What is Direct Fuel Injection?
A person’s demeanor may be described as direct and to the point. Sounding similarly, your vehicle’s fuel injection system may be either direct or to the port. While the concept of fuel injection as a common feature is relatively young (gaining popularity in the 1990’s), the older style injectors employ a port. Specific to this type of system, you’ll find fuel injectors placed in the intake ports where they spray fuel over the back of the valves to enter the cylinders. Direct injection works differently, allowing the fuel to be delivered via atomization straight into the combustion chambers. The first use of the newer technology appeared in diesel engines. However, it is now common to find it also used in gasoline applications. Some engines even use a combination. If you need diesel repair for transportation with either type injection, rely on the ASE certified technicians at First Tire & Automotive in the First Colony section of Sugar Land, Texas.
Benefits of Direct Injection
Auto manufacturers developed an affinity for direct injection for several reasons. First, it increases control over fuel delivery specifics as the fuel atomizes. This leads to another benefit of enabling the fuel to spread more homogeneously throughout the cylinder. Each of these, in turn, increases fuel mileage and economy.
Potential Downfalls of Direct Injection
As great as the benefits of direct injection are, be aware that there are some downfalls that counterbalance them. For example, this fuel delivery system allows an immense amount of carbon to build up. In the port injection system, the fuel and, therefore, fuel additives that eat away the carbon, make contact in the valve area, keeping the valves cleaner. Further, the atomized fuel does not combust as well at lower temperatures as the sprayed fuel does. This can present problems until the engine reaches the best temperature for operation. Also, producing a vehicle with direct injection takes special components. The auto requires heavier duty injectors as well as an additional high pressure fuel pump. Not only is this more in the manufacturing process and production cost analysis, but it is also another part that can go bad as you put miles on your car. The alternative injectors will also be more expensive to replace when you reach the point of needing repairs.
As stated, some manufacturers go for the win-win situation by including dual types of injectors in certain vehicles. In these cases, the port system helps with lower combustion temperatures and carbon build-up, while the direct system increases economy. Unfortunately, double systems mean double problems and repair costs. For help with fuel injectors and all your diesel repairs, rely on First Tire & Automotive in First Colony, Sugar Land, TX.