The once lazy, black smoke-chugging, locomotive-like engines are no longer. Nowadays, diesel-powered engines are cleaner than ever, produce more power, and use less fuel. But how do you know when it is time to replace their fuel injectors?

There are several telltale signs that the injectors may be on their way out. Highway & Heavy Parts has put together a comprehensive list that outlines when it’s time to replace those old, worn-out injectors. Has fuel economy gone down recently? Does the engine not have the same “grunt” it once had? These are all key indicators that tell you it is time to swap out the fuel injectors. 

We have also created a detailed video outlining diesel fuel injector issues. Watch it below: 

Signs It Is Time To Replace Your Common Rail Fuel Injectors

Knowing when to replace defective fuel injectors can make all the difference in the world. We have put together a quick guide of common signs that may tell you it's time to replace your fuel injectors. Remember, these are just the most common signs, but not the only ones.

For starters, decreasing fuel efficiency could be a sign that something is wrong. Couple that with a decrease in power and it's almost certain that something isn’t right with the injectors. 

A raw fuel smell is another indicator that something is wrong. We all love the smell of fresh diesel in the morning, but it should not be coming from your exhaust pipe. Get the injectors checked out as soon as possible by a reputable shop like HHP.

Engines, diesel or not, are carefully engineered to keep all liquids away from one another. Unfortunately, that does not always work out well. Diesel fuel can end up making its way into the crankcase via worn-out O-rings or defective fuel injectors. Not only will it reduce the lubricating properties of the engine oil, but can also cause a whole host of other issues. 

Lastly, engine misfires are a common sign that your injectors may be defective. Unfortunately, an engine misfire can be caused by several issues ranging from a loose or severed wire to low compression. If you are unsure about what the root cause of the misfire is, get a reputable shop to determine why it is misfiring in the first place.

Looking for new injectors but don’t know where to start? No problem! Highway & Heavy Parts has a post all about choosing the right fuel injector here.

How Often Should Injectors Be Replaced?  

On average, diesel fuel injectors should be replaced every 95,000 miles. Of course, several factors go into play such as operating conditions, the load being put on the engine, and the quality of fuel used. 

If you bought the vehicle used, a thorough inspection will tell you how much life is left on the injectors and other vital key components. You can even send your injectors in to have them flow tested. Don’t wait until it is too late by ignoring the common warning signs. It will just end up costing more time and money in the long run.

What Can Be Done About Failing Common Rail Fuel Injectors?

You’ve determined that your fuel injectors are, in fact, defective. The vehicle has been scanned for error codes, and all signs point to failed fuel injectors. Now what?

The next step is to remove them and have them sent out for further testing. Highway & Heavy Parts can tell you exactly what needs to be replaced with each injector. For example, fuel injectors can be refurbished, or if the damage is severe enough they may need to be swapped out for remanufactured ones. Either way, you will still come out much cheaper as opposed to buying new ones. 

We are a one-stop shop for most diesel fuel injectors and pride ourselves in providing you with all the necessary info to make an educated decision when it comes to changing out those old, worn-out injectors for new ones.  

Here is a great article we have put together which brings you up to speed on the potential failures and causes of common rail fuel injectors.

Final Words

Do you think your fuel injectors are to blame for the way the engine has been acting lately, but are not 100% sure? Our experienced, ASE-certified staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. Getting you back up and running ASAP is our main concern. 

Give us a call at 844-447-1453 or request a quote online today!

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