Had a stubborn injector on a 6.7 Powerstroke that just would not budge
The truck came in last week with a bad miss, and number 3 injector was stuck tight. I tried the normal puller, then heat, then more pulling force, but it was not moving. Out of ideas, I grabbed a can of brake cleaner and sprayed it around the injector base to clean off any built up carbon. After letting it sit for about ten minutes, I gave the puller another crank and it came out smooth as butter. I think the cleaner got into the tiny space and broke up the carbon lock. Has anyone else had luck with this trick on other engines?
Honestly, spraying brake cleaner near an injector sounds like a bad idea waiting to happen. That stuff can wreck seals and o-rings real fast. I get why @jade_young88 says they're the worst, but adding a harsh chemical seems like a quick fix that could cause a bigger leak down the road. A proper penetrating oil made for the job is way safer, even if it takes more time. I'd never risk it on a customer's engine.
Yeah but come on, it's just a quick spray around the outside. @fionarodriguez is right that you shouldn't soak the thing, but a little brake cleaner to break the carbon seal isn't gonna end the world. It got the job done.