got the bad news from the mechanic today. i need 2 new injectors. deal is i got 90 horse or i believe i do. 195cc i think. thats what i was told. where can i go to buy just 2 without losing limbs and appendages? please help

 

You need to pull them out and be sure. Clay at Riffraff Diesel can help you out. He got the best prices, and is the best guy around. Do the work yourself if possible. Not that hard. good luck,
Chet

 

The real question is, how did he determine that you need new injectors. If he simply is diagnosing via a scan tool or software, there's no way to know for sure. It could be a loose or broken UVCH, needs to be torqued down to spec, etc. Did he actually pull the injectors to determine this??? I was told that once, and it turned out to be my pickup foot inside the gas tank, and nothing under the hood. Be careful.

 

He said its #3 and 7 that he did a buzz and balance test?

 

Symptoms that sent you to the mechanic?

 

Seemed like it was running on one bank. Real loss of power and horrible idle. Service engine light with no codes on scanner

 

Based on your descriptions, I have some thoughts but...

If you have an SES light, you have codes, you or your mechanic are just not using a proper tool IMO, or not using it correctly.

 

3 and 7 are common because IIRC the CPS will throw a code, same with number 8. Does this " mechanic " have any more to go on then a buzz test?

 

I had 3 and 7 really give me problems, even though the truck was running fine... and this is what it sounded like:


The mechanic used a breakout box to isolate the offending injectors and I personally heard the banging go away... so I was confident in his diagnosis.

If you have an SES light, I'm with BigAlsPSD on this one: Many code readers cannot read the Ford codes, it needs to be the right code reader. Many of us have software specially made for interfacing with the truck (AutoEnginuity) and even expert use of this one single tool will frequently not find a signed confession from a bad injector - just yeild clues as to the identity of the suspect.

You said something that screams in the streets and calls attention to a possible culprit while the crime is still in progress: "Seemed like it was running on one bank" I'd round up the usual suspect on that one - Under Valve Cover Harness aka UVCH. By its "handle" you can surmise where its hangout is... a lot of greasy characters have been known to linger there and they expect payola - so you'll need to bring a couple of quarters and some tin snips - I'm not kidding.

 

Ok...that is my point exactly. It may be the case, but it could be other things. Your UVCH or VC gasket could be bad. You need to hook up with someone here who can help you diagnose this. I would never buy new injectors just because of a computerized
buzz or balance test. Tell us where you live, symptoms, etc. Don't waste your money yet.

 

If your 'mechanic' told you this - don't even call him back and GET YOUR TRUCK OUT OF THERE!!!

No reputable injector builder or PSD-knowledgeable mechanic would refer to injectors as '90 horse(power)'.

FYI, stock (split-shot) injectors are 175cc but cannot deliver that much due to the 'pause' of the split-shot design.

'Stage 1' injectors are 160cc single-shot design and are capable of 150HP or more over stock RWHP. These require custom tuning (chip) to work properly.

Just so ya know, you can buy (8) Stage 1 injectors for $1095 ('stock' are even less). You will need a chip to run these (~$425) or get your PCM reprogrammed (~$75) - but there are many benefits, including better MPG than stock..........

Before letting some jackwagon throw your money at this problem, I would strongly encourage you to get more information. I realize many folks don't have tools or a place to work on their own stuff - but there is very little someone mechanically inclined cannot DIY on these trucks. Specifically an injector swap.

 

Also, the Buzz Test basically only tests the electrical function of the injectors and the 'balance test' (Cylinder Contribution Test?) is not the best way to diagnose a 'bad injector'.

Maybe the mechanic is dumbing it down for you, since you may not know much about these engines. Get him to explain it to you in technical terms - take notes if you have to. We can help you understand what is going on and possibly help him better diagnose your problem.......

Verify FUEL PRESSURE and see what ICP (high-pressure oil pressure) values are.

Ask what Rotational Velocity values are.

Just resistance of the injectors and GP's through the VC.

If/when VC's are removed, run engine and observe the oil discharge on the injectors.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

see thats what i thought from what little bit i do know and what i have been reading as i go. no it was the guy i bought the truck from that told me about the injectors. and i do have a ts six position, fass platinum, 150gph, 3/8 line, 38r, and what i was told was stage 2. my only reason for doubting this guy is that its my understanding that these injectors wont peak without a banjo mod. but anyway. more about my symptoms doc.
I jumped in the truck one day and it was just shaking and rumbling and seeemed like it couldnt outrun a possum. just really uneven firing ses light on, so i hooked it up to my cousins scanner and auto zone and orielys(i know they usually dont read our trucks but had to try) so i knew about a couple guys having problems with the uvch and injectors vibrating out of tourqe so i took it to the guy a few of my buddies recomended. he shot straight and as soon as i limped it on in there he said sounds like your running on one bank. probably your idm or uvch. so he said exactly what i was thinking. so i left it there and 2 days later i call him and he said he ran a buzz and a balance test and you need the 3 and 7 replaced. I thought that injectors hardly went bad? and he told me it would be about 425 per injector installed. but with the stage 2 i got i dont see how i can just change 2 and they be the same flow. i live about 20 minutes north east of houston. kind of by humble. any good honest mechanics out here.

 

update.... he said it was 2&7 not 3. he said they determined this by putting it on there scanner and blocking them and doing a balance test. said it is like a graph and after they let the injectors warm up that 2&7 show negative. Could that still be the uvch? but thats on both banks right? 2 is on passenger and 7 on drivers side right?

 

That is better info. Yes, 2&7 are different banks. Could be injectors after all... Yes, failures are not that common - but it happens.

You'd need to know what the injectors are (and ideally who built them) to get matching ones for replacement.