Even for the lightest vehicles, a reliable fuel injector cleaning kit is an essential component of the care package. A fuel injector system is used to inject fuel into car. However, various factors including accumulation of dirt can render it unreliable. And while professional cleaning will get the job done, it is also quite pricey. This is where fuel injector cleaning kits come in. It eliminates the need to take apart the fuel injector system. You will however need a little technical knowledge to connect the unit safely and properly. Before we look at the top 10 fuel injector cleaning kits, let’s understand what factors you should consider during your purchase.
How to buy a fuel injector cleaning kit
What’s your skill set?
You probably have a little mechanical knowledge if you are going to the trouble of shopping for a fuel injector cleaning kit. But if your knowledge doesn’t extend to tinkering with an actual engine, you will be better off with a kit that doesn’t require taking injectors apart to clean. A professional grade kit with a pressure gauge and cleaning tool will prove a worthy investment if you love DIY projects. The gauge helps determine whether the problem can be saved by cleaning alone. It also indicates where to place the O-ring filters and seals.
Adapters and fittings
Your money will be better invested if you purchase a unit that comes with a unit that is universal or has adapters because not all vehicles are the same. Some cleaning kits will connect better with foreign vehicles, others with domestic vehicles and others with both domestic and foreign vehicles. Purchase one that best meets your needs.
How much workspace do you have?
You will have a hard time disassembling, cleaning and putting parts together of you work in a cramped or shared garage. A cleaner based kit that allows one to clean around the engine without taking parts out will prove invaluable in such a case. Plenty of room to work means that you can buy a cleaner that gets the job done more thoroughly.
Brand
There are tens of brands on the market offering fuel injector cleaning kits and this may make the process of selecting a cleaner confusing. Looking at consumer reviews is one way to determine the level of performance of a product and whether it’s worth buying. Such reviews are honest confessions about experiences with specific products and they provide a good insight to features as well as reliability.
Best Fuel Injector Cleaning Kits Reviewed for 2021
Royal Purple 18000 Max Atomizer Fuel Injector Cleaner
One of America’s best loved brands for oil products, Royal Purple is a Texas based company that’s been around for about 200 years. They produce high quality lubricants. One such product that we rate is the Royal Purple Max Clean. It helps to eliminate stalling and slow / hesitant take off from a standing start and improves your car’s fuel economy, saving you money in the long run. It’s certainly one of the best fuel system cleaner and stabilizer on the market today.
OTC 7649 Fuel Injector Cleaning Kit
This cleaning kit is designed to solve a number of issues relating to the fuel injector. It works on most domestic and foreign engines, helping restore the perfect injector sprays to ensure optimum performance. This kit allows you to do both low and high pressure feel system analysis. You can utilize the pressurized air supply to do more powerful cleaning and eliminate the need for propellants, which aren’t cheap. Using the kit with fitting number 7904A and 7666 D-Karbonizer 4 fluid goes a long way towards helping remove carbon from intake and combustion systems. The OTC 7649 comes with several components including a hose, canister, fittings, gauge and instruction manual.
Pros
• Adapters make operation fast and easy
• Great for clogged up fuel injectors, fuel passages and intake valves
• Superior cleaning to aerosol methods
Cons
• Cleaners and replacement parts will cost you extra cash
• Quite expensive
3M 08836 Universal Fuel Injector Kit
This kit is constructed using high tech and durable materials that provide lasting value at an affordable cost. It comes with an injector cleaner long hose, can hanger, as well as a gauge regulator. The kit has a universal nature that makes it possible to use with almost any engine. It does a good job of removing carbon accumulation when used with the right fluid, thus reconditioning the engine to an optimum performance level. You will need to purchase at least one adapter for the horse end, which is required to depress the Schrader valve.
Pros
• Good for carbon removal
• Easy to use
• Affordable
Cons
• Lacks adapters
• Expensive
SUR & R.FIC203 Fuel Injector Kit
This kit comes with everything you need for a thorough cleaning job. It contains quick connectors that work with almost any diesel or gasoline engine as well as a universal connector that works with almost any engine. The instruction manual included makes it easy to organize, manage and complete tasks quickly and efficiently. It offers an advanced cleaning punch compared to aerosol methods and unmatched cleaning capabilities for fuel pathways, clogged fuel injectors as well as intake valves. It is an excellent purchase for someone looking to open their own auto repair shop.
Pros
• Advanced cleaning capabilities
• Huge universal connector that works with almost any vehicle engine
• Instruction manual for easy organization, management and completion of cleaning tasks
Cons
• Doesn’t hold up well to chemicals
MITYVAC MV5570 Fuel Injector Cleaning Kit
This is a good investment for someone who is in the market for a professional-grade fuel injector cleaning kit. It utilizes compressed air to remove carbon deposits in the induction system. While it only comes with a canister, you will be glad to know that it is compatible with most hoses and adapters. The kit functions with most domestic and foreign vehicles with both low and high pressure fuel systems. An adjustable regulator works with a high pressure gauge to deliver the cleaning solution to cleaner system. Other components of this fuel injector cleaning kit include a 32 oz canister, valves, and fittings. You also get a wall mounted bracket.
Pros
• Good for professional and home use
• Advanced removal of carbon deposits
• Adjustable regulator and high pressure gauge
• Functions on many domestic and imported vehicles
Cons
• You have to purchase hoses and adapters separately
Air Pneumatic Vacuum System Fuel Injector Cleaner and Tester Kit
This kit not only helps you clean the fuel injector system, but also test it. It eliminates carbon deposits, allowing for optimum engine performance. The kit does a good job of cleaning the intake valve, fuel injector, vacuum system and combustion chamber. You can use it to test the engine system pressure, fuel pump pressure as well as the sealing condition of the return line diaphragm.
Pros
• Exceptional performance when it comes to cleaning and testing
• Eradicates carbon deposits effectively
• Comes with useful components
• Easy to use thanks to instruction manual
Cons
• Doesn’t work on most diesel engines
OTC 6550 Master Fuel Injector Cleaning Kit
Like the Air Pneumatic Vacuum System, this kit cleans and tests your fuel injector system. It has a cleaning canister and tests systems on GM and GM TBI, Chrysler, Ford, Jeep and import vehicles, as well as CIS and CISE fuel systems. It comes with 35 OTC fuel injector adapters and a professional-grade 0-100 PSI analog pressure gauge. These are supplied with a Schrader valve for safety. The O-rings and seals are constructed from strong Viton material that prevents cracking as a result of exposure to cleaning chemicals, gas and alcohol blends.
Pros
• Extensive manual covers engines made from 1997 to 2008
• Comes with 35 OTC fuel injector adapters
• Cleans and tests a variety of engines and fuel injector systems
• Has a 0-100 PSI pressure gauge
Cons
• Pricey
Motion Pro MP Fuel Injector Cleaner Kits 08-0594
There are a series of cleaning kits in the Motion Pro MP line, all of which are designed for use on vehicles and motor cycles. They also require the use of the right pig tail kit to accommodate model that requires cleaning. The 08-0594 from this line works on most fuel cleaners, including the EV1 found on the late model Harley Davidson motorcycles. You don’t need compressed air, but you need to purchase an aerosol can of fuel injector cleaner.
Pros
• Aerosol can of fuel injector cleaner isn’t included
• Powered by 9-volt battery
• Works on vehicles and motorcycle engines
Cons
• Uses aerosol cleaning method, which isn’t as effective as compressed air method
MITYVAC MV5567 Fuel Injector Cleaning Kit
This is another professional-grade fuel injector cleaning kit from MITYVAC. It is made using die-cast aluminum and steel for durability and dependability when used on domestic as well as imported vehicles. It aids in enhanced engine performance, reduced vehicle maintenance and fuel economy by using compressed air to remove carbon deposits. Any deposits in the air induction system, intake manifolds, throttle plate and valves are loosened and disintegrated. Components that aid with cleaning include 16 adapters housed in a molded case, adjustable regulator, pressure gauge and a 32 oz canister.
Pros
• Comes with 5 foot hose and wall mounted bracket
• Durable construction
• Uses air compression method to clean
• Looses and disintegrates carbon deposits effectively
Cons
• Cleaning solutions have to be purchased separately
OTC 4480 Stinger Fuel Injector Cleaning Kit
This is a fuel injector cleaning kit for someone with a basic mechanical knowledge. It will come handy when performing a flow-rate, rail, residual and running pressure test. You get a 0-100 PSI pressure gauge, fuel discharge horse and a protective rubber foot. Also feature are hoses, adapters and fittings that will make your job easier. Two of the adapters are designed for imported vehicles and the kit comes in a customized molded case for safe storage.
Pros
• Works on domestic and foreign vehicles
• Good for amateur and professional use
• Storage case is made to last
Cons
• Bleeder bottom starts leaking after a while
OTC 7448A Fuel Injector Cleaning Kit
The OTC 7448A kit comes with a cleaner canister made from heavy-duty stainless steel that ensures years of serviceability. It also has a mechanical pressure gauge swelling resistant hose, adapter application manual, blowout fitting attachment for tool cleanup as well as open/close ball valve that allows for system control. The quick connect and banjo fittings work with the spring lock coupling adapter and carbon removing adapter to ensure a thorough throttle plate and manifold cleaning.
Pros
• Effective for removing dirt and carbon deposits from the fuel injector system
• Comes with several adapters for domestic and foreign engines
• Good system control with open/close ball valve
• Blowout fitting attachment
Cons
• Doesn’t include fuel rail adapters
Conclusion
There are numerous fuel injector cleaning kits out there, but none that perform as well as the ones reviewed above. And while some of them may prove pricey, you can take consolation in the fact that it will be money well spend. Got a favorite that we haven’t mentioned? Let us know in the comment section.