trouble installing 4.5 fuel injectors with seals

[douging]

Hi all,

I'm hoping someone has been here and done this and can set me straight. I've been making incremental progress on getting this 1972 280SE 4.5 running after (now) 17 years. I'm into the fuel system now and sent the fuel injectors out to be cleaned and tested, etc. They came back and after replacing all of the rubber rings, hoses, and seals I'm ready to pop them back in the manifold.

The old rubber seals came out easily. I have new seals from a well-known aftermarket parts supplier. The injectors came back with new pindle caps. The injectors will not pop back in...

I've cleaned the holes with a rag and then Scotch-Brite. I used a bit of Marvel Mystery Oil on the ends to help slide in. Nope. Without the new seals the Injectors slide right in but are loose.

Anyone run into this before or care to offer up a solution?


Photo of the original injector with seal:


Photo of new injector with seal:

[douging]

So, the hack mechanic in me says "Go without the seal. Just cut off a bit so the shoulder will still seal out the injector port..." I could cut the seal along its shaft length like this -


Am I just getting desperate?

[Tomguy]

Never go to the mechanic that recommended that!

You're doing it backwards - you need to press the seals firmly into the head first. Then the injectors slide right into the seals. easier by about 10 fold.

[douging]

Originally Posted by Tomguy

You're doing it backwards - you need to press the seals firmly into the head first. Then the injectors slide right into the seals. easier by about 10 fold.

Thanks. I made a half-hearted effort to do that before and I'll give it another go!

[Gurunutkins]

Toms right its the only way to do it! give them a shot of lubricant on the pintle cap if needed and as you don't use an O2 sensor you can use silicone lube with no problems.
cheers
barri