Marine Engineering Study Materials

Testing of Fuel Injector

Firoz 8 years ago

Share
Tweet
Pin
Mail
SMS
Testing of fuel injector is carried out as follows. Mount the fuel injector in its test rig and
connect up the oil supply. Under no circumstances should hands be placed under the
injector spray. The high velocity oil jet can penetrate the skin and cause blood poisoning.
With the injector priming valve open, operate the hand pump to prime the injector. Once the
fuel flows from the priming valve it can be closed.

1. Oil Container
2. Pressure Gauge
3. Shut off valve
4. Pump lever
5. Test pump
6. Injector
7. High Pressure fuel pump

Operate the pump rapidly for several strokes. The injector should open with a high pitched
chatter and fuel should be emitted in a fine cloud. After the injector opens, check to make
sure the pressure does not fall off too quickly.

To test for the tightness between the nozzle needle and seat, operate the hand pump slowly
to gradually increase the pressure until it is just below opening pressure. Maintain the
pressure for a few seconds and ensure injector is not dripping.

To test for tightness between needle and guide, operate the hand pump to increase pressure
until it is just below opening pressure. See how long it takes the pressure to fall off. If the
pressure falls quickly the needle and guide should be replaced.

Where nozzles are cooled internally, these spaces should be pressure tested to check for
tightness. Blank off one of the fuel valve cooling connections and fill the injector cooling
space with water or fuel, depending upon the cooling medium. Then connect a low pressure
air supply to the other connection. Leave the air on for a short period of time and test for
internal or external leakage. Testing of fuel injector is usually carried out at an interval of
2000 running hours for marine diesel engines.

Following points to be remembered while testing of fuel injector:

1. Visually examine the injector just after taken from cylinder head. Pressure test and find
opening pressure in service.
2. Check injector setting pressure, formation of trumpets and carbon accumulation,
corrosion at the nozzle, etc.
3. Spray pattern assessment and prompt re-seating.
4. Drip proof. No droplet formation at set pressure minus 10 bar, held steady and also upon
closing.
5. Injector lift diagram may be taken.
6. Recommended assembly procedure to be followed (Like tightening torque, etc.) and
handle parts carefully.