Injectors. Clean or Replace?

[krj]

Hi all. This question is directly related to an ongoing thread at Cumminsforum, in which MoparMan is a contributor. http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/search.php?searchid=9890709 I didn't want to high jack the thread, so here I am. Ultimately, it's about fuel efficiency & injectors, but bear with me! I've got a new to me '99Cummins 2500, 5spd, with 207K mls, fully stock. Had it checked out thoroughly before purchase, and everything is A OK. Recent clutch and tranny rebuild. My only concern now is the fuel system (which brings us back to the above mentioned thread). Getting ready for a 2 month Baja trip and want to make sure everything is good before I go. With the exception of the lift pump, which was replaced @ 170K mls, everything else in the fuel system is original. With the price (and core charge) of a VP44, I won't be able to carry a spare with me. Injectors, however, are another story. Obviously I would rather do any work before I leave than on the side of a dusty highway. So I guess what this boils down to is: A -Do I even to worry about the injectors at this mileage? B-If I do, pull and clean the stocks, or replace them? C -If replacing, which are best for fuel efficiency? I'll be hauling a 1725lb truck camper with gear, so realistically, 2300lbs. Thanks in advance for the input. Kevin

[98whitelightnin]

If the truck runs good I wouldnt worry about them, these arent finicky like the common rail injectors. If you want a little more power and mpg get a set of rv275 or so, if you want a big power improvement get some 7x.009 or 7x.010 or roughly 100-150hp injectors. My mileage went up with my 7x.010 over stockers but the new has wore off and I dont hotrod.

[Mopar1973Man]

Replacing injectors is the easiest but got the highest price, when pulling and cleaning is the cheaper option. With those kind of miles in might be a good idea to just replace.

[ISX]

Mine has 350k on the stock injectors. They all pop fine but one or 2 have developed a tiny leak at the end which guys here tell me is from it not being able to seal perfectly from the gazillion times it has "popped". I don't notice any difference with the truck per say so I don't know if it's actually an issue. If it were me, I would take injectors out and clean them every 100k miles. At 500k I would replace them. Ideally you should pop test them each time after you clean them to see if one is wore out enough to need changing. I don't notice my leaky injector at all but it shows when I pop test it so it's not like you can just "feel" a bad injector, though sometimes it's obvious enough that you can. I know Mike has some 400k mile injectors from Caj that he says are the culprit of a random idle miss or something so I think that alone says it's a good idea to test them after you clean them. Most of mine were fine, I think it was only one that had issues leaking a little. I would think you could just get new tips and pintles but don't know if thats cheaper than a whole injector.

[LiveOak]

I agree with Mike. I think in this case, you might be better off to replace them. Look for a deal on a set of new RV 275 injectors if you can. If you the truck was going to stay local, I would just keep running what you have.

[CUMMINSDIESELPWR]

Mine has 350k on the stock injectors. They all pop fine but one or 2 have developed a tiny leak at the end which guys here tell me is from it not being able to seal perfectly from the gazillion times it has "popped". I don't notice any difference with the truck per say so I don't know if it's actually an issue. If it were me, I would take injectors out and clean them every 100k miles. At 500k I would replace them. Ideally you should pop test them each time after you clean them to see if one is wore out enough to need changing. I don't notice my leaky injector at all but it shows when I pop test it so it's not like you can just "feel" a bad injector, though sometimes it's obvious enough that you can. I know Mike has some 400k mile injectors from Caj that he says are the culprit of a random idle miss or something so I think that alone says it's a good idea to test them after you clean them. Most of mine were fine, I think it was only one that had issues leaking a little. I would think you could just get new tips and pintles but don't know if thats cheaper than a whole injector.

a leaky injector is bad to the effect that it can/will create a hotspot on the piston and if neglected can/will burn a hole in said piston. i had a couple leaky injectors on mine, couldnt "feel" them but sure could hear em! i would spend the $260 from diesel auto performance and get the genuine new bosch rv275's! take about an hour to swap em out and yer good to go

[krj]

Thanks for the input guys.Leaning towards getting a set of RV275's and having one less thing to worry about. If I get to it before the trip, great. If not at least I have them on hand. @ Randy Hale - I googled 'Diesel Auto Performance' and was directed to 'Diesel Auto Power', which had their own brand (NOT Bosch) of RV275's for $260. Is that what you were talking about? In my limited reading (and more limited knowledge), I've gotten the impression to stay away from off brand/knock off injectors. Opinions?@ Mike Nelson - What will it take for me to by-pass the 20 posts in order to get access to the injector cleaning video? At this stage, being a Cummins owner for all of 3 months, I don't don't have much info to contibute. Just need to soak up as much as possible.@ ISX - How does one go about performing a pop test on injectors? Forgive me if that info is else where and I haven't come across it yet. As always, all info is welcome and appreciated!Kevin

[Mopar1973Man]

@ Mike Nelson - What will it take for me to by-pass the 20 posts in order to get access to the injector cleaning video? At this stage, being a Cummins owner for all of 3 months, I don't don't have much info to contibute. Just need to soak up as much as possible. As always, all info is welcome and appreciated! Kevin

Here is the video.

http-~~-//www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEfVU5KhoBc

Being you asked... POOF! Upgraded...

[krj]

That was fast.Thanks Mike, you da man!Kevin

[CUMMINSDIESELPWR]

yeah diesel auto power, they get batches of new genuine bosch injectors in but they fly off the shelves. looks like they upped the price but still good deal.http://www.dieselautopower.com/product_p/rv275-oem-bosch.htm

[dripley]

He still has them listed there for $389. That incledes $100 core deposit. YOu get that back if you send your old one in for a net of $289. Thats only $20 more than when I bought mine. I kept my old one for spares. You cant hardly beat that for new Bosche injectors. Free shipping too.

[CUMMINSDIESELPWR]

tnx dripley,wasnt sure on that

[krj]

Ordered a set this morning. Think I'll eat the core charge and keep the originals as back up.