Fuel injection service port location and fuel induction service procedure

MAILMD32217

MEMBER
2001 TOYOTA AVALON
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
225,000 MILES

My 2002 Avalon has codes PO302 and PO420. The check engine light was flashing. The engine was shutting off. The spark plugs were fouled and replace along with 3 ignition coils. The cat was replaced. The oil had gas in it. The oil and filter was changed.

Where did the gas in the oil come from? If the fuel injectors are leaking, can they be sufficiently cleaned with a fuel injection induction service by connecting to the fuel service port and running a can of fuel cleaner directly through the injectors? Where is the service port located? Would this has a good chance of solving the problem of the gas leak?

What do you advise?

Thank you greatly!

Mark

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,336 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

If you had a cylinder misfire, there is a good chance that is where the fuel came from. If the plug isn't burning the fuel, often times it will make its way into the oil via the cylinder walls. Once the gas washes the oil from the cylinder walls, compression will lower and it is easier for it to happen.

One other thing, have you checked fuel pressure? If the regulator has failed and pressure is too high, excessive fuel will be injected into the engine.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Since you have already changed the oil, is there still gas getting into it since it is now running correctly? Also, the service port doesn't exist on this vehicle. To check fuel pressure, you have to install a T between the fuel filter and engine. See picture 1

Do me a favor. Check fuel pressure and confirm that it is within the manufacturer's specs. Here are the specifications:

Fuel Pressure 44 to 50 psi

If you find it is too high, let me know. Also, since the engine is now running properly, drive it and see if the problem continues. I have a feeling that since the engine is now burning all the fuel, it won't be a problem anymore.

Let me know.

Joe

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Wednesday, June 19th, 2019 AT 10:24 PM

MAILMD32217

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Hey Joe,

Thank you for your reply.

This car has been sitting for months as I have been trying to diagnose the trouble, order parts and do some repairs. The battery was disconnected to not drain the battery sitting for a while. I checked the codes again today and there were no codes to read this time. When I tried to start it, it was difficult to start as it sounded flooded, but finally started. It was immediately running rough. White smoke was coming from underneath the front of the engine (probably cat converter bank 1 that I removed and tried to soak and clean after receiving an aftermarket direct fit that did not fit) and out of the rear muffler. I replaced the bank 2 cat with a direct fit and soaked and cleaned catalytic converter 3 in this 3 catalytic converter system. After starting it up and seeing the smoke and pulling the new code 1 of 1, po300, I backed it up a few yards and drove it forward a few yards and shut it off.

Before starting it up, I wanted to replace the in-line fuel filter and a fuel pressure test with my fuel pressure kit. But, the top outlet fuel line required a dealer tool to remove it without breaking it. I have the new fuel filter and 14mm flare wrench for the bottom flare nut, but it was on there to tight. I have some pb plaster sprayed on the 14mm and 19mm flare nuts to help later.

It is is my suspicion that the catalytic converter 1 is melted/clogged backfiring some of the exhaust into the engine and is causing the random misfires.

What do you think and advise?

Thank you for your information.

Mark

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Saturday, June 22nd, 2019 AT 4:50 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,336 POSTS

Welcome back, Mark.

Honestly, if the converter is plugged, that is going to cause a lot of different problems related to drivability and misfire. However, I'm concerned with the white smoke. Were there any issues related to the head gasket? White smoke usually indicates coolant is getting into the combustion chamber.

Listen, here are two links. One is for the converter issue ( how to check ) and the other is related to checking for a bad head gasket. If coolant it getting into the combustion chamber, that is most likely why it's hard to start.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Saturday, June 22nd, 2019 AT 11:19 PM