Abstract: A nozzle comprises a nozzle housing having a preload engagement surface, a nozzle tip, a tip retainer having a preload engagement surface that retains the nozzle tip against the nozzle housing, and a preload limiter gap between the tip retainer and the nozzle housing comprising a spaced distance between the preload engagement surfaces when the nozzle is in a first position and a second position that creates a desired amount of preload force P when the nozzle is in the second position. In another embodiment, a nozzle comprises a nozzle housing, a nozzle tip, and a tip retainer movable with respect to the nozzle tip along the nozzle housing and that retains the nozzle tip against the nozzle housing. A tapered interface disposed between the tip insert and the tip retainer at an angle greater than or less than 90 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle.