I've been having some problems with my '88 2.8, and I think I've narrowed it down to a leaky or sticking cold start injector. I have the injector out, so how do I test it? I jumped it with the battery, and I can hear it click, but I can't see anything happening on the tip. While it was jumped open, I tried spraying carb cleaner through it both ways, and I didn't get anything out the other end. Are there any other tests I can do, or other ways I could try and clean it? Does the injector come off the fuel line? What's a new CSI cost these days? Thanks.

 

There are no new CSI units!! They're discontinued! Isn't that great? I thought mine was leaking, and went to hunt one down- nobody can get one- everyone's warehouse is out of stock- which means nobody's making it. Even GM couldn't get it for me.

Even worse, the o-ring on the end is a non-standard o-ring. It's some kind of crazy size that NOBODY could match up for me.

I wound up putting the old one back in. I can't remember what the problem is, but luckily (A) that old o-ring didn't start leaking, and (B) somehow I fixed the problem. (This was like 2-3 years ago I think.)

There's only 2 options if the CSI really goes bad. One is to get a junkyard one and hope it works. (I have one in my basement) The other option is to eliminate it completely by making a block-off plate/gasket and plugging the fuel rail hole, which would result in longer cranking times when the motor was cold.

Check the TPI forum... when the TPI V8 guys upgrade to speed density computers, the CSI becomes in-operable, so they block it off. In fact I think they make a kit to block the CSI off.

The injector does come off, but you have to undo the skinny fuel pipe at the top of the fuel rail. Then, at the CSI end, there's a tab (attached to the skinny fuel rail) that you must bend backwards- it's like a lock. Then you just pull the tube straight off the end of the CSI. Be Careful Not To Bend That Skinny Tube Too Much!! If you bend it,you'll have a hard time screwing it back into the top of the fuel rail- and you might wind up crossthreading it (steel fitting going into an aluminum fuel rail = crossthreads easily).

I think Rich Jensen at cruzinperformance.com can test CSIs, but you've gotta send it out and wait for it to come back... send him an e-mail.

 

I'm pretty sure Rich cleaned Shannon's, so he should be able to help you.

 

hmmmm...I had no idea our cars came with this cold start injector! Anoyone have any pics?????

 

Not the best pic for what you are looking for, but the metal line sticking up with the red covering is the line...it screws into the top of the fuel rail, and the actual injector is just behind the plenum area.

 

Thanks for the info. I think I'm just going to eliminate it. It seems to be more trouble than it's worth.

 

hmmm....if the parts have been discontinued, maybe its a little better to eliminate it right?