Diagnostic routines should be performed on carburetors as well as fuel injection. It is important to be sure a drivability problem is not blamed on an expensive carburetor, only to find the problem somewhere else.

We find that some older simple carburetors are easily rebuilt "in house" while others are best replaced with factory rebuilt units.

Caution: Never pour gasoline down a carburetor to attempt to start a vehicle. Many people have been severely burned after a carburetor backfire.

Diagnostic:

Fuel systems have changed significantly since the days of the carburetor. No longer is gas delivered by a low pressure lever type pump to a carburetor. Fuel injection is now electronically controlled by a computer and delivered by high pressure electric fuel pumps.

Measurements of how much pressure and volume is available to the fuel injectors, and whether the fuel injectors are operating, is necessary to determine if a “no start” or “stalling” problem is even caused by a fuel system problem. Only skilled technicians with the correct equipment and information should attempt to solve any problem related to “out of gas or no fuel”. When opening these high pressure systems, fuel can spray out and be very hazardous.

Fuel Filters:

Today's cars all have high pressure fuel systems. These pressures are created by electric fuel pumps usually located in the fuel tank. We cannot stop these expensive fuel pumps from wearing out anymore than we can stop time. The only thing we can do is make the fuel pump's life as easy as possible and the way to do this is by replacing the fuel filter regularly.

This is what happens. When the filter starts to plug, the electric motor that drives the fuel pump has to work harder. This causes the carbon brushes that run on the brass portion of the armature to bear down harder requiring more amperage to keep up with demand and overworking the motor causing premature failure. Mileage has absolutely no bearing on how soon a fuel pump fails. Because it is electric, and as long as the key is on and the engine is running, the fuel pump is running. Running your tank low on fuel will not burn out the fuel pump as it will not run if the engine is not running.

Look after your vehicle and it will look after you!

Fuel Gauges:

Fuel gauges are controlled by a “sending unit” mounted inside the fuel tank. This sending unit floats on the fuel in the tank sending back an electronic signal to the gauge you look at on your dashboard.

If your fuel gauge is giving you erratic readings, a diagnostic procedure is necessary to ensure all wiring connections are good, which could involve the removal of the fuel tank to gain access to the fuel pump and sender assembly for repair or replacement. Removing a fuel tank should never be performed without the necessary tools and safety equipment in place.

Fuel Injectors:

Since you purchased your new vehicle, dirt, varnishes and carbon deposits have been forming in the fuel system on the intake valves and in the combustion areas. These build-ups can rob your car of performance, and if left untreated, these build-ups may lead to costly engine repairs.

Symptoms related to carbon build-up are:

Our Fuel Carbon Cleaning System is a revolutionary new process that will clean your vehicle's fuel system, including injectors, and remove harmful carbon deposits. Our system utilizes a unique cleaning solution that will not damage your vehicle's sophisticated engine components.

After our Fuel Carbon Cleaning System cleans your engine, you will notice improved performance, acceleration and increased fuel economy. Make an appointment today!

Take care of your vehicle, and your vehicle will take care of you!

Fuel Lines, Hoses & Tank:

All fuel lines, rubber hoses and the fuel tank must be inspected regularly to ensure no leaks from corrosion or impacts from road debris. At N & J Automotive these inspections are done with our maintenance program and are routine.

Fuel Pumps:

There are two kinds of fuel pumps. Electric fuel pumps for fuel injected or newer cars, and lever or mechanical types used in older cars with carburetors.

Electric fuel pumps are usually mounted inside the fuel tank, although some are mounted on the frame under the vehicle.
All electric fuel pumps will fail at some point in time as they have wearing parts inside them, like any other mechanical device. The only part of these fuel pumps that seems to fail is the electric motor inside them. To save you from having expensive fuel pump replacements any sooner than necessary, you should have your fuel filter replaced regularly with no more than 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers of use, or at least once a year. This will keep the fuel flowing to your engine with minimum effort on the fuel pumps part. The extra effort the fuel pump must exert, because of a dirty or plugged fuel filter is what will cause premature failure.

Mechanical fuel pumps work much like an old water well lever pump. The pivot points and lifting diaphragm simply wears out. These pumps must suck fuel from the tank and push it up to the carburetor. They are prone to leaking when they get old because all the parts in them simply wear out.

Injector Cleaning: