A rail connection assembly includes an outer rail connection tube having a rail connection outlet, a component having a substantially centrally located bore that is fixed to the outer rail connection tube remote from said rail connection outlet, and a piston adapted for movement between a first position and a second position, with the second position being remote from said bore. A nipple having a predetermined cross section and extends from the piston and is slidably movable into and remote from said bore when the piston is moved between the first and second positions, respectively. A fluid communication path exists between the bore and the rail connection outlet. This provides a pilot injection of fuel when the piston moves into an intermediate position between the first and second positions and a full injection of fuel when the piston reaches the second position.