The Case of the $942 Fuel Filter

Digital multimeter

(or How to Change a #5 Injector) Solving the mystery of a vehicle’s mechanical problem can require some lengthy detective work—as demonstrated in this repair that I call “The Case of the $942 Fuel Filter.” The initial complaint by the Ram Turbo Diesel’s owner provided me with scant evidence for solving the problem: “It runs good,” he said, “for a while after I change the fuel filter, but it has low power.” I doubted that the fuel filter was the culprit. But I had little to go on. This would…

Fuel Injectors for 2003-newer Cummins HPCR Engines

Driver's side of 2003 HPCR Cummins engine.

Originally appeared in TDR Issue 72 May/June/July 2011 by Joe Donnelly The editor called with the assignment for this issue, “I want an all-encompassing article on fuel injectors for the Dodge Cummins 2003-and-newer engines that use the High Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) fuel system. Can you do such?” I asked for a little guidance: where to start, what to say. His recommendation, “Think about country music. Haven’t you heard that David Allen Coe song where he sings about the ‘perfect country music song?’ I want you to do the perfect…

Fuel Injectors for 2003 and Newer Cummins HPCR Engines – Previous Magazine Discussions & Aftermarket Processes

Hartridge Injector Tester

Fuel Injectors for 2003 and Newer HPCR Engines Previous Magazine Discussions & Aftermarket Processes Over the years, diesel fuel injectors have had to deal with increasing system fuel pressures to improve atomization of the fuel for decreased exhaust emissions. Corresponding to the increases in pressures and emissions regulations, the injectors have been built to ever tightening specifications, including tighter clearances (millionths of an inch). The older 12-valve engines and the early 24-valve engines (up to 2002 model year) used mechanical injectors. These units use a stiff spring to hold the…

Fuel Injectors for 2003 and Newer HPCR Engines – Injector Upgrades and Preventing Failures

Six new DDP Stage 1 injectors

Originally appeared in TDR Issue 72 May/June/July 2011 by Joe Donnelly Fuel Injectors for 2003 and Newer HPCR Engines Injector Upgrades and Preventing Failures In Issue 56 (page 96), Scott Dalgleish discussed his results with Dynomite Diesel Performance (DDP) injectors on his Third Generation Turbo Diesel. In his quest for mileage first, and power second, Scott chose a set of Stage 1 fuel injectors. His article described the aforementioned extrude honing manufacturing processes and provided dyno results verifying the horsepower claims of DDP. He reported an increase in fuel mileage…

Fuel Injectors for 2003 and Newer HPCR Engines – Inside the Injector

72i16. Disassembled bottom half of HPCR injector.

[ Reman HPCR fuel injectors are available at Geno’s Garage. ] Fuel Injectors For 2003 and Newer HPCR Engines Inside the Injector We have looked at the pintle and nozzle with the remarkably tight clearance between them. Here are the components of the HPCR injector, first the bottom half with the nozzle nut, nozzle, pintle, and the main body to the right. Next is a photo of the top half with the armature to the left, check ball and seat in the center, and the solenoid and its nut to…

Fuel Injectors for 2003 and Newer HPCR Engines – Frequently Asked Questions

Bosch HPCR Fuel Injector

Fuel Injectors for 2003 and Newer HPCR Engines Frequently Asked Questions Rail Pressure versus Fuel Mileage Q: In Issue 63, page 82, writer Joe Donnelly did an article about the 2003 and newer ECMs and reprogramming them using a “Smarty” by MADS Electronics. In that article we are told that added rail pressure does not give mileage gains and is “problematic to injector and injection system durability.” Then on page 110 there was a “Product Showcase” article where we are led to believe that increasing fuel pressure will increase mpg…