No matter if you are new or have been around diesel engines most of your life, knowing what makes them tick is just as important as the parts used.
We have mentioned injection timing and why it’s important in the past. However, this post is dedicated to specifically learning about diesel ISX fuel injectors and how they are different than other manufacturer’s fuel injectors.
DFI is committed to helping keep your truck running smoothly and safely for as long as possible. Knowing how to adjust the timing on your ISX injectors is a crucial step if you want to get countless worry-free miles from your rig.
We are dedicated to providing you with as much information as possible when it comes to anything diesel-related, including ISX diesel fuel injectors.
Highway & Heavy Parts has a great article about the basics of fuel injection timing and why it is important. Check it out here!
Injector timing refers to the actual time that fuel gets injected into the cylinders. Timing can be controlled by different components, depending on the fueling system your engine uses.
Like anything else that is engine-related, it should be left up to the pros as it can have several negative side effects if done incorrectly.
When done right, injector timing can prove to be a major factor in improving fuel economy, power, and overall durability. Fuel injector manufacturers are always striving to get the perfect balance between achieving optimal power and keeping up with ever-increasing emissions regulations.
As a result, power is sacrificed to keep fuel injectors as environmentally friendly as possible.
The short answer is yes. You should know how to adjust injector timing as it can mean the difference between a truck that runs right and one that uses up excessive amounts of fuel while generating subpar torque and horsepower.
If done properly, timing can help you get the most out of your ISX diesel engine. Unfortunately, inexperienced techs and tuners can sometimes turn a good thing into a bad one, by causing unwanted damage to critical engine components. Pistons, valves, and other critical engine parts can be negatively affected by improperly adjusting the injector timing.
Other factors such as an engine rebuild, timing gear/chain replacement can mean that the injection timing may need to be readjusted. In fact, any major repair can affect the timing of your ISX diesel fuel injectors.
Regardless of why fuel injection timing needs to be adjusted, you shouldn’t undertake it if you don’t feel comfortable or don’t know enough about the subject. Additionally, simply adjusting injector timing isn’t going to fix the initial issue, so getting down to the root of why fuel injector timing needs to be adjusted in the first place is just as important.
The ISX engine lineup is as vast as it is popular. Being a successful engine manufacturer means that you constantly have to keep up with new trends and meet strict emissions parameters. If that is not enough, all of this must be done while increasing both horsepower and torque, as well as MPGs.
So yes, being a renowned engine builder like Cummins means that the engines you make must be at the peak of innovation constantly, and that is not an easy task for anyone. It is one of the main reasons that the company has not stuck to just using one type of fuel injector. The specific make and model injector you have will vary from model to model.
Most pre-2010 Cummins ISX engines have injectors that are controlled by camshafts. For example, the ISXCM870/871 have both timing and actuator meter controls for these simple, yet effective mechanical injectors.
Adjusting timing on these old-school engines requires more mechanical experience than one would think. On top of that, specialized tools are also a must. Older Cummins ISX diesel engines needed fuel pump or actuator adjustments to get the overall timing just right. Oftentimes, a bad actuator could be the reason why injection timing on your Cummins ISX diesel engine.
Due to increased regulations, common rail fuel injectors were introduced on the ISX engine lineup. Simply put, common rail fuel injectors draw fuel from a constant, high-pressure line. Unlike previous models, common rail fuel injectors have their flow controlled by the ECU (engine control unit).
Common rail fuel injectors are also unique thanks to their ability to inject a small amount of fuel into the combustion chamber right before the ECU calls for the injector to fully open. What does this mean for the engine? It means that you get a better burn and overall more efficient system.
By using common-rail fuel injectors, mechanics were no longer able to adjust injector timing “by hand”, but rather by computer via the ECU. Getting access to common rail diesel fuel injectors on ISX engines means that you need to have specific tools software and new knowledge and specifically understanding on how fuel injectors operate.
DFI is committed to giving you, the customer, as much information as possible when it comes to Cummins ISX fuel injectors. Keep in mind that we do not recommend adjusting your injection timing if you are not 100% confident in your abilities.
If you’re unfamiliar with how common rail or unit injectors work, we recommend leaving it up to the pros. Our ASE-certified staff is glad to help with any ISX Fuel Injector timing questions you might have. Give us a call at 1-855-212-3022 or contact us on our website!
