Cleaning fuel injectors

[Prairie]

I have a 45 year old diesel car. It runs ok, but doesn't start as good as it used to. The glow plugs are good. I have never taken the injectors out and had them cleaned though I did run some diesel injector cleaner through it. Didn't seem to help. I have talked to diesel specialists that say I have to take the injectors out and send them away to be cleaned. Is this neccessary, or can a guy do it himself. I know better than to bench run them, I am just wondering what might be involved.

[nhlivefreeordie]

All fuel injector cleaners are not created equal...I have had good luck with Seafoam.

[Boris859]

I recommend Techron by Chevron,I used it at an import garage I worked at in high school and a few a few years out of,just pour it in,fill the tank,run it to almost zero,fill up,and all clean,plus you can use it in gas models also,,I have used it in Mercedes,Volvo,International,GM,Ford,Cummins,tract ors,etc,with good results,,hope it works for ya, am editing this in as I also forgot to mention that diesel hard starts are usually compression related,injector pump ,injectors or injector seals

[DM]

Here's a couple things that will make any diesel start hard. Not cranking fast enough, (turning over) or lower compression.

On an older diesel, it could be that the starter, battery cables or even the battery needs attention. And it could be that it's just down a little down on compression, all of these make a HUGE difference in how fast a diesel will start.

DM

[kawalekm]

Hi Praire
Do you have a DIY auto junkyard nearby? My location has a custumer available junkyard where you pay a fee to walk in, then wonder around till you find your car of interest. You remove the parts you want yourself and carry them over to the check out counter to pay for them.

I replaced the injectors on the 79 VW I used to have and only payed a few dollars for them at the junkyard. That might be an alternative to having yours cleaned.
Michael

[Prairie]

Believe me, I have tried to find parts cars for my car, but there aren't any. I have to order parts, usually from Germany. I should look into the price of new injectors. I was surprized last year when I had to change a glow plug and not only did they have them locally, they were only $15 a piece for the 3 volt glow plugs.