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injector replacement opinions

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Old Nov 29, 2013 | 07:27 PM
  #1  
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injector replacement opinions

I did a search and have read a good bit on this, but cant find the exact answer. My 03 has made it 156000 miles on the original injectors. It is pretty much bone stock. The last month or so (since the weather has been getting in the 30s), it cranks right up but runs rougher than usual when first cranked, like a miss but goes away when warm. Today, the miss never completely went away and the truck is smoking (black) under acceleration. Took it to dealer and diagnosed with #2 injector bad. They found no other problems. They want to keep it and check it again Monday when cold soaked. They are going to check fuel pressures then also.
I've owned the truck since new and have kept oil and all filters changed. Question is, do I replace all injectors or just one since I already have 156000 on the clock. I plan on keeping the truck.

any thoughts are appreciated
bedwards
 
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Old Nov 29, 2013 | 08:04 PM
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Just replace the one injector. It is probably time to do a bit of preventative maint. though.
STC fitting, Dummy plugs, stand pipes, and re-seal the rest of your injectors. All this can be done if you are inclined and don't mind laying on top of your motor for a few hrs.

Get a ScanGuageII this is a must if you are needing advise , we need some data in order to help.
 
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Old Nov 29, 2013 | 08:38 PM
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I would pull the injector and polish the spool valve before being dead-set on replacing it.

Josh
 
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Old Nov 30, 2013 | 02:25 AM
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Why can't our truck don't break down in Spring and Fall instead of Summer and Winter when it is either too hot or too cold and windy to be working on.

I am in the same situation, but don't know which one on the driver side yet. So #2, #4, #6, or #8 will need to be check out in a next few weeks when I have time.
 
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Old Nov 30, 2013 | 07:37 AM
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I would only replace the one injector, given the cost of the injectors. I would use OEM Ford replacement.

Some of us are using an oil additive, like Archoil to help with cold starts and stiction.

.
 
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Old Nov 30, 2013 | 07:42 AM
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Originally Posted by fluidp
Just replace the one injector. It is probably time to do a bit of preventative maint. though.
STC fitting, Dummy plugs, stand pipes, and re-seal the rest of your injectors. All this can be done if you are inclined and don't mind laying on top of your motor for a few hrs.

Get a ScanGuageII this is a must if you are needing advise , we need some data in order to help.
2003 MY did not use STC fitting or Dummy plugs, and stand pipes are not prone to leak.

.
 
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Old Nov 30, 2013 | 08:01 AM
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Normally, I would suggest just changing the offending injector, But unless the specific early injector part number is still available you may be better to change the whole set. An expensive repair I know but if you plan on keeping the truck (and injectors haven't been changed previously) this would be worth considering.

Some pertinent info about injectors from this thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...del-years.html

Midway through the 2003 MY, the injectors were changed to a more robust design: The revised clevis in the injector improves the lateral support of the plunger and dramatically reduces injector scuffing.

For 2004, DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) Coated Plunger on the injectors:
• The injector plunger has had a DLC coating applied to it.
• The coating will further increase the robustness of the injector against poor fuel quality/water intrusion and will reduce the risk of internal scuffing.
• Note: This injector has different operating characteristics and can not be interchanged with non DLC injectors. Installing the incorrect injector could cause erratic or rough engine operation.
 
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Old Nov 30, 2013 | 08:17 AM
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^^^^ Great find Rusty, I learned something new today, thanks.

.
 
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Old Nov 30, 2013 | 03:42 PM
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Mine has the improved injectors according to the build date but not the 2004 improvements.

thanks
bedwards
 
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Old Dec 3, 2013 | 09:16 AM
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It ended up being #2 and #8 on the same side. I elected to replace the 4 on that side and say a prayer for the other 4. They also replaced the fuel pressure regulator which, along with high miles, was probably the root cause of the problem.


bedwards
 
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Old Dec 3, 2013 | 10:17 AM
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Hopefully that will do it. So now you have 4 with the DLC and four without? Does it run ok? Just curious .
 
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Old Dec 3, 2013 | 08:36 PM
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I seriously thought from the serial # & build date that it had the improved 2003 C95 injectors from the factory but not the DLC. Do all the rebuilt ones have the DLC now?
Anyhow, it ran smoother than a sewing machine coming home today. It seems quieter also.
The repair receipt said it had 40 lbs fuel pressure and they replaced the regulator which got it up to 58lbs now.
The other 4 will probably go in 6 months or less with my luck =[

bedwards
 
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Old Dec 3, 2013 | 08:54 PM
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Glad to hear it's running good. We always tell people Fuel pressure is important to injector life but it can have a subtle effect on how the truck runs also. Maybe changing the whole bank cancelled out the "rough running" warning. Sometimes those type statements are a CYA for the company also. (Cover Your A..) It could still have many miles left in the older injectors .
 
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Old Dec 3, 2013 | 09:46 PM
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I really am disappointed that I had this problem. I thought keeping clean oil, fuel and filters changed would help me avoid it. The truck has never been chipped and I have owned it and done almost all my own service since new. I have also run TCW3 128/1 in the fuel since around 75000 miles.

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Old Dec 4, 2013 | 07:33 AM
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Gotta keep an eye on those TSB's also. Fuel pressure regulator spring may have been the issue.
 
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