Fuel injector cleaning method and apparatus

• US 5,022,364 A
• Filed: 02/06/1990
• Issued: 06/11/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 02/06/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: UCS Incorporated (UCI International Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: UCS Incorporated (UCI International Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Phillips, Claude F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamen, Noah P.
• Application Number:
  US07/475,917
• Time in Patent Office: 490 Days
• Field of Search: 123/198 A, 134/113, 134/169 R, 134/169 A, 134/10, 134/11, 134/39, 134/40, 137/557, 137/613, 137/240, 73/40, 73/119 A
• US Class Current: 123/198.00A
• CPC Class Codes: F02M 65/008 of injectors only
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8326 Fluid pressure responsive indicator, recorder or alarm

Abstract

Method and apparatus for cleaning fuel injector systems of internal combustion engines which comprises avoidance of burns and possible injuries in setting up the conventional system apparatus in the engine compartment. The present method is characterized by setting up the required connections and apparatus at the rear of the vehicle in an area isolated from the region under the vehicle hood. The invention has other advantages. In particular, filter replacement in the isolated area subsequent to completion of the cleaning process is effected by a novel aspect of the method which involves filter removal as a step in the method. In a conventional method the filter is left in place but ultimately replaced, for comprehensive maintenance of the fuel system, as an additional step. Another advantage of the invention is the method of detecting leakage in injector and fuel flow systems and to detect the extent of clogging of individual injectors to determine the need for replacement.

Claims

1. The method of cleaning the fuel injector system of an internal combustion engine of the kind having:

an engine space with a fuel injector system for said engine;

an area isolated from any heated or moving components of said engine space;

said isolated area having therein a fuel tank with communication therefrom to said fuel injector system through a filter having upstream and downstream connector means from a fuel pump to said fuel injector system;

and having a fuel return line to said tank therein;

wherein said method comprises in said isolated area;

preventing return flow to said tank;

disconnecting and removing the filter from the upstream and downstream connector means thereof;

shunting the output of said fuel pump to said tank;

connecting a source of cleaning fluid to said fuel injector system via said upstream and downstream connector means;

whereby effecting flow from a source of cleaning fluid to said fuel injector system.

2. A method as set forth in claim 1 and further replacing a filter in said isolated area prior to restoration of said engine to normal operation.

3. An apparatus for selective pressure control of cleaning fluid or leak testing fluid of an injector and fuel flow system of an internal combustion engine comprising:

a fluid flow line having an end for connection to a source of pressurized fluid;

said line having a pressure gage and pressure regulator and a shut-off valve for fluid flow control downstream of said end;

wherein said shut-off valve is upstream of said pressure regulator and pressure gage;

said line downstream of said pressure regulator and pressure gage being adapted for connecting to an injector and fuel flow system of an internal combustion engine;

whereby said shut-off valve, said pressure gage and said pressure regulator, when connected to a source of pressure fluid, can control flow to the injector and fuel system of an internal combustion engine and being operable for selective predetermined pressure control of cleaning fluid flow to said injector and fuel system or for entrapment of pressure in said injector and fuel system for leak detection wherein leakage is manifested on said gage by pressure drop.

4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein said line is at least partially a hose.