Getting To Know Your Engine: Fuel Injectors

How Fuel Injectors Work In Your Semi-Truck's Diesel Engine

If you've been following our series on semi-truck diesel engines, then the following article is sure to pique your interest. To help you learn a little more about the diesel engine powering your commercial truck, our experts have laid out the following article on fuel injectors for you to look through. Fuel injectors are one of the most important components in your commercial truck's diesel engine. Without a properly working fuel injector, you will not be able to drive your vehicle in a way that is safe and most comfortable to you.

Read on to learn more about how fuel injectors work in your heavy-duty truck!

What Are Semi-Truck Fuel Injectors?

Fuel injectors are an integral component in a vehicle's fuel system. They are designed to keep the fuel supply running smoothly to the engine. In the case that an injector experiences a problem, the whole engine will be negatively impacted.

How Does A Fuel Injector Work?

The process by which a fuel injector operates is simpler than you might think. The moment you step on the gas pedal in your semi-truck, the throttle valve (the valve that opens to let air into your engine) operates in tandem with the engine's fuel injectors. As the throttle valve is opened, the fuel injector sprays fuel that gets mixed with the air. The mixture then enters the engine's combustion cylinders.

Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how your fuel injector operates:

1. Your truck's fuel pump delivers gasoline to the fuel injector.

2. The fuel injector sprays fuel into the intake manifold.

3. Within the intake manifold, air and fuel are mixed.

4. The air-fuel mixture is compressed in the combustion chamber, igniting the chemical reaction required to power your engine.

What Triggers The Fuel Injector?

The engine control unit (ECU) is designed with sensors that determine the precise time to fire the injectors and spray fuel into the combustion chamber. As the ECU activates the fuel injector, pressurized fuel is sprayed into the combustion chamber via the injector's nozzles.

What Does a Fuel Injector Really Do?

The fuel injector injects/sprays fuel into the intake manifold at a precision angle. Air and fuel mix within the intake manifold. Then, the air-fuel mixture is compressed in the combustion chamber, which ignites the chemical reaction that powers your engine.

How Many Injectors Does A Semi-Have?

Modern diesel truck engines are made with six injectors, each of which is designed to regulate the proper flow of fuel into your engine's combustion chamber.

What Are the Symptoms of a Faulty Injector?

There are several ways to determine whether you have a failing fuel injector. A few symptoms include:

1. Engine misfires.

2. Rough idling.

3. Decreased gas mileage.

4. Inconsistent RPM readings.

5. Vehicle won't start.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to make sure you get your truck to a qualified technician that can diagnose and solve the issue.

Read More About Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines

Have you been researching diesel engines and the components that help make sure your vehicle runs smoothly? If so, then you have arrived at the perfect place! For those that have been looking up diesel engines, our team of experts have written the following articles. Click on any of the links below to read more about engine parts!

· Getting To Know Your Engine

· Getting To Know Your Engine: Camshafts

· Getting To Know Your Engine: Turbochargers

· Getting To Know Your Engine: Pumps

· Getting To Know Your Engine: Rocker Arms

· Getting To Know Your Engine: Surge Tanks

· Getting To Know Your Engine: Flywheels

Shop Now For Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Parts

If you've been hunting for the perfect engine parts for your semi-truck, then look no further. To make sure you have access to the parts you need, we have a full catalogue of components for you to choose from. No matter what parts you are looking for, you won't have any trouble finding them in our massive inventory. Shop now for heavy-duty engine parts!