How Long Do Injectors Last On A Diesel?

Injectors help the diesel engine perform better by delivering diesel to the cylinders. These are electrical components that help your engine run smoothly. We want to help you understand how injectors work, so we consulted experts on this matter, and here's what they told us.

You can expect fuel injectors to last until the car reaches 80,000 to 100,000 miles. With proper maintenance, the injector can last as long as your vehicle.

Keep reading this post to learn more about injectors for your diesel engine. We'll also share tips on how you can make them last longer.

Professional mechanic testing diesel injector in his workshop, How Long Do Injectors Last On A Diesel?

How Long Can You Use Injectors In Your Engine?

Car mechanic fixing fuel injector at two camshaft gasoline engine

Leading manufacturers such as Bosch and Delphi say that their injectors can last as long as the car itself. These engine parts undergo rigid testing to see if they can withstand actual stress. Car experts also say that injectors can last up to 100,000 miles before they start to encounter problems. 

See Bosch diesel injector on Amazon.

You should also use high-grade fuel to avoid further blockage in the injectors. Of course, you can buy injector treatments to break apart the blockage.

But this treatment can only work to some extent. If you want to keep the injector in tiptop shape and also make it last as long as possible, follow the recommended maintenance schedule.

What Is The Role Of Injectors?

Diesel engines need injectors to bring diesel fuel straight to the cylinder. The pressurized diesel goes to the cylinder as mist forms. It passes through a fuel filter and comes out from the spray tip through the plunger and valve spring.

The injector should be sturdy enough to withstand the pressure and temperature inside. It has the important role of bringing fuel to the cylinder and to the other parts of the engine.

There are different injection systems in the market, and the most common are the GDI (or Gasoline Direct Injection), SDI (or semi-direct injection), and TBI (or throttle body injection).

The primary functions of the injector are to control the spray of fuel and deliver it at the right time. Also, the right amount of fuel should be released at the given time.

How Do You Know If The Injector Is Broken?

Mechanic testing diesel injector

The injector brings the needed fuel to the cylinder through a nozzle. This crucial step is possible if the fuel injector is in good working condition.

Should the fuel injector system miss a step, the process will not push through. How can you tell if the injector is faulty? Get to know the signs to look out for.

Engine Stalling

If there is not enough fuel getting to the engine, the RPM will become low. With this setting, the engine might stall roughly, and later on, the car might just stop running. When this happens, you will have to restart the car.

Engine Vibrating

When there is not enough fuel on the injector, the cylinder is unable to dispense anything. If you continue to drive with a defective injector, the engine will vibrate due to a lack of fuel. Car mechanics also call the engine vibration "hiccupping".

Engine Malfunction

The injector becomes clogged when there is not enough fuel passing through the engine. The engine will not work properly especially when you attempt to step on the gas.

Check Engine Light Turns On

When you see the indicator for "Check Engine," it is possible that the fuel injector has malfunctioned. This happens because the control unit in the engine sees that the amount of fuel getting to the cylinder fluctuates.

Fuel Smell

If you notice the smell of fuel as you drive, and you also experience at least one of the signs mentioned earlier, the injector may be defective. The system that controls the flow sends more fuel to the injector, creating the smell.

Fuel Leak

The leak in the fuel came about because the injector is no longer functioning properly. You will notice that the gas mileage has gotten worse.

You need to get your car fixed as soon as possible when you encounter these signs. In fact, some of these symptoms may also signify other problems. That's why it's a good idea to get your vehicle checked to identify what the exact problem is.

If you wait longer, the condition of the engine will become worse. You might have to deal with mechanical issues or problems with the electronic control unit of your vehicle.

When To Replace Diesel Injectors?

diesel engine injector

If you have not been up-to-date with the repairs or maintenance of your injector, it will break down. You might resort to a band-aid solution, but this will only provide temporary relief.

When the injector system is severely blocked or defective, you will continue to experience engine trouble unless you replace it.

Cost Of Replacing Injectors

When the injectors start to malfunction, car mechanics recommend doing some flushing work or replacing the entire unit. The first option is more affordable. Let's discuss if this is doable for your condition.

You might want to try flushing out the particles that block the cylinder. This initial solution will work only if you need to remove the debris. It is indeed a cheaper option because a fuel injector flush costs about $10.

There is no additional charge if you do the flushing yourself. If you prefer to get it done professionally, you'll spend about $70.

On the other hand, you will have to replace the injector if the problem is much worse. Car experts recommend that you change all the fuel injectors even if only one group has issues.

You can expect to spend about $ 2,000 on this procedure. Why is it so steep? This is because you will need to factor in the car model and the size of the engine. You should also remember that you are replacing four pieces of fuel injectors. Finally, your location also affects the total labor cost.

How To Make Fuel Injectors Last Longer?

Now that you know how expensive it can be to replace the injectors, it makes sense to take care of them so you don't have to replace them often. Although injectors do not last forever, you can follow the manufacturer's recommendation to add years to their life.

Use recommended fuel for the engine

Car experts say that using the right fuel will be good for your engine. If you use low-quality fuel, the engine works harder and causes higher emissions. Using inappropriate fuel could also add dirt to or create residue inside the cylinder. Ask the manufacturer for the appropriate fuel to use.

Use Fuel Additives

Fuel additives help in cleaning the injector. Car experts have varying opinions about using additives. Some believe that adding this cleaning agent gives more power to the car.

On the other hand, some experts say that there is no need to put additives to a car that is running properly. Doing this step will depend on you because it will make only a small difference in the engine anyway.

Click to see this fuel additive on Amazon.

Follow A Regular Schedule For Inspection And Cleaning

Observe the maintenance schedule for inspecting and cleaning the car engine. When you do so, you can sweep away any residue before they start to build up inside. Most importantly, you can replace parts before they become too worn out.

Develop Good Driving Habits

If your driving style involves driving fast and then stopping the car abruptly. you are contributing to the wear and tear of the engine. Learn to let go of this habit. Take care of your vehicle by giving enough time for the engine to cool down before you turn it off.

These recommendations are easy to do. If you follow them, you will be saving yourself from future expenses and headaches due to repairs.

Key Takeaways

Modern diesel engine with common rail fuel injection system, background, engineering

The injectors in your diesel engine can last much longer if you take care of them. High-quality injectors can last as long as your car, but you must exert effort to keep this part in good order.

There might be a problem in the injector if it starts to leak fuel, emits the smell of fuel, and stalls when you are driving.

These signs do not automatically mean that the injector is at fault, which is why you should bring your car to the mechanic. Replacing the injectors can be expensive, so it's best to start taking care of your engine as early as you can.

Before you go, you might want to check out these posts to know more about maintaining your car:

How To Cool Down Transmission Fast?

How To Check Coolant Level Jeep Cherokee

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