel mileage. To diagnose a spider injector issue, you can perform a leak-down test once a month using a pressure gauge.

It is important to note that a thorough diagnosis is required to determine whether the issue lies with the fuel pump or the spider injector. Consulting a certified mechanic is always recommended for accurate diagnosis and repair.

Ensure the fuel metering body has no cracks

It is important to ensure that the fuel metering body has no cracks before installing a spider injector. This is because cracks in the fuel metering body can lead to fuel leaks, which can be dangerous and cause fires or explosions.

To check for cracks in the fuel metering body, start by removing the injector wires and the upper intake manifold. You can then visually inspect the fuel metering body for any signs of cracks or damage. If there are no cracks, you can proceed with the installation of the spider injector.

However, if you do find any cracks in the fuel metering body, it is important to address them before continuing. One possible solution is to use plastic welding with a soldering iron to repair the cracks. This method can be found by searching for it on Google. It is also important to ensure that any black plastic tubing is not cracked or too brittle, as it needs to be able to hold 60 lbs of fuel pressure. If you are unsure, it is recommended to replace the tubing with double-walled plastic gas line tubing, which can be found in many automotive parts stores.

Once the fuel metering body is free of cracks and all components are in good condition, you can proceed with the installation of the spider injector, following the manufacturer's instructions and taking care to properly seat and lock all components, including the poppet nozzles and O-rings.

Check the black plastic tubing for cracks or brittleness

When working with plastic tubing, it is important to check for cracks or brittleness. Cracks can occur in plastic parts in a number of different ways, and while most of these cracks will be partial, complete fractures can occur in some extreme cases.

To check the black plastic tubing for cracks, carefully inspect the surface of the tubing for any signs of fractures. Pay close attention to any black or brown marks, as these could indicate air burns caused by overheating due to trapped air or other gases. If you find any cracks or marks, you may be able to fix them by welding with a soldering iron. However, if the tubing is too brittle, it may need to be replaced.

To prevent cracks in plastic parts, proper care should be taken during the production process. This includes choosing appropriate raw materials, avoiding the mixing of certain plastics, and reducing the dosage of the mold release agent. Additionally, to avoid stress concentration, the outer and inner angles of the plastic part structure should be as circular as possible.

If you need to repair cracked plastic, there are a variety of adhesives available, such as super glue, epoxy, or specialized bonding systems. When repairing, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area and to protect your work surface. You may also need to slightly roughen smooth surfaces to improve the adhesion.

Use a propane torch to check for vacuum hose leaks

While there is no information online about using a propane torch to check for vacuum hose leaks in a spider injector, here is a general guide on how to do so.

First, it is important to note that the propane torch should not be lit during this process. The propane enrichment test is preferred over the carb cleaner test because of the higher level of control you have over the flow of propane gas. You can attach a flexible hose to the nozzle of the propane torch for better control in tight spaces.

With the engine running, point the open end of the hose where you suspect the vacuum leak is located. Listen for a change in the engine's RPM. When the RPM increases, it indicates that propane gas is being drawn into the engine through the vacuum leak. Ensure that you perform this test in a well-ventilated area to prevent excess propane vapours from accumulating.

As an alternative to using a propane torch, you can use water to find a vacuum leak. Spray water over the suspected area, and you will hear it get sucked into the engine through the leak. This method is particularly effective for large vacuum leaks, such as cracks in lines that are difficult to see.

Clean the MAF with a sensor cleaner

To clean the MAF with a sensor cleaner, you will need to first prepare your tools and equipment. In addition to the sensor cleaner, you will need a wrench, flat-nose pliers, and a clean cloth. Ensure that the engine is cooled before you begin to avoid injury during the cleaning process. Consult your owner's manual to locate the MAF sensor, which is usually found above the intake, near the air filter.

Using your wrench and flat-nose pliers, carefully remove the MAF sensor. Before doing so, be sure to unplug the power connector to prevent any risk of electric shock. Once the sensor is removed, place it on a towel and apply the cleaner. Around 10-15 blasts of the cleaner around the inside of the sensor should suffice, along with cleaning the sides, housing, connectors, and terminals. Avoid getting any cleaner on the hot wires or plates if you have a hot wire mass airflow sensor.

After cleaning, allow the sensor to dry. This should only take a few seconds. Once dry, reinstall the sensor by securing it back into place and tightening the clamps and brackets. Wait a few minutes before starting your vehicle to ensure any cleaning chemicals have evaporated. It is recommended to clean the MAF sensor each time you change the air filter as part of your routine maintenance.

If you do not have access to a specialised MAF sensor cleaner, you can use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) as an alternative. Moisten a clean cloth with the alcohol and gently wipe the wires or components of the MAF sensor, allowing it to air dry before reinstalling.

Frequently asked questions