Pumps clean up on fuel-injector performance

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 24, 2005

High-performance, fuel-injected cars need their injectors to be functioning correctly if the driver is to get the best out of the vehicle, whether it's on the road or on the race track.

High-performance, fuel-injected cars need their injectors to be functioning correctly if the driver is to get the best out of the vehicle, whether it's on the road or on the race track.

For ultimate performance, not only should the injectors be working correctly they also need to be balanced and that is why so many race teams and performance vehicle service centres around the world use an injector diagnostic unit from The ASNU Corporation Europe of Bushey.

At the other end of the spectrum, if your car has needed a new catalytic convertor or a Lambda sensor replaced because of lack of performance, poor starting, illegal emissions or other combustion related problem then you have probably only cured the symptoms of your real trouble.

Today's electronically controlled petrol injection systems are designed to optimise engine performance; responding to electronic analysis of exhaust gases by adjusting fuel and air mixtures automatically.

Unfortunately, malfunctioning injectors delivering incorrect volumes and/or not achieving correct fuel atomisation can cause the sensors to make incorrect adjustments leading to carbonisation and lacquering of sensors and catalytic convertors.

What's more the effect is cumulative meaning that the situation goes from bad to worse causing the problem to accelerate (but your car to slow down).

ASNU's petrol injector test equipment helps to overcome these problems, too.

Used to perform a diagnostic test routine that costs considerably less than replacement of either sensors or catalytic convertors, it quickly identifies faulty injectors.

It enables operators to visibly check fuel atomisation and spray patterns, measure volume delivery and then perform ultrasonic cleaning of the injectors using ASNU's patented technique.

A repeat test sequence quickly determines if the treatment has been successful or if further remedial work or replacement is required.

To perform the tests effectively, on up to eight injectors simultaneously, pressures up 6.5bar must be produced accurately for each test cycle.

To achieve this, ASNU uses magnetically coupled pumps from Tuthill Pump Group, both because they offer the accuracy and repeatability demanded and because of the backup received from Tuthill's UK/USA support team.

The pumps employed are based on Tuthill's TechnaFlo range and two versions are supplied; one with PPS wet surface components the other stainless steel ones.

The PPS is preferred over conventional metal components because the testing and cleaning fluids are water based and the stainless steel version is used for higher pressure applications to give greater durability.

"The support from Tuthill to get their pumps to match our specific needs has been first class", says Phil Ellisdon, ASNU Managing Director.

"To meet our pressure and fluid handling requirements Tuthill modified the magnetic coupling".

"They even took a unit to America for final application proving tests".

"What's more the reliability of the pumps is outstanding - which is just as well with our injector test units in use all around the world, many by high-profile automotive names".

More than 90% of ASNU's injector diagnostic units are exported, with a high proportion going to the Far East.

Many are used by leading car manufacturers' training schools and are recognised as equipment for "best practice" for set-up/remedial operations.