Fuel injector having dual flow rate capabilities and engine using same

A fuel injector comprising:

• an injector body defining a fuel inlet separated from a nozzle outlet by at least two passageways;
• an electronically controlled valve attached to said injector body and being movable between a first position in which one of said at least two passageways is closed, and a second position in which said one is open;
• and
• a needle valve member positioned in said injector body and being movable between a closed position blocking said nozzle outlet and an open position.

A method of controlling fuel injection comprising:

• providing an engine including a fuel injection system having a plurality of fuel injectors that include an injector body operably connected to an electronic actuator and defining a fuel inlet and a nozzle outlet;
• connecting said fuel inlet and said nozzle outlet of a first fuel injector via a relatively restricted fuel passageway, in part by activating said electronic actuator;
• injecting a first amount of fuel from said first fuel injector;
• connecting said fuel inlet and said nozzle outlet of said first fuel injector via a relatively unrestricted fuel passageway, in part by deactivating said electronic actuator;
• and
• injecting a second amount of fuel from said first fuel injector.