Fuel injector deep drawn valve guide

A fuel injector (10) for discharging fuel to an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The injector has a nozzle body (98) with an annular valve seat (116) surrounding a fuel discharge opening (118). A valve member (148) is disposed in the internal cylindrical cavity and is moveable between a first, sealing position relative to the valve seat and a second, open position off of the seat. The valve member is guided in its movement, with respect to the valve seat by a valve guide member (161) disposed in the nozzle, closely adjacent the annular valve seat. The valve guide member is configured for placement within the nozzle body and includes a tubular central portion (162) which defines a central, valve guide opening (163). The valve guide opening extends through the tubular central portion to open adjacent the annular valve seat and is configured for circumjacent disposition relative to the valve member to guide movement of the valve. Fuel openings (164)extend through the valve guide and are disposed circumferentially about the valve guiding central opening to conduct fuel around the valve guide member.