AJITPAL SINGH

12/18/2015

Injector Nozzle Cleaning

Clogged fuel injectors have probably led to more unnecessary top overhauls. The reason is
because the symptoms can be very misleading. The engine is not producing as much power as plugs may
be getting engine oil fouled, and oil consumption may be up, as is the fuel flow indication on the gauge.
The engine is probably idling rough too. These are all classic signs of cylinder wear, and cylinders may be
pulled unnecessarily. That said, running a partially clogged injector too long can fry a cylinder and
therefore not to ignore any abnormal type of individual EGT indications. Nozzles get clogged from heat
after shutdown, evaporating the less volatile fuel components in the lines, and forming a scummy
varnish deposit. This deposit can coat the inside of the nozzles which have a very critical inside diameter.
Finding the clogged is done by checking the sump screen and the injector body filter screen. In some
systems the screen is spring-loaded so it can allow bypassing if it is seriously clogged.

There are a number of symptoms to watch for and simple checks for this problem. By using the
multi-probe CHT/EGT indicators, it will be different than normal. A classic way to check this issue is by
doing a cold cylinder check. Another way to know is when a clogged nozzle will be dribbling fuel out the
bleed hole. The stream should have no side shoots coming off and should be symmetrical. Nozzle care is
also another important step as performed maintenance. Cleaning of the nozzles should be accomplished
every 100 hours of annually or any time symptoms arise. If unusually dirt operating conditions exist,
more frequent cleaning may be required. Frequent cleaning prevents the nozzles from becoming stuck
or even seized into place from maintenance inattention. Nozzles should be soaked in acetone for 20
minutes and blown dry with compressed air. The nozzles are to be torqued according to the
maintenance manual specific settings. Over-torqued installation of nozzles may cause cylinder cracks.
When securing the nozzles, the fuel line should not be twisted. Always check injector lines for leaks such
as fuel stains, as well as nicks or dents or chafing. Any extra bends that were not designed in from the
factory may cause problems. For turbo nozzles and shrouds they should be stain free.