Hey guys- I've been reading around here today about the injector spool cleaning process as I think it may be time to give that a whirl. My '04 (with early motor) has been exhibiting signs of stiction for a little while now and after unsuccessfully trying Hot Shots I know I need to do something. I started getting a contribution code for 1 cylinder but in the last week or two I'm seeing 2 cylinders triggering that fault now. At least the two cylinders are on the same side (passenger).

At any rate, over the years I've had 3 injectors replaced so I'm very familiar with how a "bad" injector feels and I'm certain this is what's going on. With the spool cleaning procedure that's been floating around here for awhile I figured I'd take this opportunity to give that a try in an effort to save money on replacement injectors, but I want to make sure I'm a candidate for this to successfully resolve my issue. Are there any indicators I should look for that will tell me if the spool cleaning will work?

Also, while I'm in that passenger side I'm thinking about changing the glow plugs out because they've got 150k on them and I figure they are about due. I've actually got codes for glow plug circuits #2 & #8- wrong side I know, but I figured I'd just knock the passenger side out. Is there any issue with just doing the GPs on one side?

Thanks for the info, guys. Just trying to ensure that this spool cleaning procedure is worth trying on my truck as I'd like to try and avoid taking it apart a second time to replace injectors if possible.

 

You Roll the Dice, it may or might not work and it is offered as an alternative for the Do-It-Yourself. If you don't mind a trial and error go for it, if time is not on your side, drop new sticks in.

 

Exactly....

To me, cleaning spool valves is both risky and a good waste of time as it's hit or miss. You're much better off replacing the injectors that are showing the contribution codes.

Since hot shot secret didn't work for you (hopefully your truck spend 70% of it's time on the highway during the 4,000 mile interval), hopefully you got your money back.

I suggest trying Archoil 9100 if you're trying to avoid having to pull injectors. Run a full treatment and drive it like you stole it. If the codes don't clear and the stiction persists, replace the injector. It's all a matter of how much time you have.

For me Archoil 9100 cleaned up my stiction and continues to keep things clean and running properly. I had to replace injector #2 due to the use of a fuel additive that clogged my injector.

 

I agree it is risky and you could waist some time but personally I would try it but I also like tinkering on things. I actually did this but over tightened the thru bolt on the spool and made them worse. I removed them again and retraced steps corrected the tourque and they worked perfict. I believe the tourque is .5NM I didn't have a wrench that went that low so you may want to look for one befor you try it. Also I had a glow plug code for #2 and it ended up that the controller on the valve cover went south.

 

The module is often over looked since the glow plugs are pretty stout and not a real item of concern.

 

Agree 100% on the Archoil 9100. Oil has just over 600 miles on it but I noticed a difference the first 100.
That might seem like the claim of a snake oil salesman but I have nothing to gain by pumping the product, and it made a real difference, cold start ups the most.