Best Injectors for 12V Cummins – 2021 Review

| Last Updated: December 25, 2021

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The truck's performance depends on the fuel intake and burning in the 12V Cummins engine, right?

A fuel injector is one of the most important components of these engines as it controls the intake of fuel. You have to be careful while buying one as it controls the amount of fuel and the overall efficiency.

So, here is a complete round-up of the best injectors for 12V Cummins to help you out.

Comparison of the Best Injectors For 12V Cummins

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Tested at high standards
  • Made from durable materials
  • Very easy to install on vehicle
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  • Able to help improve engine performance
  • Easy to install on vehicle
  • Reliable and made from high-quality materials
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  • Best for the Money
  • Made from strong and durable materials
  • Will improve the engine power
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  • Will correct the spray pattern
  • Compatible with different models
  • Easy to install to the Cummins
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  • High-quality construction
  • Well designed and improve performance
  • Made and tested with high standards
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When is it Time to Replace My 12V Cummins Injectors?

Well, you do not have to replace your 12v Cummins injector very frequently. A high-quality injector can work for you well over 150k miles. But even this coverage does not always make it necessary to change it. You need to have proper pop testing to be sure of a damaged unit.

However, there are multiple warning signs to alert you. Increased EGT is a clear sign of a malfunctioning injector. Excessive smoke from the gas exhaust and lower mileage per hour than usual also indicates that something is wrong. Poor atomization of fuel and hard starts of the engine should alert you as well. So, keep looking for these warning signs to be aware of any problems with your truck’s fuel injector in time. 

Can Any Injector Be Used in a 12V Cummins?

No, all injectors cannot be used in a 12v Cummins engine. As these engines have a simple and practical structure as well as function, they do not need any complex accessories. The injector for these engines needs to have valves that go with 0.010" intake clearance valve lash. 

Moreover, it has to be able to provide enough fuel for 160-215 HP. It should be compatible with the size of 12v Cummins too, which has dimensions of 40.0" x 24.9" x 37.9". And most importantly, it has to be able to deal with 12 quarts of oil. Hence, there are only specific injectors that can go well with a 12v Cummins engine.

Review of the Best Injectors For 12V Cummins

After seeing that you need specific 12V Cummins, you must be looking for some models to choose from. Well, you don’t have to look further. Here is a complete review of the best ones that you can go for.

Best Overall:
BDS Diesel Fuel Injector 0432131753

PROS

  • Weighs only 2.7 pounds
  • Ensures greater safety on the road
  • Dimensions of 8.27 x 4.33 x 2.76 inches
  • 100% testing before shipping to clients
  • Provides optimum stability of the engine

CONS

  • A little overpriced

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers have had a great time using this injector in their 12v Cummins engines. They liked how easy it was to install it without any outside help. Buyers also appreciate the stability of the engine that this injector brings along with it.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We have found it to be the best injector overall due to its durable frame and long-lasting structure. It is quite lightweight at 2.7 pounds only, which prevents any extra load on the engine. This improves the efficiency of fuel-burning as there is no additional weight to support. 

Moreover, it has the dimensions of 8.27 x 4.33 x 2.76 inches which is the perfect fit for 12v Cummins. It can easily fit into the feed tube head, covering the valves effectively. Hence, this is one of the best injectors that you can invest in. 

Bottom Line

All in all, this is an incredible injector that you can find on the market. All of its specs are in line with the requirements of both new and old 12v Cummins engines. So, go ahead and get it if you are not on a strict budget.

Runner-up:
TIKSCIENCE Fuel Injector Set

PROS

  • Helps gain 40 to 60 HP
  • Six fuel injectors inside the package
  • Has a 145-degree spray pattern in it 
  • High reliability due to tested components
  • Suits all 1994 to 1998 injectors of 5.9L capacity

CONS

  • Puts strain on diesel output

What Recent Buyers Report

This injector has struck a fine chord with people who invested in it lately. They loved the increased efficiency of the engine that comes with it. Also, buyers approve of the power and speed ratio that this TIKSCIENCE injector helps the engines create.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It makes it to our list as the runner-up because of the amazing specifications. The 5.9L capacity engines use this injector well that have 1994 to 1998 models. This injector has a high-efficiency valve that controls the amount of fuel in the engine well. 

Furthermore, it helps in creating a power boost of up to 40 to 60 HP with a high fuel supply. There are six fuel injectors in the set which fit all the feed tubes perfectly. Lastly, it has a noiseless operation which does not create any distractions while working. 

Bottom Line

Keeping all these in view, it is advisable to invest in this fuel injector. It has amazing features and an adequate price which you can enjoy for years. So, get this one and have a smooth driving experience with your 12v Cummins.

Best for the Money:
Dieselspeedshop 1994-1998 100hp Injectors

PROS

  • P-pump is 14 mm in width
  • Five holes for a regulated fuel flow
  • High efficiency with 100 HP provision
  • Perfect fit for the 12v Cummins engines
  • Unlimited mileage warranty of 12 months

CONS

  • Can get smoky
  • Can make the jammers overheat

What Recent Buyers Report

This Dieselspeedshop model has impressed the buyers who bought it recently. The injector has a high power delivery that truckers today need. It helps them in transporting the freight products that they needed to deliver. They liked it due to its higher affordability than other injectors as well. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Dieselspeedshop injector has become one of our favorite units with its incredible mileage. It actively prevents any kind of fuel losses that occur in most engines. This way, it helps trucks cover more distance on lesser fuel consumption. 

In addition, it has a 100 HP delivery, which gives the engine an instant boost. The injectors have five holes in them, making them fit the bolts well. They have better orientation in the engine as they fix into the heads well. The p-pump is also a nice feature with a 14-inch width.

Bottom Line

Summing up, this is the best 12v Cummins injector for people who need something pocket-friendly. It has a perfect fitting for new and old 12v Cummins models, which keeps the engine operational. Thus, we recommend it for both its features and the pricing policy.

4. Dieselspeedshop 1991.5-1993 12V Cummins

PROS

  • Set of six with five holes each
  • Creates 600 feet lbs of torque
  • Has a factory intercooled frame
  • Heavy-duty usage and power delivery
  • Higher reliability with a year’s warranty

CONS

  • Spray angle is not wide
  • Bolts might need re-fixing frequently

What Recent Buyers Report

People who purchased this injector have liked it immensely. They loved its heavy-duty functioning as it goes on for hours without overheating the jammers. Buyers also found its mileage and power delivery commendable and recommend this injector to everyone.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It has our approval with its modern design and a reliable build. The warranty of one year makes it more trustworthy to us as well as the customers. The unit also stands out to us because it has six injectors in it which cover all the slots for fuel injection. 

Moreover, it has high horsepower generation as well as better balancing capability. It creates a torque of 600 feet-pounds, which helps retain the engine's strength even during sharp turns. So, it is a safe and reliable injector on the whole.

Bottom Line

Our verdict on this injector is that it comes loaded with desirable features for 12v Cummins. The price is also well balanced by its performance, which is quite impressive. So, choosing this can be great for you in the long run.

5. labwork 6X Diesel Fuel Injector Set

PROS

  • Can withstand regular wear well
  • For 1988 to 1994 models of Cummins
  • Sleek built at 6.14 x 4.37 x 1.61 inches
  • Six ultra-powerful injectors with controlled flow
  • Greater engine performance with least fuel wastage

CONS

  • Needs extra mods for effective working

What Recent Buyers Report

Like most other Labwork injectors, this injector has been a fine treat for people who own a 12v Cummins. They like it both because of its size and shape, which does not tower other engine components. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This is another impressive injector on our list due to its powerful build. It is better suited for Cummins that is slightly older. It has dimensions of 6.14 x 4.37 x 1.61 inches, which go perfectly with old models. 

Along with this, there is minimum wastage of diesel when the engine is working. Another amazing thing about this injector is that it can retain excessive working without much wear and tear.

Bottom Line

Overall, this is a reliable and durable injector that keeps working for years on end. The fuel intake gets balanced with it, and the engines do not get any pre-burning of fuel. So, it can be a great option for those who have old 12v Cummins trucks.

Pros and Cons of Replacing Your 12V Cummins Injectors

Getting a new injector for your 12v Cummins can turn out amazingly for your engine. At the same time, there are some drawbacks to getting it too. Let’s go through both the pros and cons to see if you should buy one or not.

Pros

First, let’s check out the benefits that you can avail of: 

Increased Power

A new fuel injector brings better fuel intake options for your engine. Your engine gets the right amount of fuel that it can handle without going rancid. The valves stay in place and restrict the overflow of oil in the combustion chamber as well. This helps the engine get a quick start and deliver higher power. 

Greater Mileage

Since there is only a strictly essential amount of fuel in the engine, there is hardly any wastage. This way, you get more mileage with the same amount of fuel when you have a well-working injector. 

Cons

Now, here are some cons to give you a better perspective.

Increased Heat

With new fuel injectors, jammers heat up quickly. This leads to you worrying about the excessive heat, which might cause smoking. So, it is better to have an injector that is compatible with your engine to avoid any overheating.

Needs Additional Mods

Sometimes, the engine needs additional mods to regulate the amount of heat in the jammers. So, if you face excessive heating of the engine, you need to spend some extra bucks on mods as well. 

How to Install Injectors on a 12V Cummins

Installation of a fuel injector can be tricky to deal with. If you have experience in dealing with engines, then you can do it yourself. But, it might be better to consult a professional if you are hesitant. Here are some steps that you have to follow in order to install a new injector.

  1. Begin by taking out all the fuel from your engine and tank.

  2. Now remove the feed tube from the engine using a Snap-On J149 to unscrew it. Then pry it out using a crowbar or a screwdriver.

  3. Remove the valve cover gasket to get access to the fixing points for the injector. Then remove the old injector using the valve bridge and clean the heads.

  4. After this, take the new injectors and insert them into the feed tube head. 

  5. Then secure the bolts of the injector in place. 

  6. Close the valve cover gasket again, and you are good to go.

You can refer to this video to see a complete demonstration of the 12V Cummins injector installation if you're confused. 

Conclusion

To do a quick wrap-up, your 12v Cummins engine needs a new fuel injector to stay functional for a long time. But you have to be mindful of the specifications and your budget allowance while buying one. So, go through our list of best injectors for 12v Cummins and select the right one for your engine.

People Also Ask

Although these injectors have been on the market for a long time, there is still much confusion regarding them. Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions. 

How Do You Test a 12V Cummins Injector? 

It is better to have your 12v Cummins injector pop tested to be sure of the results. However, you can look out for warning signs of damage. Excessive smoke, EGT, and poor atomization of fuel are some of the indications of injector damage. 

How Many Injectors Does a 12-Valve Cummins Have?

A 12 valve has a set of six injectors, mostly because there are six slots for fuel injection in the valve gasket opening. There can be five or even lesser injectors in some models as well. 

How Do I Know if My Injector is Bad on My Cummins?

To know this, open the crank and let your engine be idle for some time. Then use a torchlight to inspect the cylinder closely. If there is any smoke there, then you need to have a different injector.

Sean comes from the forums actually and drives an OBS Ford. He writes fantastic DIYs and knows his way around a camera, too. We keep him caffeinated and away from DPF filters to avoid another rant about recent emissions restrictions.