You need to lubricate the O-rings in your injectors when installing them, but for this use only engine oil or transmission fluid, avoid any silicone-based lubricants.
Fuel-related mistakes highlights
- Level of importance:Medium
- Can you drive?Usually, yes
- DIY inspection:Possible
- DIY repairs:Mostly,impossible
- Price of repair:$100 - $650
- Commonreasons:Wrong fuel, wrong repair procedures
- How to fix:Never drive the vehicle with the wrong fuel in the tank, always go for professional help
What to use for lubricating injector O-rings?
Well, as said above, a drop of engine oil will be just fine. A lot of DIY mechanics may be afraid to use oil when assembling the engine because it may get into the combustion chamber. But it will just burn leaving no effects but some smoke from your tailpipe.
You may use literally any engine oil or transmission fluid for this and this is the most natural and safe option to lubricate the O-ring of your injector. Also, if you ever need to take that injector out of the engine, you will remember yourself with a lot of gratitude for lubing the injectors. Without lubrication, the O-rings will basically weld to the engine metal and you will spend hours trying to take those injectors out.
If you use anything but oil or transmission fluid, chances are that you will get problems. I've heard mechanics offering WD-40, certain brands of lubricants, and even silicone. Please stay away from anything that you aren't sure will be OK for the engine.
While WD-40 really doesn't contain anything that bad, it's very short-lasting and will not create any effects of lubrication for a long time. Other lubricants may actually be fatal for your engine.
How much oil to lube injector O-rings?
There is no such rule, but of course, you shouldn't submerge the injector in oil. Just put some stick or a piece of cardboard into the oil, or you may even use your finger for this and put some drops of oil directly on the O-ring. This will help you do the job correctly and avoid damaging the injector.
Too much oil is not a problem - the excess will just burn when you start the engine. But it's just enough to cover the rubber surface of the O-ring with some amount of oil.
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About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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