HELP: dead bravo, ECU or injector fault

[John]

My bravo began running very rough the other night (1.6 16V, 1996), it sounded like it was only running on three cylinders with a loss of power. It was fine and started up with a little bit of accelerator. The next morning when it was cold the car wouldnt start, called out green flag who managed to get it firing on two cylinders but the engine kept choking and cutting out. Had it towed to a garage where the faults have persisted. Two of the cylinders are getting enough fuel but the other two are choking with far too much.
The main question is whether this is an ECU fault (could anyone tell me how much that would cost!) causing problems with the fuel delivery or have two of the injectors packed up? I have had redex and stuff in the tank to clean the injectors and was wondering if it has worked on two of the injectors but not the other two, causing the clean two to be flooded with too much petrol because of the common rail injector set-up? Could anybody let me know if they are breaking a bravo and have the fuel rail/injectors for a 1.6 16v?
cheers
John

 

[Anonymous]

I forgot to say, with the plugs removed, on turning the engine, two of the cylinders that are choking have massive jets of petrol coming out of the plug holes, whereas the two that are running have a fine mist,
I would like to know if anyone has had a similar problem or any ECU advice,
cheers
John

 

[Tom]

I think you do not understand what common rail means

Sounds like either your ECU is fooked or you've got 2 stuck injectors. Forget injector cleaner, its near enough useless.

Any garage with half a clue should be able to work out whats at fault. First step would be to take the injectors out and test them.

 

[John]

I have a fair idea what common rail means, but I am not a mechanic (so tell me if you know). I am a medical student on a very tight budget, I cant afford to take it to fiat so I have it at a mates garage and I am trying to fix it myself. You may have noticed that I already narrowed it down to an injector or an ECU fault from the title. any advice appreciated
John

 

[Owen]

Hello John,

common rail is the term used for newer diesel engines such as the JTD where the injectors are fed with diesel from a common pipe or rail which is kept at high pressure. In reality, an injection petrol engine operates the same way, using a common rail .
Anyhoo, if you disconnect the electrical connectors from the injectors on the offending cylinders, this should tell you if the injectors are fooked (the petrol will keep coming) or if the ECU is at fault (if so, petrol will stop). more likely to be the injectors though..

good luck,

Owen.

 

[Tom]

Common rail applies to any injection system where there is a common fuel pressure rail, diesel or petrol.

I'd say its highly unlikely for 2 injectors to jam open. But as I said, first step is to take them off. Its hard to diagnose problems by just looking at something, you've actually got to do something.

 

[gary c]

is the two stuck injectors 1 and 4 or 2 and 3 by any chance. if so have you actually got a spark on these. you will have plenty of petrol coming out to start with but then dry up, remember to disconnect the injectors (hit the inertia switch). if the injectors are still firing with the fuel disconnected then first make sure its fuel and not water then investigate ecu first. tom,s right highly unlikely to be 2 injectors