In an electronically operated fuel control valve (10) for a diesel engine, a poppet valve (31) with a stem (32) having a guide surface length portion (30) in a guide bore (24) exposed to a large axial fuel pressure gradient during a fuel injection event, the radial space between the guide surface length portion (30) and the bore (24) being different proximal to a head (33) of the poppet valve (31) than the radial space between such elements distal from the head (33).
