I have a 1997 honda accord LX 4 2.2L

I had a code for P0401, so I cleaned my EGR ports. During this I had to pull out my fuel rail. When I did I noticed a lot of black sludge coating the fuel injectors and even in the hole where the fuel injectors sit.

After I put everything back together I have a ticking noise. Could this be from the injectors? Should I take out and clean with compressed air? Could it be O-rings?

This was the first real mechanical thing I’ve tried to do, so this is all new to me.

Thanks for any help.

 

Well if the "black" stuff was carbon, you should always try to clean that off when you go into something.

I'm going to "guess" this has nothing to do with the work you did......now that some things are working better, others are showing themselves......check the valve lash

 

Thanks for the reply.

Do you think I should go back and clean out the carbon? Could dirty O-rings have caused a vac leak?

How hard is it to check the lash?

Thanks

 

I wouldn't go back at this point.

O-rings, yes if the lowers on the injectors are torn then there can be a leak.....this would show up as something like a "looping idle".
If the uppers are torn then you would see/smell a fuel leak...bad, fire.

To me, checking the valve lash is not that bad. Not sure if there is a "how to" in the FAQ, look and then if not I'm sure I or someone can help walk you thru it.

 

First off, all cars have a tick coming from the injectors, this is completely normal as they tick as they open and close. You probably just never noticed it before.

Secondly, the sludge that you saw was due to buildup over time as the oil that is recommended to be used on the o-rings when you reinstall the injectors seems to attract dirt over time. It is recommended to apply a small amount of oil around the o-rings at the rail when you install them so they set properly.

 

Thank you for all the help!