Seen as key in tackling climate change, the use of biofuels is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. But because the physical and chemical properties of biofuels are so significantly different to conventional fuels, they are considered to be more susceptible to contamination, and with this comes an increased risk of damage to the diesel engine.
Independent research has shown that up to 80 percent of diesel engine problems stem from contaminated or poor quality fuel. Running vehicles on sub-standard fuel can lead to performance issues such as filter plugging, injector coking, piston ring sticking and breaking. Such problems need to be identified at the earliest possible opportunity in order to minimise longer term damage to the engine. Immediate and accurate analysis of the fuel is therefore critical.
Using Delphi’s Fuel Analyser, technicians are able to perform a first level diagnostic to check if the fuel meets the latest EN590 standard and identify potential contaminants. The tool specifies the level of bio diesel in the fuel sample and identifies whether impurities such as non-refined vegetable oils and petrol are present, giving immediate and accurate results via a digital display screen. The volume of fuel required to undertake the analysis is only 46ml, which can be retrieved from the fuel pump or filter.
This will allow technicians receiving only system components to check the fuel, just as easily as those working directly on the vehicle. With this data, the user can quickly establish whether there is an unacceptable amount of bio diesel or any impurities present that may impact on the fuel injection system. Delphi’s Fuel Analyser also allows fleets to regularly monitor and analyse their fuel, and thus avoid filling up with non-standard or contaminated fuel.
Detecting diesel fuel issues at an early stage, or even better preventing them in the first place, will help to mitigate the impact and subsequent effects of biofuels or poor quality fuel. This can significantly reduce costs and inconvenience for the vehicle owner or operator.
The complete Fuel Analyser kit from Delphi includes a USB cable, a mains adapter, three 50ml measuring tubes, a quick start guide and a CD with a user manual and reporting software. It is available in 10 languages through Delphi’snetwork of authorised distributors and workshops.
