October 2021

Above: EGR valve from Nissens S tarting with the DPF opportunity, Walker Products Business Development Manager Ravi Sangha observed: “Diesel engine exhaust systems emit a considerable volume of dirty emissions, often resulting in a clogged DPF. This can cause a lack of engine power, throttle response and poor fuel economy. “It is always worthwhile reminding customers on how it is important to pay attention to their vehicle performance, dashboard lights and understand how critical systems work, such as the DPF. Various sensors positioned along the exhaust system help ensure proper management of the DPF system. The Differential Pressure Sensor (DPS) operates by measuring the exhaust gas pressure upstream and downstream of the vehicle’s DPF. By monitoring the pressure difference between these two points, the saturation level of the DPF can be calculated which in turn helps determine when a regeneration cycle is required. The Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGTS) sensing element measures the actual temperature of the exhaust stream and sends signals to the vehicles engine management system for proper adjustment to protect the engine and exhaust components from overheating and replacing the EGTS can often cure DPF issues. NOx sensors measure the engine-out NOx gas concentration, which helps determine the optimum amount of urea injection.” Ravid added: “Today’s vehicles are being manufactured with even more sensors to ensure they are producing a cleaner exhaust. Walker Products UK has you covered with up-to-date technology, new products and OE fit, form and function. Walker Products UK offers instructional videos on many sensor applications as well as a technical support line. “ For more information visit: www.walkerproducts.com Clean, filter and maintain Commenting on the issue, Colin Cottrell, Marketing Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, said: “With growing numbers of us set to carry on working from home at least some of the time, shorter, less frequent car journeys are set to become the norm. But this can present challenges for vehicles’ exhaust systems, which need to run for an extended period to properly clean, filter and maintain peak performance. This is especially the case for DPFs, which face blockages when they don’t reach a temperature that’s high enough, for long enough. This state is usually achieved through motorway driving, and helps to cleanly burn off the excess soot that naturally builds up through everyday use. Without this process, the car’s performance will be hampered and will ultimately lead to the car breaking down and requiring potentially costly repairs. “For independent garages, being able to offer carbon cleaning as a core service is a great way to drive additional revenue, while increasing customer satisfaction and 44 AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2021 EXHAUST SYSTEM AND DPF www.aftermarketonline.net Making sure you are ready to deal with exhaust and DPF issues will put you in a good position as vehicle usage returns to pre-pandemic levels FEELING EXHAUSTED retention. The Carbon Clean DCS-16 DPF cleaning system allows independent repairers to carry out DPF cleaning themselves. Repairers can simply remove the DPF, perform an internal wash using a detergent-based cleaning agent, and flush out any harmful ash. This is different to more traditional injection-based fuel cleaning systems because it cleans and drains both soot and ash from the entire DPF system, bringing units back to their original performance specification.” Visit omnipart.eurocarparts.com for more information . Irreversible damage Recent feedback from Darren Darling, the founder of the DPF Doctor Network of diesel diagnostic specialists, indicates that an increasing number of DPFs are being irreversibly damaged due to the incorrect use of cleaning additives, multiple forced regenerations or the practice of resetting warning lights without dealing with the underlying cause of the warning. Mike Schlup, MD at Kalimex, the UK distributor for diesel additive specialists JLM Lubricants, explained further: “Contrary to common belief DPF units are actually quite fragile, and if they are not maintained or used correctly then conditions can occur which will damage the internals of the DPF, sometimes permanently. This usually results in a very expensive bill for the motorist, especially if they end up going to the main dealer for a replacement DPF.” He continued: “Many of the causes of DPF damage can usually be avoided, often with just a bit of common sense. Technicians should check with the motorist if any work has already been attempted on the DPF. Has another workshop tried a forced regen, or used any fuel additives or DPF cleaning products? Has the motorist attempted their own remedy by thrashing their car down the nearest dual carriageway? This will enable the technician to better decide what steps to take next. Overuse of additives, or multiple forced regens will cause overheating inside the