Injector pintle caps

I've noticed a few posts and things on the net regarding pintle caps on injectors, and whether they can be left off. I dropped one of my injectors while trying to get the new o-ring on over the pintle cap (I cut the old ones off) It is very difficult if not impossible to get the seal on over the pintle cap, and they need to be renewed if they are removed. When it hit the ground the pintle cap broke off, so I decided to remove them all. The information I had told me that they are there to stop the injectors getting dirty, and to stop fuel from drying on the pintles after switch-off, leaving a residue. I figured since I am getting a new set in a few weeks, they should be fine. They are, the car runs, and it doesn't seem to be a problem. I don't think they have any influence on spray pattern as the fuel doesn't touch the pintle cap. I'm saving up for a set of exchange injectors from Aznew. These are available from most Repco stores on an exchange basis for about $250 for a V6 Commodore.
I'm up for a new Lambda (Exhaust gas oxygen content) sensor, as the car is running worse when it's warm than it is when it's cold.

Replaced the o-rings on the injectors today

I put the injector seal kit in today, and ended up breaking one of the plastic covers on the end of the injector through dropping it trying to get the new seal on. It was pretty much impossible to get the rubber seal on over the plastic injector end-caps anyway. The injectors looked old and dirty, so I decided to remove all the plastic end caps as I will get a set of reco injectors next week anyway. The car seems to run fine, markedly smoother with no vacuum or fuel leaks anymore, although it is evident that the injectors need replacing, and the induction system needs to come off for cleaning. The check engine light came on and off when I was test-driving it today, It's not engine oil or transmission fluid, and it's not overheating at all, so I will have to look into the cause of that. Hopefully the manual I have has a list of reasons why the check engine light can come on. I might have a look on justcommodores.com first, I'm sure someone else has had the same hassle. The transmission did get pretty hot as I was driving pretty hard. The injectors seem to be working fine, but I'm sure they are still dirty. The car was not driven for two years before I brought it, and it wasn't exactly garaged or looked after so new injectors next week.

Fuel injectors leaking on the Commodore

I've just realized that the fuel injection system in the Commodore is leaking. The injectors have rubber o-rings to seal them into the inlet manifold, and also to seal the fuel rail to the top of them. I was messing around with them yesterday, moved one a bit and fuel started coming out from under the fuel rail. I then realized they were all loose, and if the top ones are loose, then the identical bottom o-ring seals must be stuffed aswell.
The engine has been idleing a bit rough, and sometimes doesn't start instantly (takes a few seconds of cranking). I'm now sure it's a vacuum leak getting past these seals, and probably low fuel preassure caused by the fuel leaking from the fuel rail. Interestingly enough, the fuel leaking from the rail is not visible unless it's a large leak, as when the fuel comes out under pressure it vapourises instantaneously and is hard to detect. It's easier to listen for.
I went doen to Hunter Holden (These guys are great, never not had a part in stock) and for $27.95 got a Bosch injector and fuel rail seal kit. It has all the injector o-rings, and also some for the cross part of the fuel rail.
So tomorrow, the whole lot is coming off, getting cleaned, and put togeather with new seals. I'm just hoping that all the injectors are okay, although I'm looking at getting another set and having them reconditioned.