Cracked injector tip cap - problem??

[914zim]

Guys:
Tonight, I removed the injectors. I noticed one of the green caps that fit snugly on the business end of one of the injectors was cracked. I'm not sure if I did it when I removed it or it was already cracked.
It is not cracked all the way through to the small hole, only about half way up the side.
Will this be a problem?
Can I still use it?
Does anyone have a spare?
How important is it?
Thanks in advance for any help!
Andy...

[jamcleod]

can you make a visual of the spray pattern? that may be able to decide good or bad.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I'd replace it. That is one of the main areas that the injectors start to leak fuel when they go. Fuel leaks up above the hot exhaust are not a fun and happy thing....

--DD

[914zim]

Thanks guys.
DD: Replace the entire injector or just the cap?
Can I get just the cap?
The injector seems fine.
I put "D" cell across it and it clicked everytime.
Andy..

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I personally would replace the injector. Or send it out for "refurbishment". At least some of the clean and test places will do stuff like replace the end caps.

--DD

[914zim]

Is it wise to replace just 1 injector?
There is a local place that'll clean them and check the spray pattern for $30 per injector.
Should I just buy a set of 4 refurbished ones?
Thanks!
Andy...

[TimW]

Jim's Bug Center is about the only place local. Just be sure you tell him it's for a VW Type-4, he hates working on 914's. [One of those rare instances where having some VW heritage pays off.]

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Ask the local place that does the cleaning if they also replace the screens in the inlet, and the tips. If so, that's your fix.

I might be just a wee bit biased toward new parts because I get a really b*tchin' employee discount.

--DD

[914zim]

I did ask the local guy if he had a tip and he said he'd check and let me know.
Thanks a lot fellas!
Andy...

[mike_the_man]

When I did my injector seals they came with new plastic tips and the little screen that goes in the other end of the injector. I think it cost about $10 per injector. I got them from my local porsche shop. I just replaced them myself. It was pretty easy to do, just be careful.

[914zim]

I'm not sure what the little screen you mention is.
Where does it go? Other end of the injector?
You mean between the hose and the inlet to the injector?
Does your local Porsche shop have a website?
Thanks!!
Andy

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The screen is inside the inlet to the injector. Not easily replaceable--but some shops do replace it.

--DD

[mike_the_man]

Dave-
I didn't find the screen very hard to replace. I used a dentist pick, and just hooked it and pulled it out. The new one just popped in. Didn't take more than 1/2 hour to do all 4 injectors.

914zim-
My shop's website is this:
Performance Car Centre
Not a great web page, but they can get me most parts that I need. Good luck!

[914zim]

Thanks fellas.
I hope to get some work done on it this weekend.
Andy...