Like most diesel engines, the fuel injectors on Caterpillar engines aren’t immune to failure.
We know just how frustrating it can be when your engine isn’t performing like it should. You lose the time it takes to diagnose and repair the issue.
Not to mention the lost profits. Failures like this can have a big impact on your business or job.
In this article, we’re taking a look at possible root causes for fuel injector failure, how you can fix them, and how to properly maintain your engine to prevent the issues from happening again.
Issues Caused by Poor Injectors Seating
Symptoms of a Poorly Sealing Injector
In some cases, it’s not the fuel injector itself that’s causing the problem.
Sometimes, the issue actually lies with how the injector seals or sits into the cylinder head.
If you have this issue, you might notice:
- Engine misfiring or fluttering
- Carbon build-up on the injector seating, the washer that sits between the seating and injector, or on the nozzle nut
- A damaged o-ring
- Bursts of white smoke on start-up
- Bluish tint on the injector above the seating (this is a sign that combustion heat is making it past the seat)
What Happens When There’s an Issue With the Fuel Injector Seating?
When the injector doesn’t seat well, it can cause an uneven stress on the injector. This may crack the nozzle tip, leading to excess fuel coming up into the engine cylinder when the fuel system is pressurized.
A bad seal also allows compression to bypass the injector seat, which leads to fuel aeration.
Fuel aeration can leak to weak or irregular compression, causing stalling or improper throttle input response.
It’s also possible for heat from the combustion process to pass through spaces in the injector seat. This can cause your cylinder head to overheat and even crack, because heads aren’t designed to withstand that amount of heat.
What to Do About a Bad Injector Seat?
Just because your fuel injector isn’t seating well, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to replace your cylinder head.
Tools have been developed to help repair this damage, allowing your injector to seal properly, all without needing to remove the head from your engine!
About the Injector Reseating Tool
Our C15-3055 Tool Kit, C15 Injector Reseating Tool makes it easy to grind down the fuel injector seats and make a smooth, even surface. This ensures that your injector is sealing properly.
Keep in mind that some heads are too damaged to fix with this tool. For many, though, this tool prevents hours of downtime and saves you money.
It’s important to remember, too, that cleaning and reseating your injectors during replacement can help to protect your injectors and extend the life of your injectors.
Final Thoughts
At HHP, it’s our mission to take away the risk of buying diesel engine parts. We only sell quality, reputable fuel injectors ro make sure you’re getting the best option for your engine.
If you’re having trouble with your diesel engine, one of our ASE Certified Technicians will be happy to help you find what you need!
From diagnosis through delivery, we’re Highway & Heavy Parts.
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