Fuel Injector Balance Test

I have a 2010 2.4L ecotec p0172 code. When I did the injector balance test using my Tech 2 scanner. The pressure dropped from 52psi to 12 psi for each injector. That seems awful high pressure drop. I know the specs for a 2.2L ecotec for a good injector is between 9 to 11 psi. You can also email the answer spenser46 @ c o m c a s t . n e t. Just take the spaces out. Thanks

Ok, the pcm sees a lean mixture, the maf can cause this as well as a vacuum leak, have you eliminated this possibility?

I meant to type p0172 rich. That's why I did the balance test. Yes both up and down stream o2 sensors are responding properly. Also Fuel Alcohol content is about 10% which is about where it should be.

Again a bad maf can cause this, by misreporting the airflow. Remember the maf and map sensors both adjust mixture based on percieved altitude.

I might have missed something in that first post, but I don't see a question there, just a statement of what is approximately normal operation.

Max listed a couple possibilities related to the 0172, and those are fairly easy to check.

Another possibility is that although the sensors are responding correctly, the typical failure mode for a zirconia type oxygen sensor is to report a decreasing EGO so that the PCM keeps leaning out the mix until it exceeds the fault tolerance. Do you have a gas analyzer to actually check the EGO and confirm the sensors are not weak?

I know this and the Maf Map Baro Tps are all good. I just need what the proper fuel pressure drop is when injector is pulsed. picoscope shows good wave form on injector pulse. What I am saying is a 40 psi pressure drop is a lot. I can't find any documentation on what the drop should be.

I think you will have problems finding a spec range because of all the variables. Check the baro readings the pcm is recieving, make sure it matches your area. Any fuel in the pressure regulator hose if equipped like that?

Max is right. Rail and regulator volume, temperature, a few µS difference in pulse width, and other variables will affect the drop. I've never considered that a very reliable indication, and the validity of the test (in my book) is to indicate whether all the injectors are flowing about the same, and not whether they meet any kind of flow standard. The only reliable method for testing that is to pull all the injectors and flow test them in a bench fixture measuring liquid volume over pulse time.

If all your injectors are providing the same drop, they are probably relatively close in flow across the set - or at least close enough for your PCM to work with them. That still doesn't tell us it the injectors are atomizing or streaming, what the hot performance might be, whether they are flowing at a design volume, or anything else.

I seriously doubt all injectors would go bad at the same time.....if you get the same reading for all, I would guess they are ok.....

As mentioned, I would clean the MAF sensor with MAF cleaner......

Is your air filter OK?

Have you checked for vac leaks?

I assume your long term fuel trims are out of spec?

After cleaning the MAF, reset your fuel trims with the Tech II, and clear code ......run vehicle, and then take a snapshot of fuel trim and Pre O2 data......does O2 go lean, causing fuel trim to go rich?

If it does, disconnect the MAF, rest trims, clear codes if any.... and take another snapshot.....a MAF code will set, but does the O2 data still go lean?

i am experiencing the same issue at the other end of the spectrum P0171 /74 , to lean. so first i will check the fuel pressure then the regulator , MAF and at some point get the tech 2 out. any other suggestions?