Welcome back dear reader! As you’re probably aware, my Blue Bertone hasn’t been purring as smoothly as I’d like. Today we’re embarking on a journey to uncover the reasons behind its less-than-optimal performance.
Fuel Pressure Test and Injector Performance: Tools of the Trade
To get to the root of the issue, I decided to kick things off with a fuel pressure test and a relative fuel injector performance test. Normally this a test you can easily do yourself, but of course the X1/9 has it’s own unique challenges. Getting to those injector connectors can be a bit fiddly.
For this diagnostic mission, we need two trusty tools: a fuel pressure gauge and a fuel injector tester. Those are links to the same budget friendly tools I’m using here, so be sure to check them out.
Checking the Pressure
First things first, let’s check the pressure of the system. I’ve got the fuel pressure gauge hooked up in line with the cold start injector, following the manual’s guidance. The ignition is on, and as I gently press the airflow meter flap, you can hear the fuel pump kick in, revealing the pressure on the gauge. We’re right in the sweet spot, but a slight dip suggests a potential small leak.
Testing Injector Performance
Now, onto the real detective work – testing injector performance. Hooking up our injector tester, we’re ready to go. One by one, we’re reading the initial pressure, activating the long pulse on the tester, and observing the pressure drop. Number three was our starting point, and the numbers were right where they should be.
But then, the plot thickens as we move on to number four, and suspicions arise. The injector seems hesitant, struggling to perform as expected. Could this be the source of our troubles?
Unveiling the Culprits
As we work through the injectors, a pattern emerges. Number four and number one seem to be showing signs of weakness, struggling to open at full pressure. Aha! The mystery unravels.
Injecting New Life into the Engine
In the midst of this diagnostic adventure, I’ve got new injectors on the way. I’m hoping they arrive soon as I have a big adventure planned for the little Bertone this weekend! Stay tuned for the upcoming video where I’ll be swapping out these injectors and giving our engine a new lease on life.
Join the Journey: Watch the Video
Curious to see the whole diagnostic process unfold? Click below to watch the video and join me on this quest to get the Bertone in top shape. Your support means the world to me, so hit that like button, subscribe if you haven’t already, and let’s get this X1/9 back on the road!
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Dan is a DIY zealot and autodidact. Real science, pseudoprofessional.
