Injector testing question

[mlaw7]

This is a general question is for all of us with fuel-injected Z's.

My reason for asking is the hope that it will help save time, effort and money on fuel-related issues, especially for cars that have been sitting for a long time.

I apologize if this has already been adressed elsewhere. After reading through various fuel system-related posts I did not find this exact issue so here goes.

I have heard from many sources that the quality of rebuilt and aftermarket injectors for the 280Z, 280ZX and 300ZX series cars is erratic. So my question is this:

Is there any way to test injectors BEFORE installing them?

If so, it would be much easier and efficient to return any bad units. Might also encourage higher quality control on the part of rebuilders, manufacturers and suppliers.

Thanks and I hope this will be helpful to our community at large.

Michael

[sblake01]

This is what I use. 9 volt batery, momentary switch, an injector connector and some wire:

[mlaw7]

I love it!

So, what are you looking for when you hit the switch? What tells you the injector is or isn't working properly? Don't you need some kind of fuel or liquid for this?

[sblake01]

I love it!

So, what are you looking for when you hit the switch? What tells you the injector is or isn't working properly?

You're listening for an audible 'click' when you press and release the switch. That lets you know that the electronic part(s) are working.

Don't you need some kind of fuel or liquid for this?

I hook them up to a pressurized cannister to clean them or to test the spray pattern. But that's actually a seperate procedure which shouldn't be needed on on that has been 'rebuilt'.

[mlaw7]

You're listening for an audible 'click' when you press and release the switch. That lets you know that the electronic part(s) are working.

I hook them up to a pressurized cannister to clean them or to test the spray pattern. But that's actually a seperate procedure which shouldn't be needed on on that has been 'rebuilt'.

Aye, but there's the rub my friend! My point exactly.

It SHOULDN'T BE but often IS necessary due to the less than stellar QC on both rebuilt and new aftermarket injectors.

So, can you please describe your testing procedure for us?

[sblake01]

I have a cannister that is basically used for cleaning the injectors while on the car. It connects to an air compressor and can be set a particular pressure. With injector cleaner or gasoline in and set at about 36 psi, I connect it to an injector which I place in a jar that I have set up for it, open the valve on the cannister, plug in the tester (in post #2), and press the button. You'll see the fuel spray with each press if everything is right. This test will also show leaks if there are any.

Edited January 16, 2010 by sblake01

[mlaw7]

Thanks!!! This is extremely helpful.

And now a related general interest question:

Among the various rebuilt and aftermarket injectors/suppliers out there on eBay and from places like MSA, can anyone weigh in with recommendations on which ones to use or avoid?

Again my goal is to not only help the community at large but also to use our collective market strength to raise the quality bar on these and other aftermarket/rebuilt parts as well.

[ZCurves]

Back when I was rebuilding my L28, I went with Dr. Injector. I thought that the quality was good and the installation was not a big deal. (It is a beotch to line up the injectors prior to seating them in the fuel rail.) I have not had any problems thus far.

You can check them out here: http://docinjector.com/