Maintaining Your Ford Fuel System: Service Tips

Clean the Fuel Injectors

The fuel injectors spray gas into each cylinder in a precisely controlled mist. Carbon deposits, dirt, rust, and other debris can gradually clog these injectors, which eventually restricts fuel delivery. It’s therefore important to have your fuel injectors routinely cleaned.

Replace the Fuel Filter

The fuel filter stops contaminants from entering the fuel and engine. As with every filter in your car, the fuel filter will slowly fill up and eventually let debris through into the fuel. You’ll need to replace your fuel filter routinely to prevent this.

Only Use Top-Tier Gas

The buildup of carbon deposits in a fuel system and engine is comparable to arterial plaque in humans, and just as dangerous. You can combat carbon deposits and reduce the risk of blockages with high-quality fuel that contains effective detergents. Try to use only the very best fuel for your car. 

Avoid Emptying the Gas Tank

It’s advisable to keep your gas tank more than a quarter full. If you allow it to empty out, the fuel pump needs to work harder, which accelerates wear and tear. Also, sediment tends to collect at the bottom of a gas tank. When the gas is almost finished, this sediment gets stirred up and drawn into the system, where it causes harm. 

Clean the Fuel Throttle

The fuel throttle regulates how much air enters each cylinder to mix with the fuel. While this throttle is not strictly part of the fuel system, it impacts the fuel injector as the volume of sprayed fuel adjusts to match issues with the fuel throttle and air intake. Therefore, while servicing the fuel system, a technician will often check the fuel throttle and clean away fuel varnish or other debris to keep it unblocked. 

Book Ford Fuel System Maintenance

All these components of your fuel system will typically need to be checked and cleaned every 30,000 miles. Consult your owner’s manual for specific guidance on your Ford model. In addition, many drivers have their engines tuned up yearly, which can include inspecting and servicing fuel system components. 

If you notice engine problems, have your fuel system serviced at once. Symptoms of blockage or faults include declining gas mileage and engine power, misfiring, rough idling, slow starts, and stalling. 

Visit Coughlin Ford of Heath in Newark, OH, to schedule professional fuel system service. We provide a reliable one-stop shop for all your Ford-related needs. 

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