What is a fuel injector? A fuel injector is a device for atomizing and injecting fuel into an internal combustion engine. It's consistently under pressure. Leaking Fuel Injectors This can be an extremely dangerous situation. If the fuel injectors are leaking externally, you should not drive your vehicle. While a leaking injector will cause issues like that of a dirty one, you will often be able to smell gas or diesel under the hood or even spot a leak, depending on your make and model. Externally leaking injectors pose a fire risk and need to be completely replaced. Vehicle Fits: .