Hi Jason,
Thanks. Neither injectors, bolts or seals injectors were touched or serviced before they first blew, or started to leak, and in the case of those that blew out, the steel retaining bolts stripped their retaining sockets in the Alu head/block, thus then requiring helicoil fixation. Initially, two bolts were unfortunately reused, but when I read around the subject and appreciated the implications, I had the garage replace with new and retorque to spec, and this approach was subsequently used for all the others. New copper seals were used on each occasion throughout. So we still have no explanation for so many injectors coming loose and requiring resetting.
Hi Gareth,
Thank you. The engine has been serviced to manufacture's spec, with regular oil changes until this last twelve months, since when the same has been achieved by continuous topping up necessitated by the leaks (-in course of trying to fix which one cracked rocker cover has been replaced, and a front crank-shaft seal three times, latterly using the Victor Reinz (disposable) special setting tool). In respect of your suggestion re worn piston rings, as the likely cause of raised crank-case pressure, there is no dipstick on these vehicles to investigate in the way you recommend, simply the bayonet-fit top-up cap. And as I mentioned, there is no apparent loss of power or fuel economy, and the engine-running seems entirely smooth, the tachometer showing no rpm hunting.or dancing about. However, my reading of the Rheinmetall website this pm (https://www.ms-motorservice.com/int/en/technipedia/sealing-problems-and-piston-ring-damage-889) does suggest that an injector leak may cause diesel deposition on rings and cylinder walls, displacing lubricant and rapidly accelerating their wear. This begs the question (-as to why so many injectors should be thrown) which I posed to Jason...