What the Heck is Sticktion?

Our friends at Ford Powerstroke / International Truck and Engine Corporation have recently modified the English language by finding a new use for a rather unusual word.

The term Sticktion is being used to explain what happens when motor oil used to pressurize electro-hydraulic fuel injectors (such as the HUEI) breaks down and carbonizes inside the injector. This temporary adhesion can slow or prevent the movement of components within the injector. This delay can have serious negative effects on the operation of the injector and the engine.

Both the Ford Powerstroke and International versions of the 6.0 litre or VT 365 can suffer from this problem. This problem can also happen to any Electro-hydraulic type injectors.

The primary cause of this problem is thermal breakdown of the engine oil. This problem can be resolved by using an engine flush product designed to break down and remove carbonized oil deposits. It is important to dissolve the deposit as opposed to simply breaking it apart which can cause carbon to lodge in the injector damaging it to the point of requiring replacement.

A product such as Well Worth Products "E - Flush" will do this quickly, effectively, and safely with or without a flush machine.

Some technicians have tried adding diesel fuel or other solvents to the motor oil to attempt to break down these deposits. This is not recommended as it will remove lubrication from various engine components causing increased wear and or damage.

To prevent this problem from reoccurring (or occurring in the first place) it is important to maintain suggested oil change intervals using a CI-4 rated engine oil. The addition of a supplemental oil additive such as Well Worth EOA will provide an additional level of detergent-dispersants, thermal stabilizers, and other necessary components to prevent oil breakdown.

Ford and International hope to resolve this and other problems with introduction of the 2007 Tier III engines. These new engines will be 6.4 litre, twin turbo models using piezoelectric actuated common rail fuel injectors.