Howto: Diesel Leak Off Test on the cheap | |
Having failed in solving my "chatatatata" starting problem: GlowPlugs
I turned my attention to the injectors, following the advice I chose to ignore
eBay provided a couple of 90 degree connectors and some leak off pipe and blanks
I provided a coke bottle with a suitably sized hole in the top.
I recommend you get a couple of 90 degree and a couple of 180 degree connectors
in advance, they are quite brittle as many have found
Insert one connector to leak off pipe, insert other end of pipe into coke bottle lid and screw onto bottle loosely (so not airtight)
1. Car in access height (for access) bonnet up
2. Remove plenum chamber for easier access to the rear of engine
3. Remove engine covers (3) and rubbery plasticy thing over injector wiring
4. Undo three male torx bolts securing injector wiring
5. Starting at No. 1 injector (same procedure for others, just more fiddly!)
6. Pull off circlip with long nosed pliers and put somewhere safe!
7. Gently pull up or lever up with jaws of 12 or 13 mm spanner the leak off connector (you can get a fine screwdriver in between the top of the injector and the connector to help it out)
8. Fiddly bit now, you need to blank off the end of the connector you just pulled off, I used one of the blanks, warmed and stretched on No.1 but had to find something else (some air con pipe, the other 90 degree connector and a blank) for the others. Make sure this is well sealed or you can end up with diesel everywhere!
9. Connect your leak off tester to the injector and push down, refit the circlip if you want.
10. Coke bottle nestled nicely under the coolant tank.
11. Start car (check for leaks, if any switch off and fix) and then run for about 30 seconds
12. Measure amount of diesel that has "leaked off"
Repeat for other injectors.
My results:
1. 50ml
2. 05ml
3. 00ml
4. 25ml
5. 00ml
6. 00ml
So it looks like 1 & 4 are blocked and require replacement/refurbishment.
Whether it is quicker to remove the whole lot and use six bottles I don't know, but this worked for me for no more than a £5. .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962
Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999
|