It would suffice to say that fuel injection parts play a crucial role the overall functioning of internal combustion engines, as they are responsible for delivering fuel into the cylinder which will in turn power the engine. 

In this article we will cover the individual fuel injection parts and go over the checks that need to be carried out in order to ensure optimal working conditions, and an extended lifespan for your engine. 

What are the different fuel system parts?

The availability of fuel injection parts can differ from one supplier to the next. As a result of our partnership with leading brands including Cummins, Caterpillar, Bosch, Delphi, Rexroth, Garrett, Holset and more, we have an extensive range of fuel system parts as listed below.

Injectors

Fuel injectors can accumulate grime as a result of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). For this reason, fuel injectors need to be cleaned regularly otherwise it can lead to fueling systems getting clogged, and excess fuel being used during machinery operation. This will mean a decrease in energy efficiency and lead to an increase in costs.

There are different methods of cleaning your fuel injector depending on the products you have available, the steps below are what we at Jaytrac advise you should follow when it comes to cleaning your fuel injector.

1. Remove the fuel tank cap to prevent pressure build-up inside the engine
2. Disconnect the fuel pump by removing the fuel pump fuse
3. Connect the output house from the fueling system to the cleaning kit and let it run for around 15 minutes to allow the cleaning solution to effectively clean the injector

The biggest problem with fuel injectors is that if there is fuel left in the injector tips after the engine is shut down, it can lead to deposits building up over time. These deposits can affect the injector’s spray, which is why routine inspection and cleaning is so important.

Valves

The purpose of a valve is to inject a precise quantity of fuel into all the necessary engine parts. The quantities to be delivered are calculated by a control unit; a build-up of dirt deposits or debris can affect this function and lead to an engine system failure.

Before proceeding to clean valves, you need to make sure that everything is shut down and that all pressure has been relieved. Once you have removed the valve from the system, you need to carefully disassemble the components – seats, seals, springs, and actuators- and use either of the following to clear away dirt particulates: soft brush, compressed air, or a lint-free cloth.

During cleaning, make sure to check for any wear, corrosion, or residue that could affect performance and ensure that all parts are completely dry before reassembling. Once the valve has been reinstalled, we recommend conducting a leak or pressure test to ensure that everything is working as it should.

Fuel Pumps

This is the most essential component, but it may also be the part that needs the least amount of cleaning unless circumstances state otherwise.

The most important thing to look out for is issues such as overheating and worn bearings. You also want to be making sure that the pump is generating the required amount of suction and discharge pressure. We recommend using a high-quality fuel to reduce risk of contamination and keep your fuel pump in optimal condition.

Plunger and Barrels

The plunger draws fuel from the supply line and fills the barrel which leads to an increase in pressure, the barrel then sends the pressurised fuel through the valves into the injectors which spray the fuel into the combustion chamber.

Sometimes if the fuel is not very high-quality, it can affect the condition of the plunger and barrel. The best way to clean these two components is to soak them in a chemical bath and use an ultrasonic cleaner.

Fuel lines

The function of a fuel line is to deliver pressurised fuel from the fuel pump to individual parts of your machinery. A faulty fuel line can impair the machine’s performance and there are a few ways to know if your fuel line is experiencing a fault, for instance the smell of fuel a good indication that something may be wrong.

Engine misfires and stalling can be another indicator that there is a problem with the fuel line. In addition to making sure your fuel lines are intact, you also want to try and keep your fuel lines insulated. This is because hot fuel will not atomise as well as cooler fuel will, and this will affect the performance of your engine.

Turbochargers and Cartridges

The purpose of a turbocharger is to compress the air flowing into the engine’s cylinder. The compression allows for more oxygen to be fed into the cylinder, which in turn allows for more fuel combustion to take place leading to more engine power.

Some things to look out for concerning the turbocharger includes:

• Pressure drops – if you notice a significant drop it might be time to clean or replace the filter mat
• Lube oil inlet pressure – a sudden change in this could mean that a filter has been contaminated or that there is a lube oil leak
• Exhaust gas temperatures – higher than usual exhaust gas temperatures could mean insufficient air supply to the engine because of potential contamination of the turbine and/or compressor.

If you need fuel system parts replacing or help with maintaining your current parts and components, you can get in touch on our contact page and a member of the Jaytrac team will be happy to help you out.