Run engine with valve cover off?

[HerbW]

Hi. I have codes P0205, P0305 and P2149 on my 2007 Dodge 5.9. I've looked this up and says injector 5 fail basically. I just had #4 do the same three weeks ago. Both times put me in limp mode. Both times I'm having solenoid failure. Is this normal? I am running an EDGE CTS Evolution set for economy. This shouldn't cause solenoid failure should it? My truck is down while I get parts. When I get it together I was wondering if anybody ever started their truck with the valve cover off. I'd like to listen to the lifters and injectors with a probe. I used to do it with gassers. I just don't want oil everywhere. I'm replacing the valve cover gasket due to Chinese one has a bunch of insulation cracks in the wiring that feeds the injectors. Not good! Thanks, Herb

 

[rscurtis]

I've run mine with the VC removed and the oil stays right where it belongs.

 

[sag2]

You can run it with the cover off but be careful as the injectors have about 80 volt kick to fire them so don't lay your hand across the terminals when its running. It won't hurt you but it might surprise you and make you jump. I'm not sure I understand your gasket comment. Did you replace the lower gasket with wiring with an aftermarket? The OEM gaskets failed far more often than an injector did, so you might have gasket problem more than injector if it happens to be aftermarket.

 

[HerbW]

Guys, thank you for what I wanted to know. I was wondering the operating voltage on the injectors. The valve cover gasket on my truck says made in China on it and has the Dorman part numbers on it. The wires have breaks in the insulation. Number 4 had eight cracks with wire showing. I just bought the truck in February this year and this is my third down time! I may end up in a Toyota at this rate. My number 5 injector has 3.5 ohm reading and number 3 about 1.3 ohms. I'm going to install new solenoids on them, adjust valves, install new valve cover gasket, clear DTC codes and cross my fingers it runs normal again. Why are these injectors so spendy? My 98 were cheap. Are the 5.9 common rail engines dependable? Thanks again. TDR saves me again. Herb

 

[Wingate]

CR injectors are much higher pressure and require much tighter tolerances, machining processes and better materials. That is reflected in the price. As others have stated, you can run it with the VC off, just be careful of the terminals and all other moving parts including the fan blade.
If you are losing fuel system components, maybe remove the aftermarket stuff for a while to make sure its not part of the issue.

 

[sag2]

Are you measuring the resistance with wires off the injectors?

 

[HerbW]

I'm measuring them without the wiring. I just bought some Bosch solenoids but the top screw and ball needs transferred from the old one. Any idea if that is an adjustment nut? Thanks, Herb

 

[sag2]

Have only removed the nozzle.

 

[HerbW]

I decided on only installing the valve cover gasket that has the injector wiring in it to see where the codes would go. They all cleared and my engine is running normal again. I hope it was the gasket that is kicking these codes and not injector failures. I retested my injectors this time with an analog ohm meter and they are all less than one ohm. Now to drive it and see where it goes. I'm gun shy to drive my truck. How safe is it to drive in the limp mode on three cylinders if it craps out to limp again?

 

[Tuesdak]

I decided on only installing the valve cover gasket that has the injector wiring in it to see where the codes would go. They all cleared and my engine is running normal again. I hope it was the gasket that is kicking these codes and not injector failures. I retested my injectors this time with an analog ohm meter and they are all less than one ohm. Now to drive it and see where it goes. I'm gun shy to drive my truck. How safe is it to drive in the limp mode on three cylinders if it craps out to limp again?

Not very safe for you or other drivers. I would suggest AAA and then you can comfortably test it. Then if it still has issues use limp mode to get somewhere safe for the tow truck.

Sounds like the wiring was bad and hopefully was the only issue.

 

[JJPage]

Are you measuring the resistance with wires off the injectors?

I'm measuring them without the wiring. I just bought some Bosch solenoids but the top screw and ball needs transferred from the old one. Any idea if that is an adjustment nut? Thanks, Herb

I retested my injectors this time with an analog ohm meter and they are all less than one ohm. How safe is it to drive in the limp mode on three cylinders if it craps out to limp again?

Either the first meter was faulty, or operator failure... , new gasket would not change solenoid reading if the harness was disconnected.

Limp mode will not hurt anything to drive it, it's designed to "not" hurt anything. Jess