Mechanics Time for Replacing Injectors

[BitteredSling]

Hey,

Curious if anyone could share how many hours they were charged for testing/servicing the fuel injectors on their engine.

I have a Perkins 4108 that we recently had the injectors pulled, shop tested, overhauled, and re-installed.

We were billed for 10 hours of labor for that piece of the work which seemed a little high but not totally out of the ballpark given that we were told the injectors were stuck and hard to remove.

Can't seem to find a good point of reference for what the usual time spent on this job is. Would appreciate your input.

[patagonik]

Hello, I am dedicated to diesel injection in Argentina, cleaning, adjusting and calibrating 4 injectors of 4-108 takes 3 hours at most. Plus the time to remove and place them in the engine. In my country that would have an approximate cost of u $$ 200 ...... but we are not a reference to anything.
greetings
Sergio

[rbk]

Really depends on the shop rate. Part4engnes has 4108 injectors for (USD) $70 each TAD is around $90 and there's a place in Oregon that has them for $60. Most are rebuilt but I think TAD has brand new ones for a bit more each (like $100-120).

[ulpilot45]

It depends on where the engine is located and accessible to the injector i have done them in 1 hr to remove and 8 in a Gulfstar with engine under the galley counter if that helps . But in my shop I test them for 5.00 each and rebuild for 65.00 each not removal time

[Sailmonkey]

Is travel time a part of those 10?

I can easily see 4 hours of travel and 6 of actual work on the engine.

[BitteredSling]

I think Sailmonkey is likely right. Our boat is only about 10 minutes away from their shop but I'm sure there is a minimum trip charge that just isn't broken out in our invoice. The hours billed are related only to the remove and replace time though.

Thanks for your responses everyone!

[Scubableu]

$240 for the same engine in S. Louisiana about 4 years ago. Sorry did not keep the bill so I can't quote the hours.

[skipmac]

Pulling injectors is a pretty simple job even for a non mechanic like me. Took me an hour or so to pull four even persuading a couple that were reluctant to come out. Shipped them off to a specialty shop (non in my area) and had them rebuilt for $65 each. Took me a little longer to replace them as I was being careful with replacing the lines.

[Wotname]

Hmm.... it depends really on how hard they are to remove. Some are easy, some are harder, some are difficult and some are just downright almost impossible.

I have seen good mechanics just give up after an hour or so on trying to remove just one injector.

[Wotname]

FWIW.

For an almost impossible one see this thread

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ve-210170.html

[gbmacca]

Interesting thoughts!
It took me about 3 hours to remove 16 injectors from 2x Detroit 8v71's with a special levering tool with no major problems.
Mechanics here in Perth Western Australia charge $120 - $140/hr plus travel time and we caught one guy doing work in the mariner, going from one jetty to the other and charging each client $100 for travel time.
I sit and watch mechanics on other boats and reckon they can spend nearly 30% of their time -- on mobiles - which you pay for chucky!!
Not enough apprenticeships - so these tradesmen - become precious --
Cheers
Gbmacca

[DeValency]

It sounds way too much for the job, but guess you were not there so any number they give you may win. I had a mechanic in Martinique removing my four injectors from the Volvo TMD31 in about 20 min, we drove for an hour to a Bosch lab for inspection that came out fine after half an hour (with no charge), but we had to first wait an hour as they were in a lunch break... . Then an hour drive back and reinstallation etc. - he felt uncomfortable to ask for two hours, as there was nothing wrong with the injectors - I paid him for four... A great honest guy I have recommended throughout the Caribbean.

In the other hand, I can see how a certain boatyard I was at (not my choice) didn’t hesitate to (at least) quadruple the actual time for any job without any excuse.

Bottom line. If you can, don’t let any trade touch your boat without your presence. Not that some of these may still show up at 10 and leave at 11 and still ask for 4 hours...

[oldcal46skipper]

Hi,
I have been rebuilding fuel injectors over 40 years, after completing "Marine Diesel Engine" school. Now due to age 82 & various health challenges, like arthritis in my hands, that's about all I can do. I do not crawl around in boats anymore, so you bring our injectors to me & you are welcome to witness my test, no charge so far.


Perkins 4.108 Lucas or CAV injectors.


For the Perkins 4.108 removal, the "bridge" that holds the injector in must be removed. Be careful as it is cast iron and breaks easily. Then using a removal tool that bridges the injector and screws into the return line fitting on top. Sometimes it is necessary to soak them (PB Blaster or similar) for several days if they are seized.



Mr. Perkins says this should be done each 1,000 hours of running time. Check your engine builders manual.


After testing, I apply paint remover, wait, clean with wire brush all paint from exterior, as the cleaner I use is $80 a gallon.



I take the injectors completely apart, carefully examining all parts. The flats that mate are all surfaced, using 500 grit wet sandpaper, splashed with mineral spirits. Each flat is given 5 "Lazy Eights" 12,3,6 & 9 O'clock. Then examined with magnification.


The parts are rinsed with solvent, (paint thinner is okay) and placed in the chemical cleaner for at least 24 hours. The strainer container is drained and the parts rinsed with solvent & placed in a small container of solvent.


I have my air hose ready as I remove each part, blow it off and place into my stainless steel assembly bowl that is partially filled with clean diesel fuel. With my rubber gloves on, I assemble while in the fuel. Then I torque the nozzle holder and insert fitting for fuel in.


I immediately tighten the adjustment screw to approximate pressure for the 2,200 PSI for Perkins 4.108 fuel injectors. They are placed onto the tester, I prefer the old manual tester, and pumped and adjusted to design pressure. After observing the spray pattern, I pump to almost opening pressure and observe for leaks.


If all is well, I clean any fuel or solvent off, using masking tape I cover the input, low pressure return opening and nozzle holder. I first put them upside down in a cardboard box bottom with appropriate sized holes.


I use a very good spray paint that is rated 500 degrees F, Three coats of primer, then 3 coats of Perkins Blue or _____?


I caution the installer to clean the surface where the injector crush washer seats. Use a bowl brush the correct size, then vacuum and rust or debris. Always use a new crush washer and torque the hold down "bridge" very carefully and evenly to 12Ft Pounds.


I charge $75 each which includes a new nozzle.


I have previously posted my directions, "Diesel Fuel Systems on Sailboats" I'll Email a copy on request. I wrote this after some customers used dirty, old diesel fuel and damaged their high pressure pump and/or injectors.

[Snore]

I just replaced the three injectors on my boat. What should have been a quick bada-bing Bada-boom project, cork screwed. First I had to fully remove the fuel supply tubes to access the center injector. Secondary problem was that when I re-bled the system, the plastic/metal composit crush washer failed (well it was 40 years old).

Total job took 3+ hours for a decent shade-tree mechanic.

FWIW, I used Kubota injectors, they were about 1/3 the price of Universal injectors..... for the same engine!

[jimbunyard]

There's just no way of knowing. Could be they're giving you a break, could be they're giving you the shaft.

If the company has a reputable reputation and something to lose for stiffing you, I'd be less inclined to think they were.

We know the engine is old, if it's been years since the injectors have been removed, an hour or two per injector is not out of the question, especially if the work space is cramped.

You've not given us any information about it, but perhaps some more pre-job-agreement communication might have helped lessen the sticker-shock...