The Basics of an Engine’s Fuel Injector System

An impressive combination of moving parts, fuels, oils, and other materials helps keep your vehicle running. Typically, if one part of this system starts to fail or fall apart, the rest of the engine will begin to experience issues. Among the vital components of an engine are the fuel injectors that help dispense the gasoline that keeps things in motion. Explore the basics of an engine’s fuel injector system to gain a better understanding of what this system is and how it all works.

What Are Fuel Injectors?

Fuel injectors are small valves located inside the engine. Most engines typically have one injector per cylinder, meaning a six-cylinder vehicle will normally have six fuel injectors. These fuel injectors open and close several times per second based on the readings provided by electronic sensors in your engine, and they release the fuel that keeps the engine running.

What Do They Do?

As briefly mentioned above, the basic function of an engine’s fuel injector system is to release small bursts of gasoline into the engine. This pressurized fuel comes out through a small nozzle in a mist form that the engine can burn quickly and more efficiently.

This fuel mist combines with oxygen to create the air-fuel mixture that moves through an engine’s combustion chamber and helps keep the vehicle in motion. The amount of fuel that comes out depends on how long the injector stays open. And the length of time that the system sprays out this mist is known as the pulse width, which is a helpful measurement that determines how much power the engine is using.

Why Are Fuel Injectors Important?

A vehicle won’t go very far without properly working fuel injectors. There are several signs that fuel injectors are no longer functional and need replacing, such as engine misfires or a sudden loss in fuel efficiency. While the vehicle may still run with off-timed injectors, this can lead to more damage and become very expensive to repair. Making sure all fuel injectors are in working order ensures that the car stays running, and proper maintenance can prevent many potential problems down the road.