Sort of an update. I thought I had traced a leak to the oil filter stand
gasket, but it turns out that what the problem REALLY is (really, this
time, I do believe) is a leaking injector. Only at pressure ( or speed )
and that is why I couldn't see it when the car is idling. Plus, it only
seems to happen after the car is hot. I have replaced the return hose on
all injectors - the leak seems to be from the return nozzle on the
injector nearest the firewall - and it is still leaking.
After googling a bit, it seems that these nozzles are just pressed in, and
there is precious little I can do to remedy the problem short of replacing
the rascal.
QUESTION:
Assume the engine was rebuilt around 1985, but sat in a garage since 1986.
I got it in May. It shouldn't have more than 10K miles on it. If I buy a
new injector, do I throw anything off? I've found one on the web
(parts.mbz), that is under $40 for a Bosch, which is OK, as long as I'm
not hosing up something else because of a difference in the pressures in
the individual injectors.
Any advice? It's not a super-bad leak at the moment, so I could wait
until I see one on Ebay, if 'twere better that I do so.
TIA
Tweaks
The injector nozzle's body is in two parts that screw together. There
can be a small leak - oozing - at the seam and that's, I believe the
cause of your engine's leak.
You can fix this. Slightly loosen the high pressure pipe to the
injector. Use a large waterpump plier to tighten the injector's top half
to its bottom half. Yes, the injector is torqued into the cylinder head
by 50 ft lbs - that's not being disturbed, you're only tightening the
top half to the bottom half. Don't expect much movement from your effort
the top will probably only move a couple of mm at most.
Carefully tighten the high pressure line to the injector JUST SNUG, NO
MORE. These are pipe compression fittings and over tightening them will
crush the pipe and it will leak until you replace it so be cautious and
rather tighten it a couple of times, until it no longer leaks. I believe
the spec is only 15 ft lbs.
As to your question. Newer Bosch remanufactured nozzles have a finer
spray pattern than the original nozzles. The opening pressure of a new
or remanufactured nozzle is higher than old nozzles so they really
shouldn't be mixed. I replaced all five, in part for that reason and in
part to have a cleaner burning engine. But subsequent single
replacements were made to no ill effect.
Diesel injector repair shops are often found near larger cities and such
shops can rebuild and calibrate your injectors - check the local phone book.
tweaks - 28 Dec 2004 15:04 GMT
Thanks! I actually get fuel on two injectors. What is happening, I
believe, is that the fuel leaks, and the fabric hose then acts like a
wick, drawing the fuel up and actually over to another injector! The leak
ends on that second injector in the daisy chain.
Semi-strange! I will attempt to tighten it as you instructed. Appreciate
all of your input. I think I'm just reaping the "benefits" of a car that
sat a long time. It really is a nice car, for all of that.
Tweaks
tweaks - 28 Dec 2004 15:05 GMT
Thanks! I actually get fuel on two injectors. What is happening, I
believe, is that the fuel leaks, and the fabric hose then acts like a
wick, drawing the fuel up and actually over to another injector! The leak
ends on that second injector in the daisy chain.
Semi-strange! I will attempt to tighten it as you instructed. Appreciate
all of your input. I think I'm just reaping the "benefits" of a car that
sat a long time. It really is a nice car, for all of that.
Tweaks
Tiger - 28 Dec 2004 20:59 GMT
Even if you develop a leak in high pressure line due to overtightening, it
is easily remedied by adding aviation form a gasket to the area where the
pipe contact each other... the cone section.
tweaks - 29 Dec 2004 01:49 GMT
Thanks for that bit of information, as well! I always try to err on the
side of caution on tightening things, especially the first time around!
Tweaks
tweaks - 29 Dec 2004 13:51 GMT
Looks like a channel-lock, but there is a difference?
Is it worth me purchasing one for this job?