Discoloured injector

[MoodySabre]

Whilst changing the fuel filter yesterday I noticed that the middle injector on my VP2003 was not pristine green paint like the others but was black up one side. It looks like carbon but not sooty. Is this indicative of a leaky seal?

 

[Juggler7823]

Yes, I have seen this on a VP2002 and a 2003.

 

[scottie]

try nipping down the nuts first

 

[savageseadog]

[ QUOTE ]
try nipping down the nuts first

[/ QUOTE ] Once it's leaked through it's too late

 

[oldharry]

Leaking : yes. Nip down nuts: No its too late, you need a new seal.

 

[wotayottie]

Having just been through this problem - yes its too late and yes, the head has to come off for the installation of a new copper sleeve.

If its anything like mine was, you wont get the injectors out without taking the head off. But it is an easy diy job.

 

[savageseadog]

[ QUOTE ]
Having just been through this problem - yes its too late and yes, the head has to come off for the installation of a new copper sleeve.

If its anything like mine was, you wont get the injectors out without taking the head off. But it is an easy diy job.

[/ QUOTE ] Are you sure the head needs to come off? I don't know this engine but was referring to past experiences with various other ones. The problem is that once the exhaust has blown past the seal, deposits of gunge (carbon) form and prevent the easy tightening down and sealing of the injector. By taking out the injector everything can be cleaned up, the seals I've some across are copper washers which can be annealed and reused. Other issue is extracting the injector which can be very hard. A slide hammer extractor is the way forward for this.