How do you replace a fuel injector?
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 2
From: Alberta, Canada
Injectors may not fail mechanically very often but they can be plugged. I had one go bad without dropping any codes - the indication something was wrong was the bike sputtering and hesitating under hard throttle. The bike was also running very hot.
Some time after the dealer replaced the injector I was removing the tank and I noticed what appeared to be some black rubber gasket material sticking out of the tank fitting. I suspect this had something to do with the failed injector.
To answer (maybe just a little) the original question... I've never personnaly replaced one on my bike but the service manual (You do have one don't you?) indicates you may need to rock the injectors back and forth to work them out of their sockets. The O-rings probably form a very snug connection.
Some time after the dealer replaced the injector I was removing the tank and I noticed what appeared to be some black rubber gasket material sticking out of the tank fitting. I suspect this had something to do with the failed injector.
To answer (maybe just a little) the original question... I've never personnaly replaced one on my bike but the service manual (You do have one don't you?) indicates you may need to rock the injectors back and forth to work them out of their sockets. The O-rings probably form a very snug connection.
Stage II
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Injectors may not fail mechanically very often but they can be plugged. I had one go bad without dropping any codes - the indication something was wrong was the bike sputtering and hesitating under hard throttle. The bike was also running very hot.
Some time after the dealer replaced the injector I was removing the tank and I noticed what appeared to be some black rubber gasket material sticking out of the tank fitting. I suspect this had something to do with the failed injector.
To answer (maybe just a little) the original question... I've never personnaly replaced one on my bike but the service manual (You do have one don't you?) indicates you may need to rock the injectors back and forth to work them out of their sockets. The O-rings probably form a very snug connection.
Some time after the dealer replaced the injector I was removing the tank and I noticed what appeared to be some black rubber gasket material sticking out of the tank fitting. I suspect this had something to do with the failed injector.
To answer (maybe just a little) the original question... I've never personnaly replaced one on my bike but the service manual (You do have one don't you?) indicates you may need to rock the injectors back and forth to work them out of their sockets. The O-rings probably form a very snug connection.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
I realize everyone says injectors never go bad, and for the most part that is true, but they can go bad. I was throwing codes for a rear injector on my '02 Duece. I kept riding it that way for 2 or 3 years because I didn't really feel any rideability issues.
I finally got tired of seeing my engine/security light flashing (intermittently) and decided to replace the injector. Even the parts guy at the Harley dealer told me I was wasting my time because "injectors never go bad". But I replaced it anyway. Not a single code since and its been about 5,000 miles and several months. Problem solved and yes it was the injector.
As far as the replacement goes, the injectors are a bit difficult to remove from the housing. The o-ring around the base of the injector is quite beefy and it takes some finagleing to get them out, but they will come out with a little patience.
If I remember correctly, I think I had to remove and replace both injectors from the housing simultaneously. Due to the angle at which they are installed (opposing each other) I couldn't get the injectors out individually.
So... don't fire your mechanic quite yet - yes, injectors can go bad.
Last edited by 2black1s; Feb 22, 2011 at 11:35 AM.
Stage II
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
If you are reading codes then the injectors or the wiring to the injectors are the likely cause. If an injector orifice is dirty or plugged you will have performance issues although you may not trigger an "injector" code.
I realize everyone says injectors never go bad, and for the most part that is true, but they can go bad. I was throwing codes for a rear injector on my '02 Duece. I kept riding it that way for 2 or 3 years because I didn't really feel any rideability issues.
I finally got tired of seeing my engine/security light flashing (intermittently) and decided to replace the injector. Even the parts guy at the Harley dealer told me I was wasting my time because "injectors never go bad". But I replaced it anyway. Not a single code since and its been about 5,000 miles and several months. Problem solved and yes it was the injector.
As far as the replacement goes, the injectors are a bit difficult to remove from the housing. The o-ring around the base of the injector is quite beefy and it takes some finagleing to get them out, but they will come out with a little patience.
If I remember correctly, I think I had to remove and replace both injectors from the housing simultaneously. Due to the angle at which they are installed (opposing each other) I couldn't get the injectors out individually.
So... don't fire your mechanic quite yet - yes, injectors can go bad.
I realize everyone says injectors never go bad, and for the most part that is true, but they can go bad. I was throwing codes for a rear injector on my '02 Duece. I kept riding it that way for 2 or 3 years because I didn't really feel any rideability issues.
I finally got tired of seeing my engine/security light flashing (intermittently) and decided to replace the injector. Even the parts guy at the Harley dealer told me I was wasting my time because "injectors never go bad". But I replaced it anyway. Not a single code since and its been about 5,000 miles and several months. Problem solved and yes it was the injector.
As far as the replacement goes, the injectors are a bit difficult to remove from the housing. The o-ring around the base of the injector is quite beefy and it takes some finagleing to get them out, but they will come out with a little patience.
If I remember correctly, I think I had to remove and replace both injectors from the housing simultaneously. Due to the angle at which they are installed (opposing each other) I couldn't get the injectors out individually.
So... don't fire your mechanic quite yet - yes, injectors can go bad.
Stage IV
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: New York
hesitation and exhuast popping
My 1999 RKC has a hesitation at throttling, and ALOT of exhaust popping during the ride. I recently had some work done, Chain CAM drives, and a power commander tuned and installed .
Could this be clogged or damaged fuel injectors?
Could this be clogged or damaged fuel injectors?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,578
Likes: 463
From: On a Lake, not far from the Gulf
Your issue is probably related to the PCIII not being tuned properly.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
Likes: 11,214
From: San Diego, CA
+1........
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
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cbaker1@farmersagent.com
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