Fuel injectors. For some, they are a subject shrouded in mystery. For others, they are a complex piece of engineering that has made engines much more reliable and efficient. No matter how you view them, we are here to help shed some light on this subject.
Why are my fuel injectors failing? What kind of fuel injectors are there? Should I replace my injectors? We are going to answer these questions and many more for you in this article. The more you know, the easier it becomes to diagnose the problem.
No matter if you own a repair shop or just a truck, knowing how fuel injectors work is imperative. However, if the unfortunate happens DFI is here to help!
One of the most common questions we get about fuel injectors is why they fail. While there is no one definitive answer as to why injectors fail, here are some of the most common reasons.
Modern injectors are complicated, no matter how small or simple they look. Simply put, a fuel injector may fail due to either a mechanical or electronic malfunction.
Most injectors are controlled electronically, meaning that they can fail even if the mechanical part is still operational. The only ones that are exempt from this problem are ISX injectors, which do not have a solenoid telling them when to open or close.
On the mechanical side, however, dirt, grime, dust, or any other debris can still wreak havoc on any type of injector. In most cases, They fail due to contaminants making their way into the fuel. That is why keeping your fuel system clean is extremely important.
Alternatively, you could have done everything in your power to keep the injectors clean and they still failed. Wear and tear will eventually take a toll on your injectors, and they will fail. You can’t expect them to last forever, right?
Of course! Anytime you are doing major work to your engine and you have easier access to your injectors, they should be replaced. Generally speaking, fuel injectors have very tight tolerances, and over time (800,000 to 1,000,000 miles) those tolerances are no longer what they used to be.
“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. That statement may be true in certain scenarios, but if you notice your fuel consumption increasing and the power decreasing, it may be a sign of defective or worn-out fuel injectors.
Injector heads are dotted with smaller holes intended to create a fine “mist” when fuel pushes through them. Over time, these tiny holes become enlarged, and all of a sudden you have a shower head instead of perfect atomization. Yes, this may be a very simple explanation, but it is what ends up happening when fuel injectors reach their best before date.
One may think that replacing the fuel injectors will help restore lost power, improve acceleration, and reduce hesitations. That person would be 100% correct. In fact, many fueling issues can be resolved by simply replacing your fuel injectors.
A HEUI or hydraulic electric unit injector is better in almost every way when compared to a regular fuel injector. When injectors were first introduced on the market, they were entirely mechanical.
Nowadays, some injectors rely on an electrical signal to move the plunger in and out when a need for fuel is triggered. In simple terms, this means that the amount of fuel, its pressure, and timing can be closely controlled, allowing for an overall more efficient system.
Alternatively, ISX diesel fuel injectors are mechanical and worked entirely on pressure supplied by the fuel pump. While this may seem like a simpler and more durable alternative, there is a reason why they aren’t used in all diesel engines.
Brand new injectors are few and far apart. Why you may ask? It’s simple! New injectors are very expensive and most defective ones can be rebuilt. Much like rebuilding a car’s engine, most parts can be carried over when overhauling it.
All of our remanufactured injectors are thoroughly cleaned, inspected, and have any defective components replaced. It is like buying brand new injectors at a fraction of the original price.
Sometimes, getting a new part does not make sense financially, and if we can help you save a buck, you best believe we are going to do it!
Having a good core is essential if you plan on exchanging your defective or worn-out injectors for top-quality, rebuilt ones. Although we try to make things as simple as possible, there are a few general conditions that must be met when sending us your old injectors.
Firstly, the models must be the same. You cannot send exchange “X” injectors for “Y” injectors. On top of that, injectors with broken terminals mean they cannot be salvaged. Therefore, we cannot accept them. Finally, broken or crushed tips will not help us in the rebuilding process and is another important factor that we take into consideration when we look for a good core. Besides that, we are understanding and will try to accommodate you and your situation.
Even if you are on the other side of the country, we will mail you the new ones, along with a prepaid label. This way, when you receive your new-to-you injectors, the old ones will be mailed back right away. It’s as simple as that!
We hope this article helped with your injector-specific questions. If you have any other further questions, or experienced staff would be happy to help. Call us at 844-215 3406 or request an online quote now!
