Wobbly Fuel Injectors

[KFJ_SC]

In doing some work around the engine I've noticed that a couple of my fuel injectors feel a little wobbly. That is, there's some side to side play. I don't see any evidence of fuel leaking but it had me wondering if this is "normal". It's a (recently new to me) 78 SC stock 3.0 (CIS).

[boyt911sc]

Inspect the condition of your injector rubber o-rings. Fuel leaks will not travel upward thru the injector o-rings unless the runners are filled up with gasoline. Worn out rubber o-ring will contribute to air leak in the system.

TD

[Kroggers]

Subscribing - I have the same on my 78SC...

[KNS]

If your seals are old they will wiggle. I put in all new seals, O-rings and sleaves and they wiggle too only not as much. They are probably original and time to replace.

[john70t]

They are a source of vacuum leak as well, causing some cylinders to run hotter than others.

There is a VW tool for pulling the injectors. Here's a pic of one in use http://www.blauparts.com/tools/injectorpuller.htm
It's difficult because the o-rings shrink and become rock-hard.

The fuel distributor boot may be ready to be replaced as well if the rubber has hardened.

[LakeCleElum]

All CIS injectors wobble to some extent...

[KFJ_SC]

Well, this thread cleared it all up . I guess the answer is - pull them out and inspect them. What I had read prior seemed to imply that when you pull an injector you should always replace the O-Rings. Is this the case or if the look OK that can be reused?

[LakeCleElum]

I've had reused the seals. They should come out with the injector, but doesn't always happen that way. If they are hard, replace.

You can check for leakage w/o pulling them...

[aigel]

Yes, they may never feel "bolted" on, but there should be very little movement. Most CIS engines that have not had it done, need the sleeves and o-rings replaced. It's an inexpensive repair and can save you from running lean on one or more cylinders. Do it!

George

[Gunter]

Replace the O-rings first and see if the play is gone. They pull out easier if you spray some lube on them, apply leverage as shown on some threads. I use open-end wrenches to get the injectors out.
The sleeves are a different animal. To get them out, you have to remove the runner to make it easier and prevent dirt from falling into the heads.
Removing the runners requires getting to the clamps for the boots; not that easy. If you remove the runners, you may need new boots and gaskets between runner and head.
So, if you can eliminate the play with just replacing the O-rings, good for you, it saves you a lot of work.

Use your favorite lube to get the new O-rings in.
Vaseline? Noxima? Olive oil?

[aigel]

Gunter is right, I remember this easier than it was. I removed the runners to replace some of the wobbly sleves on my SC engine. The heat and ozone had eaten everything.

Georg

[porsche930dude]

how do i get the injectors back in? just put the o ring on the manifold and push the injector in? im pushing for all iv got and it wont go in. is there a trick?

[aigel]

Try some o-ring grease (i.e. dow-corning 111) on the o-ring. Spit will suffice in a bind.

George

[porsche930dude]

i put the o ring on the injector first then jamed it in. Im pretty sure its in as far as it can go

[aigel]

There should be a positive "click" once it is in all the way. Did you achieve that?

George

[Gunter]

Originally posted by porsche930dude
how do i get the injectors back in? just put the o ring on the manifold and push the injector in? im pushing for all iv got and it wont go in. is there a trick?

Put the 0-rings on the injectors with the help of Silicon lube or Vaseline.
Then lube both 0-rings and the inside of the retainers.
Push them in while wiggling a little.
You'll feel a noticable click when they are seated.