It's essential to take care of your vehicle to ensure it's running at peak performance, and as efficiently as possible, to save you time and money. The vital part you should always ensure has no issues is the fuel system and fuel delivery to your engine. This is all about ensuring that you install the best fuel injectors to have your fuel delivered at the right time efficiently.
When shopping to replace your diesel fuel injectors, it's vital to know the difference between common industry lingo regarding the type or condition of the injector you wish to purchase. For many diesel car owners choosing the best injectors, refurbished and remanufactured models are available alternatives. At the same time, they are an affordable alternative compared to buying new ones that may not perform the same.
Which one should you go for? Understanding the vital differences between the options available is essential to ensure you choose the one that matches your car's needs.
New injectors
New injectors have never been used and come straight from the factory. The injectors are usually from Cummins, Bosch, CAT, GM, or Delphi. They come with a dealer, certificate of authentication, and 2-3 years of warranty.
OEM injectors
These are used injectors that are entirely disassembled and examined by quality control, and then wholly built from the ground up. The rebuilding process is completed using new and updated components. It focuses on the replacement of plungers, solenoids, valves, injector nozzles, etc. Everything is new except the main body of the injector, which can be steel, plastic, or carbon fiber.
Check the original manufacturers, if they're not a 3rd party rebuilder, then test the newly rebuilt injector for wear. Manufacturers are Delphi, Bosch, Cummins, etc. They conduct the tests and rebuilding process to ensure they meet OEM specifications. These usually come with a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty.
Refurbished injectors
Refurbished injectors are removed from running diesel engines. They are then cleaned thoroughly and inspected to ensure they meet or exceed the original OEM recommended quality standards. If the diesel fuel injector is still in good condition and meets all the required quality standards after testing, it's tagged as refurbished and sold at a lower price because they are considered used.
Most refurbished diesel fuel injectors come with a 1-year unlimited mileage warranty, which makes them an excellent deal for those looking for a bargain.
Remanufactured injectors
Remanufactured diesel fuel injectors differ from refurbished in that they have been completely disassembled, inspected for wear, and then rebuilt using brand-new parts. This isn't usually the case with some auto dealers, so you should be careful about the shop you're buying from. Ensure it has a solid reputation like gold farb before purchasing any remanufactured injectors.
Once rebuilt, the remanufactured injectors should be rigorously tested to ensure they meet OEM specifications to make sure they can withstand your vehicle operations all day in and day out.
Reasons why you should buy new diesel fuel injectors
- They have no wear and tear. Brand-new injectors come with all the parts new and with no wear and tear. Rebuilt injectors replace worn-out parts only, and not all the wear and tear can be inspected and treated. Buying original parts ensures you're receiving a brand-new part never used, thus guaranteeing no wear and tear, and therefore, a longer lifespan.
- Every piece of new injectors is subject to the manufacturers and OEM quality standards. Purchasing a brand-new injector guarantees you that they meet the manufacturer's standards. They are designed for innovative performance, and each piece is rigorously tested. Buying from reputable brands like Bosch and Cummins also guarantees high quality.
- Brand-new injectors are stress-free. Reconditioned injectors are marketed as having their worn-out parts replaced. However, you can't be sure that the replaced parts are from established brands and meet quality standards. Having invested in your vehicle, you wouldn't want to spend on constant downtime and visits to the repair shop. With genuine brand-new injectors, the purchase is stress-free, and the quality standards stand out compared to reconditioned injectors as you know the quality to expect.
How often should you replace your diesel fuel injectors?
Diesel injectors have a shorter lifespan than their predecessors, and they should be replaced more frequently for peak performance. The life expectancy of a high-quality diesel fuel injector is around 100,000 miles. They should be checked by a professional when you hit this mark. However, they can be subject to early wear and tear, and if you notice any of these signs, always have them checked by a professional.
Signs your diesel fuel injector may need replacement.
1. Engine stalls or rough idle. When your vehicle isn't getting enough fuel or an uneven supply of fuel, and the RPM is low while the car is idling or stops below the required level, it results in a rough idle. If the RPM goes even lower, the engine will stall, and you'll have to restart.
2. Engine misfires. If your engine doesn't get sufficient fuel due to a clogged injector, it will misfire while driving. Your vehicle will struggle to gain speed, and you may also have a pause when you step on the gas pedal. It's best to have your injectors replaced soon to avoid the engine overheating, or other engine issues when the air/ fuel mixture is inconsistent.
3. Fuel leak. If your fuel injector is cracked or broken from damage or wear, then the fuel will start to leak. This means that the fuel won't be distributed to the engine, and the engine won't run efficiently. When fuel leaks, you'll notice the fuel odor is emanating from your vehicle.
4. Bad fuel economy. If the engine isn't receiving an adequate amount of fuel it needs for combustion, then it will place more demand on the injectors to supply more fuel. This will result in poor fuel economy due to the excess fuel that the vehicle's ECU thinks is needed, but isn't necessary.
5. Exhaust smoke. A broken, clogged, or leaking fuel injector can cause incomplete combustion, causing smoke to come out of the exhaust pipes. If you notice any foul-smelling smoke from your exhaust, it could be a sign that your fuel injectors need replacing.
