reinstalling used injectors...should I clean the carbon from the tips?

[redleg1]

So in addition to changing the o-rings and copper washer, is there any kind of cleaning that should be done to my injectors? They have 65.5K miles on them, and the tips below the copper washer are black with carbon. What is their lifespan anyway? I only took them out because I had to replace two others on the same bank....and so since I was at it, figured it wouldn't hurt to inspect these orings and washers. Now that they're out, I really just want to put new ones in like the other two on that side, but the thought of unnecissarily spending the money is what is making me think twice. Any ideas?

[redleg1]

So no one has any idea about cleaning the injector tips? I figure we all put DieselKleen in our fuel to keep our injectors clean and besides I would think that the copper washers need a clean surface to seal against...so I guess I'll use some fine grade steel wool and see if I can get the metal to shine again like new. I just don't want to screw anything up like the spray pattern or something else.

[steventothemax]

Ever get an answer on this? Wondering the exact same thing myself.

[redleg1]

Never got an answer. Did it like I said with 00 steelwool, reinstalled, and all is well. Don't know if it made any difference or not. Truck is running great. Good luck.

[ckyguy68]

I used a somewhat softer wire brush to clean the tips. A guy that works at an injector place suggested that to me.