Hey folks, it seems I have a unique problem when removing my injectors on the 7.3 IDI.

I was taking out my injectors to give them a good clean (just to get the truck to runable condition) and removing the first 5 (using an adjustable wrench) goes off without a hitch. On the next two injectors I attempt to use the adjustable wrench, but I can't get the injectors with it. So I get the bright idea to use 1/2 drive 1in deep well socket to tackle the injectors.

So my process goes as such: Remove injector line --> Remove plastic relief housing cap --> Use 1in Deep Well to unscrew the injector ---> Injector comes out in pieces ---> Uh-oh. --> Use a magnet to get small hardware pieces of the inside injector out, but I can't get the injector casing/sleeve that holds everything involving the inside injector together.





The part that I am referring to as the sleeve is seen in this picture, directly above the copper washer. If you were to look at the picture horizontally, the "injector sleeve" would be the next part to the right of the copper washer.

My problem is the "injector sleeve" is stuck, and I cannot get it out of the injector bore. Honestly it doesn't make much sense because the only thing that can be holding it in there is dirt.

I have tried to use a J-hook pick to pull it out, screwdrivers, PB blaster to loosen the dirt, screwing the injector back on to the sleeve (but not enough to start threading it into the top of the cylinder head) and pull it out with pliers but that didn't work either.

Has anyone had a similar experience, or advice? Thanks everyone

 

You can grind the external threads off the top of the injector,( the ones you can see in the pic.) then thread the top of the injector into the bottom. This way you can break the carbon loose that is holding the sleeve in the head. The injector will be worthless, but you will get it out of the head.

 

I ground the threads off an old injector and welded a ring to the top so I could pry up on it whild I turned it with a wrench. Even had to put a small slide hammer on one once...

 

Hmm, I've tried this method for about two days, while turning the injector to break the carbon, trying to pry it upwards as well, but no luck.

I think a slide hammer would be the way to go on this one. What bit did you use for the slide hammer? I've never used one before, or let alone seen one (i've only heard about them). How much does one cost? Any adapters or driver bits, etc I might need to use it?

 

Harbor Freight has 3 different sets - range from $20 to $60.............

Slide Hammer - Great Deals on Slide Hammers at Harbor Freight

 

might try a little oil or something to break up the carbon as well.

the only corrosion that would hold that casing in would be down the outside of the injector (unless the tip is still stuck in as well)

 

Worked flawlessly when mine did this.

 

That's fantastic!! What a great idea.

As for not having any luck, a slide hammer is probably great but why not use an impact wrench? Seems the perfect candidate as the impacts would "slam" the brittle carbon to pieces.

Either way, let us know what works.
-Joshua

 

So I bought the cheapo harbor freight slide hammer (Slide Hammer - Great Deals on Slide Hammers at Harbor Freight) set because it was the only thing that had close to the two bits that I need, but I need to grind them down a bit to fit into the sleeve hole.

Yesterday while looking for a slide hammer rental, I discovered a new tool called a blind hole puller, which would be perfect for this job, except the one I bought from harbor freight does not have a small enough collet (flare bit), so I need to find a smaller/specialty one from somewhere. For those who are interested: Blind Hole Bearing Puller - Needle Bearing Puller

The impact wrench is a great idea, and if the slide hammer set doesn't work, I'll definitely give that a try after I get ahold of an impact wrench

 

I would soak them in carb cleaner, not to much though. I had the same problem with 2 injectors last time I removed mine. That sleeve actually split on one of them from all the yanking. After two weekends of beating on them, 10 minutes soaking in carb cleaner and they popped right out. After I had them out and everything cleaned, I put some penetrating oil in those cylinders and cranked the motor(with the injectors out) to blow out any accumulated fluid so I wouldn't hydrolock the next time it started.

Here is another tool I was using. The hook was just part of an open chain link with one side cut off. The threaded end fit right on the injector.

 

I've never grond the threads off, I thread the top piece back in to the part that is stuck, but I stop before the top pices treads in to the head, and pry up on it. also I've just stuck a socket and impact on it and spun them loose

 

A lifter removal tool would probably be the go, but I haven't seen one on the shops for a few years.

 

Geez, if I'd read all this before last night I would have left the injectors in my 'parts truck' last night! As it was, all 8 came out eezy peezy. Sorry to hear you're having these troubles, and good luck! sounds like some good ideas to try.

 

Well, I tried the impact wrench and it stripped my threads out, so that was a no go. I also tried that cheapo harbor freight slide hammer, and the adapter broke (go figure). I'm working the rest of the week and I won't be able to work on it. I like the carb cleaner idea, so I'll probably try that Sunday.

I also saw another post similar to this: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-of-ideas.html

 

Thats a new one on me stripping the treads out, Break cleaner is better than carb cleaner, I would try soaking it in penatraing oil, all this week before you go to work squrit some in the hole and let is soak, hoppfuly it will soften the carbon up.
And rember to sware at it, it helps