Injector cleaning - should I bother?

[Nobby]

Evening all

I’ve been collecting parts in the last few months in preparation for an ultra ultra service. All the bells and whistles this time round, cambelt, all aux bits, PS pump, gearbox service, plus some bits that I haven’t seen anyone do on the RS6 yet. More on that another time.

I’ve also acquired a small 3 litre ultrasonic cleaner and after cleaning some small metal tools I’m amazed at how well it works. So, whilst the old girl is apart is it worth sticking the injectors in for a buzz? I’ll probably get some new seals which look common across the VAG range. Question is if I do it should I submerge the whole thing or just the tip? She’s running fine but every little helps eh….

Cheers
Chris

[TechNick]

...should I submerge the whole thing or just the tip?

< childish snigger >


Appreciate you're going full DIY, but would it be worth getting them flow tested (before and after cleaning), both for peace of mind and to determine if it's made any difference?

Place I've used before fitted new baskets too, as part of a full refurb process (although it's the flow/spray pattern testing that's the real acid test, IMHO).

[Nobby]

It doesn’t count if it’s just the tip eh Nick?

[Classik]

FWIW I bought this machine 3 years from now :https://www.ebay.fr/itm/255703126227?mk ... edia=EMAIL


It allowed me to identify a couple of weak injectors so I'm glad I did buy the thing.

As far as tip vs full is concerned :
if you put the full injector in the bath, there is a 'chance' you could damage the delicate inner mechanism, but cleaning will obviously be better. For me the strategy was to bath only half of the injector, make a flow measurement after that, and if is still weak then only I give it the full bath, at the risk of breaking it. Throughout all injectors I've done for me and my local RS friends (30-40 injectors?), I've lost two in the process.

[Shoppinit]

^Good info.

[Classik]

Glad it helps. Of course filters and white plastic noses have to be removed before ultrasonic cleaning (otherwise some dirt may stay inside...) and changed for new ones after the fact.
You'll find those on Ali for a penny, or here (https://www.ebay.fr/itm/121834983756?mk ... edia=EMAIL) if you're in a hurry, but price is very high for what it is worth..

[Nobby]

Thanks Classik!