Fuel injector cleaning

Chris English · Dec 6, 2016

I'm looking for opinions on what to do on my 96 f350 460 Ford dump truck. This old girl is my preservation project and is maybe used monthly. It starts and runs well when cold but seems like it has junk in its throat once it warms up unless I'm getting on the throttle. I did plugs and wires a while ago but didn't replace the cap,rotor or coil. It seemed better for a while but has developed the same issue again. I did replace a broken plug so I'm curious if the others may be cracked also. So besides ignition I wondered if getting the the injectors flushed would be beneficial as well. It $70.00 at Valvoline or would a treatment of seafoam be beneficial?

Bob Harvey · Dec 6, 2016

My local mechanic has recommended Seafoam. I think it is probably 'snake oil', but it seemed to clear up a minor miss. It's cheap and worth a try. HTH

DENNIS MIN · Dec 6, 2016

Chris,

I don't buy into the cleaning of a fuel injector that has gasoline spraying through it. Unpredictable, works and then doesn't, points elsewhere in my book.

Let's say it was clogged with something, well if it was dissolvable, gas would have a good chance of washing it clean, especially when the injector is in the "manifold" versus the compression chamber.

On the other hand, improper pressure, solid material plugging it, quality, and supply will definitely impact the performance.

My opinion only,

D.

MikeinKy · Dec 6, 2016

I have a friend that thinks seafoam can fix anything but a broken heart. I use quite a bit myself. It helps a lot of problems. It really helps small engines that don't get used a lot.

CAROGATOR · Dec 6, 2016

Go to www.motorkote.com and read about their products. I believe you will find just what you need. I personally use their products.

Hobo,NC · Dec 6, 2016

I am gunna answer one question

"So besides ignition I wondered if getting the the injectors flushed would be beneficial as well. It $70.00 at Valvoline or would a treatment of seafoam be beneficial?"

Yes and no... You can do it your self run the tank low are less than a 1/2 tank should do it and pour a bottle of Chevron Techron constraint in it run it 100 miles before you refuel it if you can. If it runs worst add 5gal of fuel... It may take two times to clean it up..

I would add BG K44 its 100% Techron not a milked down constraint..

That's all you can do if its a injector issue the injectors will have to come out... The good you will be cleaning deposits off the valves and the top of the pistons...

The bad, two Techron cleanings are two BG if you can find it. Even if you go for the wallet flush place that's it are you will contaminant the motor OIL... I did not make that up it use to be on the cleaner can/bottle...

If you go for Techron I said CONSTRAINT they sale a weaker version its does not say constraint...

Techron is the king of the hill bar none... It just depends on how you buy and use it :wink:

Sprint 6 · Dec 6, 2016

I would be checking fuel pressure on both tanks before anything. Most driveability problems on the style of Ford management system can be traced to incorrect fuel pressure. I just had a 94 in the shop with the 300 doing the same, doggy and sputtered part throttle, ran fine if you leaned on it. Fuel pressure was 10-15 psi low. New pump and it ran awesome.

Steve@Advance · Dec 6, 2016

I would do some more investigating before blaming the injectors.

Are there any codes?

Might take a plug reading, see if any look different, could be a clue as ti why it is running rough.

Some other things to look for, vacuum leaks, especially on the underside of the PCV hose, brake booster hose. Be sure the throttle plate is closing fully and not carboned up. Be sure the EGR valve is closing fully.

Any exhaust leaks? That will have minimal effect on the running, but will make it sound rough. Those are notorious for manifold bolts breaking and leaking manifold gaskets.

Texasmark1 · Dec 7, 2016

Sea Foam has done a great job for me in gas engines. Even though it's can says it's for Diesels too, I use Power Services (Snake Oil) for that and it works too. Definitely have seen stellar results using chemical cleaners rather than disturbing everything and opening things up for cleaning.

4play · Dec 8, 2016

That truck is new enough to have deposit resistant injectors, thats not to say they can still get dirty, just not as likely to happen. Most of the time dirty injectors will have a rough idle accompanied with a stumble on accel and possible hard to start cold. If it runs rough or hesitates when the engine is warmed up I would look at other things first, like sensor readings (temp sensors, oxygen etc), vacuum lines and gaskets for a vacuum leak.

If injectors get to the point that they are dirty and need to be cleaned you have probably passed the point of "fix it in a can". I have flushed injectors on many vehicles with good results using a machine that hooks to the fuel rail using specific chemicals for that purpose. If I tried anything in a can I would look for a product made by BG, it is called "44k". If you can't find that then maybe run a few bottles of Chevron w/Techron. Seafoam can work to an extent but its a little more universal or milder, I consider it as more of a preventative cleaner.

Determined · Dec 8, 2016

Could be something as simple as a bad thermostat or coolant temp sensor.
Proper computer fuel management relies on knowing if the engine has reached operating temperature.

Fuel injector cleaning

Chris English

Member

Bob Harvey

Well-known Member

DENNIS MIN

Member

MikeinKy

Well-known Member

CAROGATOR

Member

Hobo,NC

Well-known Member

Sprint 6

Well-known Member

Steve@Advance

Well-known Member

Texasmark1

Well-known Member

4play

Well-known Member

Determined

Well-known Member

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