Fuel injector

Fuel injector, Problems, Symptoms, And Causes Explained

Fuel Injectors are a fairly important component for cars nowadays. Although small in size, Fuel injectors play a critical role in the way your engine performs. And they are the most widely used type of injectors in diesel engine trucks. 

The modern diesel engine is a highly complex system of components that work together to create the efficient power that drives industries across the U.S. The technology that kicked off this modern diesel revolution is the standard fuel injection system, coupled with an electronic control unit. 

Common rail fuel systems entered the U.S. market in 2001. They were a massive shift from traditional fuel systems, such as inline fuel pumps and distributor pumps, making all of the old associations with loud diesel engines a thing of the past.

At the heart of these new systems were solenoid actuated fuel injectors operating at above 23,000 psi. Today, one can still find these original vehicles on the road with over 300,000 miles, still working hard for their owners. Naturally, these vehicles need servicing to continue working properly, and a commonly replaced component is the fuel injector.

If you’ve noticed a drop in performance, misfires, heavy smoke, and more, it indicates that your common fuel injectors are the ones to blame.

This blog is dedicated to answering some of the most common questions about common fuel injector failure, common Fuel Injector Failure signs, what causes them to fail, and Fuel Injector Repair. Our team at Diesel Components, Inc. is committed to giving you as much information as possible so that when a problem appears, you know when to approach us!

6 Common Fuel Injector Failure Signs

There are several signs that a common fuel injector is or will become defective. The signs mentioned below can occur by themselves or are combined with other symptoms, making the initial problem much harder to pinpoint.

1.Vehicle Won’t Start 

Common fuel injectors could be the reason that your diesel engine has a tough time starting up.

2. Black Smoke

Rolling coal is popular on regular trucks. But an unnecessary amount of black smoke coming from your vehicle is never a good sign. 

3. Smoke

Added smoke is amongst the most common issues of a bad injector or failing fuel injector. While it is typical for diesel or any internal combustion engine to produce smoke, keep an eye on increased smoke.

4. Light Misting 

Fuel injectors are engineered to create a fine mist when open. It makes the combustion process much more efficient, but when a fuel injector is clogged, the fuel comes out like a slow drip.

5. Short Regeneration Times

If the regeneration period takes less time than usual, you should contact us to have a closer look at your injectors, as they may be the reason behind this issue. 

6. Clogged DPF Filters 

Failing common fuel injectors can end up putting too much fuel in the combustion chamber. Unburned fuel will come out in the exhaust stroke and will probably end up clogging the DPF filters.

 

Common Causes for Fuel Injector Problems 

Most of the problems mentioned above happen when the injectors remain stuck in the open position. Why does this happen? It is most likely caused by water or dirt that has gotten into the system. Changing your fuel filter is critical if you want to reduce the chance of this happening. 

A leak test can be performed to make sure fuel injectors operate within their specified parameters. Unfortunately, some engines came with stock injectors that were poor in design from the very beginning. Therefore, a leak test is common and more suited to these types of injectors. 

Mileage plays a significant role in the overall condition of common fuel injectors or any engine component, for that matter. It’s common knowledge that higher mileage engines will be more prone to a higher risk of issues, and injectors are not immune. 

Ball seat erosion is common on engines that have seen countless hours and miles of hard use. It happens when the pressure of the fuel is so great that it ends up physically deteriorating the fuel injector’s tips. Luckily, we can resolve these issues by rebuilding the injectors.

Lastly, time just can’t be turned back, so even if your truck has turned back time and made sure you didn’t put on too many miles, still time will take a toll on injectors. There isn’t much one can do to turn back the hands of time, as far as we know. 

What Can Be Done to Resolve Common Fuel Injector Problems?

The best thing one can do as an owner to prevent common fuel injector problems is to get the right quality fuel. Not all diesel is created equally, and trying to save some dollars by going to a cheaper gas station might end up causing you more in the future. 

Operating conditions are yet another factor that may end up wreaking havoc on fuel injectors. Yes, diesel engines are made to be more robust than gasoline engines, but they can’t go on forever without proper maintenance. 

Finally, condensation is one issue that most people do not take too seriously until it’s too late. As the diesel in your tank warms up, the space in your fuel tank creates moisture, making its way to the injectors and creating problems. Draining your filter can help with this. 

If you notice any of the problems mentioned above, one of the first steps is to approach us to get your engine scanned for fault codes. For Fuel Injector Repair, contact Diesel Components, Inc. at the earliest. We will tell you if the flow rates are equal or if one injector is reading more/less than the rest. Even if the check engine light on your dash is not blinking, your injectors could still be faulty. 

Head to Diesel Components, Inc. for Fuel Injection Repair, Diesel Fuel Injector Repair, Diesel Fuel Injection Pump Repair

If your car is struggling to get the fuel, it’s important to let a professional technician from Diesel Components, Inc. perform complete diagnostics to identify the issues. And if you believe that you need fuel injection repair in Burnsville, MN, head to Diesel Components, Inc. Our team of auto repair experts can quickly diagnose and fix any problems causing your car’s performance to drop.