Diesel engine fuel injector — is a high-tech actuator responsible for injecting a precisely metered amount of fuel under very high pressure directly into the combustion chamber or pre-chamber. It is one of the most important components of the engine, since the efficiency of fuel combustion, and therefore the power, economy, noise level and environmental friendliness of the engine, depend on the quality of its operation.
Simply put, the injector works like a super-fast, extremely precise tap that opens in a split second to "shoot" a portion of fuel converted into a mist.
Main injector components:
- Sprayer
- Bolt with hole: A special bolt with an internal channel designed to secure the fuel line and simultaneously supply fuel to the injector.
- Fuel valve: An internal component of the injector that, under electronic control, instantly opens or closes the flow of fuel to the atomizer.
- Connector: Electrical connector on the injector housing for connection to the vehicle wiring and receiving control signals.
- Nozzle nozzle: A short connecting element for supplying or removing fuel from the injector.
- Nozzle wiring: A set of wires that connects all fuel injectors to the electronic engine control unit.
- Gasket: A sealing ring (usually copper or rubber) that ensures a leak-proof connection between the injector and the cylinder head.
- Stuffing box: A seal that prevents oil or fuel leakage around moving parts or where the injector is installed.
- Nozzle guide glass: A metal or plastic sleeve that centers and protects the injector in the cylinder head well.
- Return pipe: Fuel line for diverting excess fuel from the injectors back to the fuel tank or to the pump inlet.
- Fuel hose clamp: Metal ring for reliable fixation and compression of the fuel hose on the fitting.
- Threaded pin: A retaining rod for securing the injector or its components to the engine housing.
Technical specifications
Injector production technologies have undergone significant evolution, which has allowed for a dramatic improvement in the performance of diesel engines.
Types of nozzles by operating principle:
- Mechanical: The simplest and oldest type. The injector needle is raised solely by fuel pressure overcoming spring resistance. Used in older diesel engines.
- Pump injectors (EUI/HEUI): A complex assembly that combines a high-pressure pump and an injector. They are installed individually on each cylinder and are driven by the engine camshaft. They are typical for many trucks and special equipment.
- Common Rail (CR) injectors: Modern standard. All injectors are connected to a common fuel rail, where super-high pressure is constantly maintained. Each injector is controlled by an individual electronic signal.
Key technical parameters:
- Working pressure: In modern Common Rail systems, the pressure reaches 1800-2700 bar (atmospheres). This allows for extremely fine fuel atomization.
- Multiple injection: Thanks to the high speed of the electronic valve, the injector can perform up to 10 injections per working cycle. This allows you to optimize the combustion process, reduce noise, reduce emissions and regenerate particulate filters.
- Valve speed:
- Solenoid valve: Reliable and common type.
- Piezoelectric valve: Works several times faster than electromagnetic, which allows for even more precise control of the injection process. Used in the most modern and powerful engines.
Main manufacturers
The market for fuel systems for diesel engines is divided between several global giants:
- Bosch (Germany): The largest manufacturer, supplying its products to the conveyors of most European automakers (VW Group, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, MAN, etc.).
- Delphi (USA/UK): A key player specializing in Common Rail systems and pump injectors. Works closely with Ford, Renault, Hyundai/Kia, as well as truck (DAF, Volvo) and special equipment (JCB) manufacturers.
- Denso (Japan): Leader in the Asian market. Main supplier for Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, as well as for heavy equipment manufacturers such as John Deere, Komatsu, Hitachi.
- Siemens/VDO/Continental (Germany): Important supplier for brands such as Ford, Peugeot, Citroën, Volvo, Land Rover.
Where and in what technique is it used?
Injectors and their components are an integral part of any diesel engine, so they can be found absolutely everywhere:
- Cars and SUVs: All modern diesel models, from compact hatchbacks to large SUVs.
- Commercial transport: Minibuses, vans, trucks of all classes (from light to quarry dump trucks).
- Agricultural machinery: Tractors, combines, self-propelled sprayers and other equipment.
- Construction and special equipment: Excavators, bulldozers, loaders, graders.
- Industrial equipment: Diesel generators, pumping stations.
You can always contact Aspect Plus specialists for help in selecting the necessary spare parts for your fuel system, get advice and additional information regarding technical units and other components.
Contact our managers if you have any questions! Or leave your contact details - we will call you back as soon as possible!
