From what I've read around here seems like there ar a couple of possible causes for a "lumpy" (rough) idle.

1) Air in the fuel lines - I know I have this problem. The PO of my truck replaced the return line set - and didn't do a very good job of it. Some of the o-rings are leaking. Once I get that straightened out if I still have a poor idle I'll be investigating cause #2

2) One (or more) injectors not spraying well. I was told by the PO of my truck that he had replaced the injectors. Upon closer examination I find that he didn't - he just replaced the return line set. Basically didn't know what he was doing and didn't do the research to find out.

I've read how to find the bad injectors, by cracking fuel lines while it is running and seeing how much effect each one has. My question is this; once I find one (or more) that's bad, when I replace them I've read that I need to replace the copper washer too. Where do you get the copper washers - other than with new injectors? Can you buy them individually or even as a set? Any sources other than my local Ford STEALership?

I have 8 used injectors on a spare motor that I can try swapping into mine to find good used ones. Just wondering how critical it is to replace those copper washers and where to get them.

 

They come in the return line kit. The PO probably lost them.

The hard part is getting one out of the hole if it stays in there. A small bend on the end of a wire usually gets them out. Then you just have to get all the carbon out.

 

Any OTHER sources? Seems kind of screwy to spend $25-$30 on a kit for 8 little copper washers......

How critical is it to install new ones anyway?

 

I've run old ones before if they were still stuck to the injector. If I wanted a set of them I'd call my local pump shop. Heck, ask Napa, maybe they can get some.

 

Yeah, if I can't source 'em separately & locally I'll probably just re-use the ones that are in there. Maybe torque 'em a couple of extra ft/lbs just for good measure.....

Thanks again.

 

You can anneal (resoften) the old ones, put them on a stiff piece of wire, heat them up to a nice cherry red with a propane torch, then quench them in cold water.