I suspect I have an EFI common rail injector that fails to hold pressure and slowly leaks petrol into the manifold when the engine is shut down (and possibly while running). I am interested in why this happens and whether it is fixable.
Do injectors tend to leak because of debris buildup around the pin or mechanical wear can also make it happen? Is it something a good ultrasound clean should fix, or is replacement my only option?
If the engine is completely shut down, then the injector should be closed and there will not be any pressure in the system as the fuel pressure regulator and the pump would be off (although I am assuming there would be some residual pressure in the system). You can check the said injector by taking it out, putting few drops of fuel inside the injector and blowing air through it ( I just used my mouth, was very careful not to swallow the fuel and cleaned my mouth immediately after I was done). A good, working injector should not let fuel out of the nozzle. If you see fuel from the nozzle I guess your only option would be to replace it.
Experts, please correct me if I am wrong here.
Cheers,
Vish
I would start by running though a tank of injector cleaner or seafoam and see if it cleans itself out.
If that doesn't work, you can pull it out and try to clean it with carb cleaner and an air compressor. I THINK you can open an injector with a 9V battery. If not, you may need to rig up something. 12v 1A power brick with a fuse should work.
If that does not work, replace it.
Replace it, too may things can go wrong with an injector, weak spring, pitted pintle seat, shorted solenoid winding's, etc. Its not worth the time to try cleaning it.
