help: gen 1 fuel injector replacement

[mumme]

hello all, just looking for a little input to make this thing go smooth. I'm replacing the number one fuel injector on my 89 22re 4runner. this is one project i don't have a lot of experience with. And although it doesn't seem all that complicated you never really know what you're in for do ya? so, if anyone has any advice or things to look for, be weary of, or stay away from i would appreciate the input. thanks a bunch in advance guys.

 

[the_dingman]

Mark all your vacuum hoses so you know where they go back, make sure you have a new gasket for between the intake plenum and the intake manifold, and be really, really careful when putting the injector into the fuel rail. When I had my injectors cleaned, I had to go back in 3 times to fix fuel leaks from between the injectors and the fuel rail.

If you're replacing one, it's probably just dirty... Save some money and send them all to RC Engineering for cleaning and balancing, they'll be better than new, and your engine will run better with 4 matched injectors.

 

[mumme]

thanks for the input. yeah im pretty sure that it is just dirty because i taped on it and ran some injector cleaner through it and it helped A LOT for a while and now its acting up again, though not as bad. anyway, is it cost effective to send them out? or is it just a better way to go? or both? and also while i have your attention when putting them back on the fuel rail did you lube em? ive heard people put petroleum jelly on them. sounds suspect but hell, ive heard of stranger things i guess. well anyway thanks so much for the input. i have only been on this site for a while and i am in aw of the kind people who take the time to help each other out. fantastic! thanks agian

 

[the_dingman]

When I was looking at replacing an injector, I was told by many, many people here that having them cleaned and balanced was a better way to go than replacing. It was about $100 for all 4 injectors to be cleaned, and when they came back they looked brand new. I would say it's more cost effective (as it's close to the price of one new injector), and a better bet to know you have 4 good injectors than 1.

I used fuel injector cleaner to lube the rings, but it didn't work very well. I would say the jelly may be a good way to go, just be careful you don't get it into the fuel, as I could see it reclogging the injector.

 

[mumme]

fantastic! thanks for the help. i think you sold me. ill let you know how it worked out. thanks agian