How To Clean Nissan Fuel Injectors

by Tabitha DeptulaUpdated July 12, 2023
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Until the 1980s, the most popular method of fuel delivery for Nissan was the carburetor. Then came the design of fuel injection. Nissan originally had a specific line of fuel injectors built only for Nissan vehicles, but now you can buy fuel injectors for your Nissan through a variety of manufacturers. Fuel injectors provide a direct flow of the proper ration of gas to air. Fuel injectors push gas through small nozzles at relatively high pressure. When fuel injectors become clogged or dirty, engine performance, gas mileage and emissions control are all affected. Although fuel injectors are not nearly as easy to clean as a carburetor, you can still clean them without the help of a mechanic.

1. Purchase a bottle of fuel injector cleaner

Purchase a bottle of fuel injector cleaner such as Rislone, Redline, Lucas Fuel Injector Cleaner or Sea Foam. Fuel injector cleaners can extend the life of your injectors, make your car run more smoothly and reduce emissions.

2. Fill up your gas tank, then add a bottle of fuel injector cleaner

Fill up your gas tank, then add a bottle of fuel injector cleaner designed for use in your tank (if you're using Sea Foam, skip to Step 4). You need a full tank because the cleaning solution is designed to mix in appropriate ratios, and too little gas in your tank can make the solution too strong.

3. Add 3 ounces of formula for every 10 gallons of gas

Add 3 ounces of formula for every 10 gallons of gas. One bottle can treat up to 25 gallons of gasoline. The formula will mix in your tank, and you should begin to see results in as little as a few days.

4. Move your car to a well-ventilated area

Move your car to a well-ventilated area. To use a fuel injector cleaner such as Sea Foam, you will need to locate the vacuum line for your car -- a black rubber hose coming out of the intake manifold. Ask your mechanic or look for an online diagram of your engine if you are unsure where your vacuum line is. Unhook your vacuum line.

5. Turn your engine on

Turn your engine on. Fill a cup with about 5 ounces of Sea Foam and slowly insert the hose into the cup, creating a vacuum-like effect. The hose will suck up the Sea Foam. Plug the vacuum line back into the intake manifold. Turn off your engine and let the Nissan sit for at least 20 minutes.

6. Put the rest of the Sea Foam in the gas tank and a few ounces in the oil

Put the rest of the Sea Foam in the gas tank and a few ounces in the oil. Expect to see smoke when you start the Nissan. You will need to change your oil within 100 miles.

7. Visit your favorite mechanic if the fuel injector cleaner doesn't work satisfactorily

Visit your favorite mechanic if the fuel injector cleaner doesn't work satisfactorily. Your mechanic will use a special tool/pump to perform a fuel injector and rail flush. If this procedure doesn't fix the problem, you most likely will have to replace your fuel injectors.

Video: How To Test And Clean Fuel Injectors At Home

Comments on this video:

  • Yes! I needed to see this. I've got my E39 all torn apart and wanted to give the oil soaked injectors a thorough cleaning before it goes back together.
  • I followed the directions, connected one lead to each nut and my injector is shooting 3x as far!

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