Cleaning fuel injectors

[mandomac]

Folks

Got a L-reg C180 Elegance Auto (95K) with a major problem at the mo.

Started loosing power a bit, worse under load (hills) a couple of months back. Also stuttering when moving off.

Changed air filter straight away - no change, also inspected plugs - the right colour.

I've just changed the fuel filter and the plugs and inspected, yet again, for obvious vacuum leaks. For about a minute after starting it with new plugs (it took a long time to start though) it ran sweet.

Things have now degraded to the point where the engine is really tough to start, vibrates like mad when running, sounds like a diesel, stutters, hunts, misfires, backfires, cuts out in gear, etc. One of the plugs that came out was covered in black crap.

I'm suspecting blocked fuel injectors (Haynes troubleshooting guide). Job doesn't look too bad for a guy without a garage but the question is...

How do I go about cleaning the injectors once they're out?

My mind is thinking somehow squirt air (tube and foot pump) the wrong way through the injector while applying 12V to open it up.

What do you lot think?

Cheers

Andy

PS I know this sounds odd but I don't have an Air Mass Meter. It's not there, just a simple extension from the air filter box.

 

[Ian B Walker]

Why not get a couple of cans / bottles of injector cleaner and chuck them in the fuel tank first? Saves a lot of trouble removing the injectors when probably they dont need it. Bit concerned with the black crud you mention though. Anyone?

Oh and welcome to the club :bannana:

 

[mandomac]

Hi Ian

Yes did that this afternoon, but as the car is pretty much undriveable it'll take a while for this to work itself through.

Cheers

Andy

 

[Dieselman]

Check you have a good spark to each of the plugs, pay attention to the leads and distributor cap.

You can easily check the injectors by pulling them out and facing them into a bottle or can. Have someone turn the engine over and watch the spray pattern.

Your method of cleaning the injectors will work, just use a garden sprayer and some white spirit. Force through in the normal operating direction so dirt is expelled from the injector.

I don't think the problem is fuel related at all.

Just my 2p.