Imagine driving down a long road with your diesel engine thrumming when suddenly, you lose speed and hear a loud pop. It only lasts for a moment, but it’s still disconcerting. This type of engine misfire is less than pleasant on its own, but it also has a link to more severe problems.
Fuel injectors are one of the potential causes of a misfire. If you’re not sure what an engine misfire is, it’s essentially an unfired engine cylinder after full combustion. Fuel injectors can play a significant role in causing misfires, especially when they’re clogged or not functioning fully.
Common Causes of a Fuel Injector Misfire
When you experience a misfire from a faulty fuel injector, the causes generally include the following:
- Clogged or dirty injector tips: Most often, if you blame a fuel injector for a misfire, it’s due to clogged or dirty tips. This problem prevents the air and fuel mixture from entering the engine properly, leading to misfires.
- Stuck open or leaking injectors: When a fuel injector is stuck open, it can dump excessive amounts of fuel into the engine, leading to an imbalance of air and fuel and causing a misfire.
- Stuck closed injectors: If one of your fuel injectors is stuck for any reason, it can result in misfires, as fuel cannot flow into the engine adequately.
- Injector wiring issues: When a fuel injector is wired incorrectly, it can lead to various problems. These include injectors getting stuck (open or closed) or not working as they should. As a result of the secondary problems, this issue can cause misfiring.
How to Diagnose a Fuel Injector Misfire
When trying to determine whether you’re experiencing a misfire from a faulty fuel injector, you can look out for the following signs:
- Rough idling
- Worsening fuel economy
- An illuminated check engine light
- A burnt or unusual smell emanating from the fuel injectors
- Loss of engine power
- Unusual noises, like popping or chuffing
- Engine vibrations, stalling or jerking
- Significant increase in emissions
- Visible leaks from fuel injector tips
This list only features some of the most common symptoms of a misfire from a faulty injector. If your fuel injectors might be to blame for your engine misfires, several potential solutions can help you keep your vehicle running smoothly. You may also consider taking your car for a professional evaluation to confirm your suspicions.
How to Fix and Prevent Injector-Related Misfires
When you experience injector-related misfires, you need to take action to prevent future problems or worsening damage. In the case of a faulty or miswired injector, you will need to repair or replace the affected wires or injectors.
However, if the problem stems from dirty injectors or injectors that are stuck — either open or closed — it may be possible to solve the problem with high-quality fuel and oil additives. Hot Shot’s Secret formulates and tests a complete lineup of products designed to improve your engine’s performance and efficiency.
Diesel Extreme
When you use Diesel Extreme, you gain access to several benefits. This six-in-one premium additive deep cleans the entire fuel system, including the injector nozzles. By removing injector deposits, this product restores the fuel injector spray pattern and improves injection timing.
Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT)
When you utilize Everyday Diesel Treatment (EDT), you can trust that you’ll get the most out of your diesel’s cetane. You’ll also significantly improve the lubricity of your fuel, resulting in better overall performance.
Specifically developed for use with ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), this additive helps to solve many of the inherent problems drivers run into when using ULSD. Our product also contains corrosion inhibitors, fuel stabilizers and water dispersants.
Stiction Eliminator
If you find that your fuel injector spool valves are sticking in an engine equipped with HEUI injectors, try Stiction Eliminator. Specifically in Power Stroke engines, stiction may cause sticky spool valves. Hot Shot’s Secret’s Stiction Eliminator removes varnish, burnt oil and other oil deposits from oil-wetted components.
This product also contains a strong carbon nano lubricant that lubricates all components. The benefits include reduced wear, improved fuel economy and restored power.
Prevent Misfires With Hot Shot’s Secret
Dirty or faulty fuel injectors can cause an engine to misfire. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for your fuel system, you can avoid misfires related to fuel injection.
We recommend Diesel Extreme to help keep your engine clean and support fuel efficiency. Our comprehensive range of products can help fulfill all your engine efficiency needs, so shop EDT and Stiction Eliminator as well.