4 things you need to know about engine fuel injection

Updated Feb 25, 2021 | Same topic: Technical Car Terms to Know

Modern car engines use fuel injection as the standard way to feed fuel. Philkotse.com will explain why it’s important!

One of the most striking features of car engines is the use of direct fuel injection. This system is applied to all engines and is crucial for fuel efficiency too, let's find out how it works with Philkotse.com.

1. Fuel injection is crucial

Do you know that all cars use a form of fuel injection to have better fuel efficiency? One of the ways that fuel can be saved is using this ingenious delivery system that is one of the most important parts of the fuel system.

Much of today’s car engines are built around this delivery system, which is better than the carburetors of old.

Using fuel injection; engines are more efficient than ever. With the fuel injection system; engines can use other systems like turbochargers and superchargers with less fuel used too.

fuel injection

With the fuel injection system; engines can use other systems like turbochargers and superchargers with less fuel used too

Many of the best car engines have systems like VVTI and other mechanisms that optimize fuel feed through direct fuel injection. It is important to note; that keeping them clean is important to keep the spray regulated. If not kept clean; the fuel coming from the fuel injection will not be as fine!

So, this system has a big impact on the production of power because it should be matched with the right mix of air too! In a nutshell; these injectors are needed to get the best mix with air, to burn with the right amount injected as well.

Among all modern engine features; this is one of the functions to get the power output too. But ECU control is needed to keep the engine working efficiently.

>>> Read more: 2 ways on how to flush a fuel injector safely and effectively.

2. Kinds of engine fuel injection

Many engines use several kinds of fuel injectors to improve the fuel and air mixture for better fuel consumption. Not all engines use the same injectors which are also one of the factors to generate more power, with every ounce of fuel burned in the combustion chamber.

Here they are, they vary in how they deliver the fuel into the engine.

Throttle body injectors or Single Point Injectors (TBI)

Engines have an intake manifold that sucks in clean air to enter the engine. One of the first types of fuel injection is the single port type of fuel injector; before newer types were devised. It is combined with the throttle body and jets in fuel with the air before burning in the engine cylinders.

Throttle body injectors or Single Point Injectors (TBI)

One of the first types of fuel injection is the single port type of fuel injector; before newer types were devised

It is easy to maintain and cheaper as well because fixing any injector problems was all about replacing the throttle body. Its high flow will not block the injector easily and make it work longer. Unlike other fuel injection, it is used less despite its robustness.

One of the problems is that it isn’t as efficient as more modern fuel injectors. It results in less fuel economy and efficiency that is not good.

>>> Also check: 8 common signs of a bad throttle position sensor & how to fix it!

Port or multi-point fuel injection (MPFI)

One of the drawbacks of this fuel injection system; it has more than one injection port, and it can have better power. This fuel injection system will have more fuel jetted in because the smaller injectors will allow more fuel mixed to create more power in the engine cylinder.

It improves the TBI a bit, but not that much. One of the problems; is left over fuel in engine cylinders that combusts.

multi-point-fuel-injection

One of the problems; is left over fuel in engine cylinders that combusts

>>> Related: How to clean fuel injectors without removing them?

Sequential fuel injection (SFI)

This delivery system is similar to multi-port; that is different because of how it inputs fuel into the engine cylinders. All the injectors will fire; one by one in a designated order.

The sensors will match the timing of the fuel injection with the entry of air, for it to burn in the cylinder chamber just right! It should improve fuel economy and boost performance too. One of the best advantages of Sequential fuel injection (SFI) is the time fuel stays in it, and it is cleaner than other injectors too.

sequential fuel injection

This delivery system is similar to multi-port; that is different because of how it inputs fuel into the engine cylinders

One of the problems is that Sequential fuel injection (SFI) need the injectors to be clean or it will not perform well. It is so precise that it can easily be damaged at times, because of how it works.

Direct injection

Many car makers have a preference for using direct injection which is one of the oldest forms of fuel injection; which is jetted into the engine cylinder directly for more efficient performance with the right amount of air mixed for power. It does not use the throttle body and air intake, that’s its best strength.

direct injection

Many car makers have a preference for using direct injection which is one of the oldest forms of fuel injection

Used in gasoline and diesel engines because it is sturdy and can take punishment easily, and still perform! This is applied well to performance cars because it is efficient, but like all systems and it will need maintenance.

3. What is the best fuel injection for engines?

To answer this question; it is direct injection because the fuel is squirted into the chamber. Its mechanism is located inside the engine; it gets the maximum amount of air that is fed by the throttle body simultaneously.

No fuel is wasted unless the nozzles need cleaning of course. Small engines will benefit from this system because it is sturdy and will last long, but it can be damaged if the air-fuel mixture isn’t perfect.

 the best injector

It is direct injection that is the best injector

4. Is fuel injection better than using carburetors?

Cars with fuel injection will produce fewer carbon emissions, compared to the alternative. One of the drawbacks compared to carburetors is that it produces less horsepower, but is more fuel-efficient with better consumption too which is much preferred.

Engines equipped with these systems have less vibration than with carb equipped cars.

Most auto manufacturers use this for fewer carbon emissions, better performance in smaller engines that will equal the performance of larger engines with a carburetor.

>>> Worth reading: How to adjust a carburetor.

fuel injection better than using carburetors?

Is fuel injection better than using carburetors?

Without the use of fuel injection; a modern engine will not be as efficient and economical when it comes to fuel efficiency. Keep in mind that fuel injection will maintenance with cleaning at a certain point; in the engines service life. Have the fuel injection checked if there is a doubt; about its performance as soon as possible.