Check the packaging to be sure the fuel additive you purchase is meant for diesel fuel and is compatible with your engine. If the additive doesn’t indicate that it’s for diesel engines, check the packaging to see if your engine type or vehicle model is listed. A few popular fuel additives that will keep your injectors clean are Stanadyne Performance Formula One Shot and Lucas Fuel Treatment. Both can be found at your local auto parts store or online.
Keep the engine off and remove the key from the ignition.
You may have to open a hatch to get to the gas cap, and some vehicles require you to pull a lever near the driver’s seat to release the hatch.
You may need to use a funnel to pour the additive into the tank.
You can drive the vehicle around or just let it idle for 10 minutes. For convenience, you can add the fuel injector cleaner while you’re at the gas pump and then fill the tank with diesel.
Make sure the kit is compatible with your engine by checking the packaging or looking online before you purchase. Check the kit’s details to see if your engine type or vehicle model is listed as a compatible engine it can be used on. You may need to purchase additional connectors or adapters, so make sure you have all the necessary parts that you need.
It doesn’t matter how much fuel is in the tank. Remove the keys from the ignition to keep the battery from sending power to the engine, which could potentially shock you.
If you’re working on a car, keep the hatch covering the fuel cap open and remove the cap.
If your fuse box does not have a diagram, look through the owner’s manual to locate the fuse.
You should hear the “click” of the starter trying to start the engine.
Check the instructions on the cleaning kit to make sure the proper air pressure is flowing into the kit. If there’s too much, you can adjust the flow on the cleaning kit by turning the dial.
Don’t drive the vehicle around while it’s burning the solvent to clean the injectors. Just let it idle until the engine dies.
The engine will begin to use the fuel in your tank, rather than the fuel in the cleaning kit. If you had fuel in the tank before, you don’t need to add more. Everything in the engine should be back the way it was before you connected the cleaning kit.
If your engine continues to stutter and produce smoke after you use the cleaning kit, clogged fuel injectors might not be your main problem. You may need to take the vehicle to a mechanic for a full inspection.
