Carbon Clean/Injector Service

At what stage of an engines life would this be recomended? I understand it is a costly process. My diesel gq has 130k's on it, should it get done soon? (p.s I rarely let the tank go below a 1/4). And also what is the difference in price between mine (non direct rotary type) and a new diesel (direct injection)? Thanks Desert. Andrew...

Thanks for that desert,

Could I then also ask about what is best to do and in what order. Our vehicle is blowing a bit of smoke and just does not feel like it is performing correctly. On or last vehicle I had a carbon clean done and it made a huge difference to it. How would one decide which option should be taken?

Any thoughts.

David

Andrew and David. Sorry about the delay, have been bush. There is no hard and fast rule regarding when injectors should be cleaned. You could theoretically have them cleaned on Monday and get a bad load of fuel on Tuesday and undo all of that work! But when an engine suddenly begins blowing black smoke, it is an indication that all is not right. Injectors are only one of a number of possible causes. I would suggest you get it looked at firstly to eliminate the small, obvious causes before moving to pull injectors. Having said that, I had mine ultrasonic cleaned at 20,000km (GU Patrol), because I was looking for reasons as to why it was so gutless. Even at this point of it's life, the cleaned injectors did show a slight improvment in power. Cost was about $80/unit for the workshop side of it and I removed and refitted them myself. On an engine that has done 130k and all else is fine,ie filters,air,tappets,timing,diaghrgms,waste gates etc, then only good can be had from having the injectors checked and serviced. If it is shown you have nothing wrong with them, then you have peace of mind.If they need work, then same thing!