Abstract: A fuel injection valve which is adapted to carry out fuel injection in a double-step manner such that lifting of the nozzle needle through the initial injection stroke causes contraction of a first nozzle spring and subsequent lifting of the nozzle needle through the main injection stroke causes contraction of a second nozzle spring as well as the first nozzle spring. A spacer is removably fitted in an end face of the nozzle holder remote from the nozzle and has its inner end face urgingly engaging the first nozzle spring supported by a first movable spring seat, with a setting load adjusting shim interposed between the spacer and the first nozzle spring. The spacer is retained in place by a hollow threaded member screwed in the nozzle holder.

Abstract: A self-cleaning nozzle includes a piston with a cleaning tip slidably mounted in the interior of a cylinder having two ends and a side wall, the cylinder having first, second and third openings into its interior, the second opening being intermediate the first and third openings. First and second sources of fluid are provided, the former communicating in fluid-flow relationship with the piston and the interior of the cylinder via the second opening. The second source communicates in fluid-flow relationship with the piston and the interior of the cylinder via the third opening. When the force exerted by the pressure of the second source is greater than the force exerted by the pressure of the first source, the piston moves to the cleaning position where the cleaning tip is passed into the first opening, cleaning out any foreign object therein.