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Fuel Injector
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 8:29 am
by exmouthlocal
Good morning,
So last night I noticed that in the last week my number four fuel injector on my 2.0 hdi (1999) has started ever so slightly leaking.
The bad part for me is this was gone midnight last night and I am working 08.00-15.00 today then meant to driving 400miles to Leeds from the SouthWest.
Is this wise to do with this ever so slight leak? My mechanic friend that was onsite believes its just a copper washer seal problem. there are very very small carbon drops around the injector.
Re: Fuel Injector
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 8:39 am
by OdinEidolon
retighten the nuts and you'll be good for another while.
Just make sure you change the washer ASAP so that the injector doesn't get stuck in place, which would require an injector extractor job, that may cost you up to 100 pounds only for extracting it.
Re: Fuel Injector
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 9:28 am
by omega
Re: Fuel Injector
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 10:30 am
by Welly
I don't think we should be telling anyone to tighten nuts/joints on a high pressure fuel system unless they know what they're doing.
How many times have you 'tweaked' a pipework joint and made it worse? I have.
You should leave it alone until you have the correct replacement parts to hand and the knowledge to do the job safely.
Re: Fuel Injector
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 11:14 am
by OdinEidolon
Welly wrote:I don't think we should be telling anyone to tighten nuts/joints on a high pressure fuel system unless they know what they're doing.
How many times have you 'tweaked' a pipework joint and made it worse? I have.
You should leave it alone until you have the correct replacement parts to hand and the knowledge to do the job safely.
When Off there's no pressure at all. Of course, tighten the nuts only with the car turned off.
I'll be more specific. I know this stuff since on mine (a 2.2 tho) I had to fix injector issues and after that experience I am now helping a guy who sells injector cleaning and removaal tool. I sell their stuff a bit.
First, do you hear air escaping the injector hole (put your hand near - do not touch) when the car is on? If so, you have a leaking copper washer - they cost pennies.
Removing the injector to replace the washer is really easy. However the injector may be stuck in place and a proper injector specialist will be needed then. Instructions on the Haynes manual are good. Be cautious and, after you did the work, turn the car on making sure noone is near the engine: high pressure diesel can hurt if you forgot to tighten something.
Meanwhile, grab a normal (7mm I recall?) hex key and tighten the 2 nuts that are holding down the injector as much as you can by hand. This could or could not fix the problem, but will no be a permanent fix.
In no way unplug anything when the engine isn't turned off from at least 2 minutes.
When you remove the injector (s), remember that the high pressure pipes can be bent but do not exaggerate.
If you take them out, it is worth it to clean the injector hole interior with an apposite instrument. Do not let anything fall inside the combustion chamber.
I'm in a hurry and cannot write more, any questions I'll answer later today.
Re: Fuel Injector
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 11:24 am
by Welly
That's better, I wasn't being awkward but you have to work with care on these systems and not everyone is aware.
Serious injury can result if you're not careful.
If this guy is not used to waving spanners about he'd be best to leave it alone.
Re: Fuel Injector
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 12:13 pm
by highlander
Serious injury and potentially death - diesel fuel is pressurized in common-rail diesel engines like HDi at pressures anywhere up to 26,000 PSI (1,800 bar).
Take care!
Re: Fuel Injector
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 12:37 pm
by exmouthlocal
Thank you for the replies!
It is a hissing noise but not constant it's a quick sound every couple of seconds.
My friend did tighten down the bolt with a 13mm socket last night, it didn't make much difference I'll try the Allen keys later aswell.
I'll do my journey then get it replaced Monday.
If I need a new injector I'll know where to come! Or pm and get you to post!
Thanks again
Re: Fuel Injector
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 2:06 pm
by puggy
Is your car a 110 bhp and if so does it have a air dozer ??
Re: Fuel Injector
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 5:06 pm
by OdinEidolon
highlander wrote:Serious injury and potentially death - diesel fuel is pressurized in common-rail diesel engines like HDi at pressures anywhere up to 26,000 PSI (1,800 bar).
Take care!
After 2 seconds the car is off the pressure is already off. One needs only to wait a min or two just to be sure.
Of course someone opening the injectors with the engine running will end bad!
Re: Fuel Injector
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 8:00 pm
by exmouthlocal
Yes it's the 110 or 111 on my car checker

to sound novice don't know what that is!
It's made it the first part so only the return journey to do!
I'll get in the garage Monday and let you guys know