How to Replace Fuel Injector Seals

The fuel injector seals on your vehicle may last for years but they also can leak after a long period of service. However, once you detect a leaking injector seal on your vehicle, you should not drive your vehicle until the failed seal or seals are replaced, since this can cause a fire. Fortunately, fuel injectors are accessible from the top of the engine after removing a few components, using some simple tools.

Disconnect the black ground battery cable using a wrench and make sure the engine is cool to the touch.

Remove the air cleaner assembly or engine cover from the top of the engine, if your particular model comes equipped with it. Use a ratchet and socket.

Locate the Schrader valve on the fuel rail. You might need to unscrew the cap from it. The valve itself resembles the air valve on your vehicle tires.

Wrap a shop rag around the valve and depress the inside stem with a small flathead screwdriver. At the same time, cover the valve with the rag to catch the squirt of fuel. This will release the fuel system pressure.

Disconnect the fuel line at the fuel rail using a fuel line quick disconnect tool.

Unplug the injectors' electrical connectors and move the wiring harness to the side.

Check and see if the fuel rail is held in place to the intake manifold by mounting bolts and unfasten the bolts using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

Pull carefully the fuel rail and fuel injectors off the intake manifold. On some models, a fuel hose connects each fuel injector to the fuel rail.

Plug the openings on the intake manifold with clean shop towels to prevent dirt or any other foreign particles from falling inside.

Place the fuel rail and injectors on a workbench.

Pull the fuel injectors off the fuel rail or hose, depending on your particular model. Make a note of any collar pieces and other mounting hardware on your particular model that you may need to replace.

Remove the top and bottom seals from the fuel injectors. Use a small scratch awl tool to remove the O-ring seals.

Install new top and bottom O-ring seals on the injectors.

Apply a light coat of new engine oil to the seals and replace the injectors on the fuel rail or fuel hose.

Remove the shop towels from the intake openings.

Install the fuel rail and injectors assembly on the intake manifold. Make sure the injectors seat properly on the intake ports.

Tighten the fuel rail mounting screws using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

Plug in the injectors' electrical connectors.

Connect the fuel line to the fuel rail by pushing the line against the rail fitting. Make sure the inner springs snap in place. Pull the line slightly and make sure it is locked.

Replace the air cleaner assembly or engine cover using the ratchet and socket.

Connect the black ground battery cable using the wrench.

Turn the ignition key to the "On" position for five seconds. Then turn off the ignition and wait for 10 seconds. Turn the ignition back to "On" and check for fuel leaks at the fuel injectors.

Turn off the ignition.

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