Fuel flooding problem??? Help!!!!?

Question

My car was in good running condition. Then one day I decided to buy fuel injector cleaner. I put it in my car and the very next day my car started to hesitate. There was a strong gas smell as I drove my car. I took my car for a diagnostic and I was told that my injectors are being flooded. The injectors are getting to much fuel. (car flooding) I took my car to a garage so he can repair it. He stated that its not flooding and that it was the fuel filter. Car work good for a few days and then it started hesitating again. Strong gas smell still exists. When driving, I constantly smell a strong gas odor and the car hesitates badly.

1. car hesitates
2. strong gas odor
3. black smoke comes out of muffler
4. car shuts off as I'm driving


1990 Mitsubishi eclipse
1.8 engine

I maintain my car and is always in good shape, except for this. I'm in desperation. Can someone give me any answers?

Thank you greatly....

Desperate Ana

Answer 1

Okay,your car is def. running a rich fuel mix(Strong gas smell and black smoke),that will make your veh. hesitate and shut off,as there is not an equal mix of fuel and air.You stated that this occured AFTER putting in the f/i cleaner.Your mech. was correct in changing the fuel filter,because once you use fuel treatments,a lot of dirt and deposits are broken down in the fuel to be burned-off through engine combustion.Now here are some things to look at. #1-Oxygen sensor.Since the oxygen sensor,or o2 sensor as it's called,reads exhaust,and tells your car's computer to compensate for fuel/air mix,there is a good possiblity that after running the cleaner,the outgoing exhaust which was probably full of dirty,burned gas has clogged the sensor.If that is the case,the car's engine management will overcompensate with a higher ratio of fuel to air. #2;I would re-visit the fuel injector issue.Newer veh.(1985-Present) benefit better from a pro-fuel system cleaning that is done directly at the fuel injector valve,rather that mixing with the fuel.Sounds like you def. maint. the car,but how long was your last tune-up(Plugs/wires especially)? Find a good service center to check your fuel system.Good luck.

Answer 2

Sounds like your running a little rich. Here's a few things that I'd suggest. A possible Leaking Fuel Pressure Regulator or leaky injector. I've been told to take a gas Analyzer and put it in the air intake duct and look for Hydrocarbon readings. If you do have a HC reading then you have a leaky injector. Next I'd suggest testing the voltage signals to the injectors and an Injector balance Test or flow test.

Answer 3

you probably put that stp crap in there and it shocked your engine.

The only fuel cleaner out there worth it's weight is called BG 44K it comes in a silver can with big yellow letters, and it's normally not out on the floor of the auto shops so ask for it. It's expensive, but it'll fix your problem, hopefully.

If not I would say that you need to replace the fuel filter (if the mechanic did not) and then you get into trouble.

Fuel lines, fuel pump, and injectors could all be the cause, your mechanic should have the tools to determine which it is, and then you will obviously have to replace that part.