How Air in the Fuel System Can Cost Thousands of Dollars in Repairs
CRACKED INJECTOR NOZZLES IN FORD AND NAVISTAR APPLICATIONS
Changing a fuel filter without following the manufacturer’s instructions can result in failures that are far more costly than the $40 filter.
The Cause and the Symptoms
Shown here is an injector nozzle tip from a 6.0 Ford Powerstroke Diesel engine. Note the fine cracks running across the width of the nozzle tip. A cracked nozzle such as this will leak fuel into the engine cylinder any time the fuel system is pressurized. This can lead to poor fuel economy, white exhaust smoke with a strong fuel odour, or a fuel knock.
During normal injector operation, the fuel circulating through the injector acts as a hydraulic cushion to allow the nozzle needle to close gently and smoothly. When there is a lack of fuel in the injector (or air in the system), the needle violently slams shut against its seat, which can quickly lead to the formation of cracks.
What to Look For
A number of suspect components should be checked to ensure there is no air being introduced into the fuel system:
- A failed (or failing) lift pump will not be able to maintain proper fuel pressure – failing to refill the injector body with fuel in between injection events will starve it for fuel.
- Dirty or clogged fuel filters can restrict the fuel flow, also leading to a fuel starvation condition.
- A leak on the suction side of the fuel supply system (between the fuel tank and the fuel transfer pump) can allow air to get sucked into the fuel system.
- Another cause (unrelated to the fuel supply system) is a failure of the injector combustion seal. A leaking copper tip gasket will allow super-heated combustion gasses to get past the nozzle which can quickly overheat (seize) the injector nozzle and also introduce air into the fuel system.
Another area of concern we have on the 6.0L Powerstroke/VT365 injectors is the separation of the stator housing from the injector body. The stator is the electronically-controlled assembly on the top of the injector which contains the high-pressure oil inlet, the spool valve, and the control coils. This type of failure is generally attributed the injector over-pressurizing with engine oil, which overcomes the strength of the two bolts holding the stator housing to the body of the injector and popping it off. This failure will be immediately apparent to the driver, as the engine will have an immediate ‘dead miss’ on the affected cylinder.
Prevention
The best ways to prevent these failures from happening to your engine is to perform routine maintenance:
- Changing your fuel filters (primary & secondary) at least every other oil change.
- Use good quality fuel from a reputable supplier, ideally from a station that has high-volume sales.
- Address any suspected fuel system problems promptly, before more severe damage has a chance to occur.
If you suspect a problem with your fuel injectors, stop by Island Diesel here in Nanaimo or, if you’re on the mainland, visit our parent location, NW Fuel in Surrey and take advantage of our diagnostic and testing services to minimize downtime and repair costs.
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