CLEANING INJECTORS

Unless special servicing equipment and repair instructions are available, defective nozzles and pumps are exchanged for new ones. However, in an emergency, and if spray valves or pumps are not too badly worn, they may be returned to a serviceable condition, with minor adjustment, after a thorough cleaning.

Injector spray nozzles or pumps should be disassembled in the field only when no other recourse is available. Whenever possible, they should be removed from the equipment and brought to the shop for repair. The first requirement for the cleaning job is a clean working area.

Use clean diesel fuel for washing the parts. Disassemble one nozzle at a time to prevent mixing of mating parts. Exercise care to prevent damage to nozzle parts. Inspect and clean all parts as they are disassembled. Carbon may be scraped from the outside of the nozzle, but be careful not to mar the edges of the holes (orifices). When cleaning fluid is used to clean the nozzle parts, dip the parts in diesel fuel immediately after cleaning. This will prevent moisture from the hands from marring the highly polished surfaces.

Reaming tools and special drills are provided for cleaning spray nozzle holes. No drills other than those recommended by the manufacturer should be used. The drills are hand-operated, using a cleaning needle that is held in place by a small chuck, called a pin vise (fig. 5-45). In performing reaming operations, remove only the foreign matter; be particularly careful not to burr the metal.

WARNING

Diesel fuel is a hazardous material. Avoid prolonged skin contact and wear goggles. Keep fire and flame away. Dispose of waste material and cleaning rags as hazardous waste.