Diesel engines are reliant on fuel injection system designs. The system delivers fuel under very high injection pressures and can withstand high stress for extended periods to ensure durability. The following list explains the main reasons why diesel fuel injectors fail:

•    Abrasion: Injector failure may be caused by abrasion. Fuel often has small amounts of particles that affect the injectors as they pass through while the engine operates. Severe abrasion can alter the fuel spray pattern, which reduces engine performance and requires more downtime for maintenance.

•  Deposits: Excessive buildup of deposits could cause injector failure. External injector deposits are likely caused by fuel that didn’t completely burn and builds up near the injector holes. Enough deposits could disrupt the fuel spray, making fuel combustion less efficient. Vehicle operators usually notice a decrease in power and fuel economy. Internal injector deposits can occur on injector needles and pilot valves and are more likely to happen in newer engines.

•  Excessive wear: Diesel fuel requires lubrication to limit the wear on fuel injectors. Additives in the fuel have the lubrication that used to occur naturally in crude oil. Before being refined into fuel, crude oil formerly contained high amounts of sulfur that provided lubricity.

Learn more about the common reasons why diesel fuel injectors fail. For more information, contact Powerstroke Performance.