Problems with injector cups is a common issue on the Caterpillar 3406E.
We know how frustrating it can be, especially if it happens soon after an injector replacement.
You just spent all that time and money on the repair. The last thing you need is more down time.
What causes these problems with the injector cups? How are your injector hold-down bolts part of the solution?
This post takes you through the problem and one simple thing you can do to help prevent it.
Why Are the Injector Cups Failing?
About Injector Cup Failure
We hear about a lot of people having issues with the injector cups on their 3406Es.
Normally, the injector acts like a cork that seals in the compression gases. If your injector isn’t sealing right, you might have compression gas getting into the fuel system.
If these gases get into the fuel system, your engine can start running rough, because the fuel is aerated.
Problems Caused By Injector Cup Failure
You also have water circulating around the outside of the injector cup. If the compression gas comes up because of a loose injector, you can actually get compression in the water system.
If compression gets into the cooling system, you’ll start noticing symptoms that seem similar to a head gasket failure, like overheating and possible cylinder head cracking.
Preventing Injector Cup Failure
If this sounds like what’s happening on your 3406E, there’s something you can do to help prevent it: replace your injector hold-down bolts when you replace your fuel injectors. This helps ensure that your injector cups function properly.
Why Replacing Hold-Down Bolts is Important
The hold-down bolts create the proper tension to keep everything sealing correctly. What some people might not realize, though, is that on the 3406E, the injector hold-down bolts are designed to be a one-time use bolt.
Sometimes we’ll get injector cores returned to us with the new bolts still in the box. This can spell trouble.
These bolts are designed to stretch, allowing them to keep proper tension during normal use.
When you install your new injectors, though, the old bolts aren’t going to go back to their original shape. This won’t give you the right amount of tension.
Poor tension allows for the compression gases to leak around the injector.
The injector hold-down bolts are similar in design to the torque-to-yield head bolts you’ll find on a lot of different engines. These aren’t supposed to be reused either.
Don’t run the risk of causing preventable damage to your engine. When you get new injectors for your 3406E, make sure you’re installing them with new injector hold-down bolts!
Highway & Heavy Parts Can Help With Injectors for Your 3406E!
If you’re looking for replacement injectors for your Caterpillar 3406E, we’ve got you covered!
Our flow matched injectors have undergone rigorous testing, meaning each injector has been 100% functionality tested for fuel delivery, fuel injection pressure, and timing, to make sure you’re getting the highest quality injectors possible!
All of our remanufactured injectors have been fully disassembled, thoroughly inspected and cleaned, and all the critical components have been replaced.
We only source from the best suppliers, who are often the same ones who supply the OEM.
With these flow matched injectors, you’ll see:
- More power
- Lower emissions
- Lower fuel consumption
When you shop with Highway & Heavy Parts, you’ll also have access our team of experts. We have ASE Certified Technicians on staff to help you diagnose your diesel engine problems. We’re here to work with you to make sure you’re getting everything you need to fix the issue and get you back up and running.
We have a huge selection of parts, and we can get them to you fast! Our components come from the best manufacturers, and we stand behind them with industry-leading warranties.
From diagnosis through delivery, we’re Highway & Heavy Parts!
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