If you’re running into problems with the fuel injectors on your diesel engine, we know how frustrated you must be.
When your engine isn’t performing like it should, you’re losing time and money while you diagnose and fix the problem. And this can negatively impact your job or business.
At HHP, we want to help you diagnose your fuel injector problem so you can get it fixed right, and quickly.
In this article, we’re looking at some potential root causes for fuel injector failure, especially your hold-down bolts, how you can fix them, and how to properly maintain your engine to stop them from happening again.
Are Your Hold-Down Bolts Causing You Problems?
Issues Caused By Loose Hold-Down Bolts
If you’re trying to figure out if your injector is causing you problems, or if the fault lies with the hold-down bolts, there are some easy things to watch for. Some problems caused by loose hold-down bolts include:
- Engine knocking
- Drops in oil pressure
- Blowing white smoke
- Marks on the injector head from rattling
- Diesel in the sump tank
How Are These Issues Caused?
Often, these problems come from a loose bolt allowing the fuel injector to move excessively in its seat.
If you’re not getting the proper pressure, the fuel injector cup can lift. This can cause diesel to drain into the engine oil.
Having fuel in the lubricating oil or oil pan is dangerous. It reduces your oil’s ability to lubricate, leading to major wear.
You also might notice cracks in the cylinder, or damaged injectors or injector cups. This can be caused by extreme heat from combustion coming up around the loose injector.
It’s also possible that the bolts are over-torqued beyond the factory specs. This can stretch or break the bolt, which can be both time-consuming and expensive to remove.
Why You’d Want to Replace Your Hold-Down Bolts
The OEM, as well as we at HHP, recommend changing your hold-down bolts whenever you replace your injectors, for several reasons.
First, when a hold-down bolt is torqued, the steel is designed to stretch and yield. This is why they aren’t reusable: the bolts don’t return to their original shape.
When you receive your new fuel injectors, make sure you’re checking the box. Some come with new hold-down bolts.
Sometimes, we receive cores back with the new bolts still in the box, meaning the old bolts were reinstalled. Reusing these bolts can cause some major problems in your engine.
Avoiding Issues Caused by Injector Hold-Down Bolts
To reduce the issues caused by hold-down bolts, be sure to replace the bolts every time you change your fuel injectors.
You want to have the proper tension on your injectors so that everything in the system can work as intended. It also prevents dangerous leaks that might severely damage your engine, leading to more repairs and expense.
The injectors we sell at HHP come with a new hold-down bolt. We want to make sure you’re getting everything you need to get the job done!
Our mission is to take the risk out of buying diesel engine parts—we sell only quality, reputable parts to ensure you’re getting the best option for your engine! Give us a call to let our experts help you find the parts you need for your job or repair.
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