Finding Fuel Injectors In A Tbi 350 Engine

where are fuel injectors on tbi 350

The fuel injectors on a TBI 350 engine are located on the throttle body, which is part of the fuel system. The TBI, or throttle body injection, system is a type of fuel injection system commonly used in older vehicles, such as the Chevy Impala SS and Chevy C1500. The fuel injectors on a TBI 350 engine are responsible for delivering fuel to the engine, and issues with these injectors can result in poor engine performance or difficulty starting the vehicle.

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Fuel injectors not firing

If your fuel injectors are not firing, there are several potential causes and solutions to consider.

First, it is important to determine if the issue is electrical or fuel-related. You can use a test light or noid light on the injector connectors to check if they are receiving power and being pulsed. If the injectors are not receiving power, it could be due to a faulty ignition module or a problem with the wiring. Check that the wiring is intact and connected properly. If the injectors are receiving power but not firing, it may be due to a clog, a pinched fuel line, or a plugged fuel filter.

If your vehicle has been sitting idle for a long period, it may be necessary to replace the injectors or refurbish them. Over time, injectors can become clogged or damaged, affecting their performance. In some cases, cleaning the injectors may be sufficient to resolve the issue. This can be done using an ultrasonic cleaner or a fuel system cleaning service, although the former is generally more effective.

If the fuel is not reaching the throttle body, it could be due to a faulty fuel pressure regulator or a clog in the fuel line. Ensure that the fuel pressure regulator is functioning correctly and that the fuel lines are clear of any blockages.

In some cases, issues with the distributor or the crank positioning sensor may be the cause of the fuel injectors not firing. The distributor provides a signal to the computer, which then triggers the injectors. If the distributor is faulty or not functioning correctly, it may need to be replaced or adjusted.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the correct injectors are being used for your specific engine size. Different engine sizes require different flow rates, and using the wrong injectors can lead to performance issues.

Finally, if you are unsure of the cause or how to proceed, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic or a specialist fuel injector servicing facility. They will have the knowledge and equipment to diagnose and resolve the issue correctly.

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Fuel not reaching injectors

If your TBI 350 engine is experiencing issues with fuel not reaching the injectors, there are several potential causes and troubleshooting steps you can take to identify and resolve the problem.

Firstly, it is important to ensure that the fuel system is functioning properly. Check the fuel pump to make sure it is operational. You should be able to hear the fuel pump turning on when you turn the key to the accessories slot. If the fuel pump is working, the next step is to verify that fuel is reaching the injectors. In some cases, the fuel may flow up to the injectors but not past them into the throttle body. This could be due to clogged injectors, a pinched fuel line, or a plugged fuel filter. It is recommended to check the fuel filter and replace it if necessary. Additionally, ensure that the fuel pressure regulator is functioning correctly.

If the fuel system appears to be in order, the issue may lie with the ignition system. The ignition module plays a crucial role in controlling the firing of the injectors. Check the ignition module and consider replacing it if it is faulty. The crank positioning sensor is another potential culprit, as it tells the computer when to start firing the injectors. You can try using a test light or a noid light on the injector connectors to determine if they are receiving power and firing correctly.

In some instances, the distributor may be the cause of the issue. However, since the engine is running, it is less likely to be the distributor itself. Nonetheless, it is worth verifying that the distributor is functioning properly and providing the necessary signals to the ECM (Engine Control Module) for injector firing.

It is also recommended to refer to the service manuals for your specific vehicle, as they provide flow charts and troubleshooting steps for diagnosing a "crank no start" condition. By following these steps and checking the fuel and ignition systems, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue of fuel not reaching the injectors in your TBI 350 engine.

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Injector flow rate

The flow rate of a fuel injector is the amount of fuel that can pass through it per unit of time. It is typically measured in pounds per minute or pounds per hour. TBI injector flow rates can vary depending on the engine size and type.

For example, a 2.8L or 3.1L engine typically has a flow rate of 33#/hr, while a 4.3L engine has a flow rate of 40-45#/hr. A 5.0L engine will have a flow rate of around 45#/hr, and a 5.7L engine will have a flow rate of 55-65#/hr. A 7.4L engine will have the highest flow rate, at 75-90#/hr.

It is important to have the correct flow rate for your vehicle, as having the wrong flow rate can cause issues with the engine's performance and fuel distribution. For instance, if the flow rate is too low, the engine may run lean, which can lead to problems with the engine firing and cause "lean trouble codes". On the other hand, if the flow rate is too high, it can cause the fuel pressure to increase above the set point.

There are ways to adjust the fuel flow without changing to a higher or lower flow rate injector. One way is to increase the fuel pressure, which will increase the flow rate. Another way is to reprogram the computer to keep the injector on for a longer period, increasing the overall fuel flow.

Some people choose to service their injectors at home using an ultrasonic cleaner, while others opt for a professional service.

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Injector servicing options

Professional Injector Servicing:

  • Specialist Businesses: You can send your injectors to specialist businesses that offer fuel injector cleaning and reconditioning services. One such business is injector-rehab.com/shop/service.html, which charges around $20 per injector. Cruzinperformance.com is another option that has been recommended by some users for its thoroughness.
  • Local Mechanics: Taking your vehicle to a local mechanic is another option. They may offer cleaning services for your injectors, but some users have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these services, suggesting that they may not provide a thorough clean. This option typically costs more, with estimates ranging from $120 to $140.

DIY Injector Servicing:

  • Ultrasonic Cleaner: If you prefer to service your injectors yourself, one method is to use an ultrasonic cleaner. You can purchase one for around $30 and build a setup to flush the injectors. This process can be slow but has been reported to be effective.
  • Seafoam: Another DIY method is to fill your fuel filter halfway with seafoam. This can be done when changing the fuel filter, and it may help improve engine performance. However, it might cause the engine to run a little rough initially before smoothing out.

Injector Replacement:

  • New Injectors: If servicing is not sufficient, you may need to replace your injectors. New injectors can be expensive, with prices ranging from $200 per injector or more.
  • Used Injectors: An alternative to new injectors is to source used injectors from junkyards or online. Used injectors can be significantly cheaper, but it's important to ensure they are compatible with your vehicle.

It is important to note that incorrect injector installation or servicing can lead to issues such as lean or rich trouble codes, as the ECM may not be able to adjust the fueling properly. Therefore, it is crucial to have a good understanding of the system or consult a professional if you are unsure.

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Fuel injector identification

Fuel injectors are identified by their colour, flow rate, and part number.

Identifying Fuel Injectors

The following information can be used to identify fuel injectors for a TBI 350 engine.

White/Green

These injectors have a flow rate of 50pph (overrated at 55pph) and are used in 5.0L/305 cars and trucks. The part number is 5235279.

Orange/Black

These injectors have a flow rate of 61pph and are used in 5.7L/350 cars and trucks. The part number is 5235206.

Yellow/Brown

These injectors have a flow rate of 65pph and are used in the 5.7L/350 Police Package. The part number is 17084327.

Red/Blue

These injectors have a flow rate of 80pph and are used in 7.4L/454 engines from 88-90. The part number is 5235231.

Black/Blue

These injectors have a flow rate of 74pph and are used in 7.4L/454 engines from 91-93. The part number is 17084304.

Pink/Purple

These injectors have a flow rate of 46pph at 13psi and are used in 7.4L/454 engines from 94-95. The part number is 17104288.

Black/White

These injectors have a flow rate of 33pph and are used in 2.8L trucks. The part number is GM5235430.

Yellow/Blue

These injectors have a flow rate of 45pph and are used in 4.3L engines. The part number is GM5235203.

Green/White

These injectors have a flow rate of 40 lb/hr and are used in 5.0L engines. The part number is GM5235279.

Orange/Black

These injectors have a flow rate of 55 lb/hr and are used in 5.7L pickups. The part number is GM5235206.

Yellow/Brown

These injectors have a flow rate of 65 lb/hr and are used in 5.7L cop cars. The part number is 17084327-ACR.

Blue/Black

These injectors have a flow rate of 80 lb/hr and are used in late big block pickups with 7.4L engines. The part number is GM1708430.

Dark Red/Dark Blue

These injectors have a flow rate of 90 lb/hr and are used in big block pickups with 7.4L engines. The part number is GM5235231.

Other Considerations

It is important to note that the actual flow rate of these injectors can vary by more than 10% throughout production, so these numbers are approximate. Additionally, some engines used multiple injectors with different flow rates.

It is also worth noting that the 350 TBI engine was used in a variety of vehicles, including the Chevy Impala SS, the 1995 Chevy G30, and the 1988 K5.

Frequently asked questions

The fuel injectors on a TBI 350 are located before the throttle body.

If you have the wrong injectors installed, you may get a lean or rich trouble code as the ECM will be unable to adjust the fueling properly.

You can change the fuel injectors on a TBI 350 by sending them out to be cleaned and flow-matched, or by replacing them with new injectors.

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