1. Fuel Evaporation and Residue: When a vehicle is left unused for a long time, the fuel in the injectors tends to evaporate, leaving behind residues and gum-like substances. These residues can clog the injector nozzles, preventing proper fuel delivery.
2. Injector Sticking: The leftover fuel and residue may cause the injector pintle or needle valve to stick. This prevents them from opening and closing properly, disrupting the regular fuel flow.
3. Incomplete Combustion: As a result of insufficient or inconsistent fuel delivery, the engine's combustion process is affected. The misfiring occurs because the fuel doesn't reach the combustion chamber in the right quantity or at the right time.
Resolving the issue of misfiring due to gummed-up injectors involves a few steps:
- Fuel System Cleaning: Use a fuel system cleaner additive along with fresh fuel. These additives contain detergents that can help dissolve the deposits and restore the injector functionality.
- Injector Removal and Cleaning: In some cases, the deposits may be too stubborn and require professional cleaning. This involves removing the injectors and sending them to a specialized injector cleaning service or using specific injector cleaning equipment to clean them thoroughly.
- Injector Replacement: If the injectors are severely damaged or beyond cleaning, they may need to be replaced.
It's advisable to periodically run your vehicle or keep it in regular maintenance, even if it is not driven frequently. This can help prevent the fuel system from developing such issues and contribute to the overall longevity of the engine.
