QUICK INJECTOR MISFIRE CHECK

Listed below are several quick and acceptable checks that can be performed on a running engine to determine if one or more injectors are at fault on any type of engine.

On four-stroke-cycle engines with a high-pressure in-line pump or distributor system, such as Caterpillar and Roosa Master, you can loosen off one injector fuel line, one at a time, about one-half turn as you hold a rag around it while noting if there is any change in the operating sound of the engine. If the injector is firing properly, there should be a positive change to the sound and rpm of the engine when you loosen the line, since it prevents the delivery of fuel to the cylinder.

On an engine with the PT fuel system, a cylinder misfire can be checked by running the engine to a minimum of 160°F, removing the rocker covers, then installing a rocker lever actuator over an injector rocker lever. Hold the injector plunger down while the engine is running at low idle. This will stop the fuel flow to that injector. If the engine speed decreases, the injector is good. If the engine rpm does not decrease, replace the injector.

On the two-stroke-cycle nonelectronic Detroit diesel engines, you can remove the rocker cover, then using a large screwdriver push and hold down the injector follower while the engine is idling. This action is like shorting out a spark plug on a gasoline engine, since it prevents fuel from being injected into the combustion chamber. If there is no change to the sound and speed of the engine, the injector is not firing. There should be a definite change to indicate that the injector was in fact firing.