Aftermarket February 2023

Above: The JLM DPF Cleaning toolkit is part of a wide range of professional diesel cleaning solutions FEBRUARY 2023 AFTERMARKET 47 Tim continued: “In addition, the workshop can remove dirt from the intake system with the Pro-Line Intake System Cleaner Diesel from LIQUI MOLY. Its application is somewhat more demanding. First of all, access to the intake system must be provided as close as possible to the engine and downstream of the air flow sensor. The engine is then run at 2,000 RPM and the cleaner is sprayed in short bursts. This cleans the entire intake manifold, which would be very difficult to achieve mechanically. On diesels at the MOT, Tim added: “If older vehicles without a DPF fall through the MOT test due to an excessive turbidity value, Diesel Smoke Stop from LIQUI MOLY provides a remedy.” Reaction Mike Schlup, MD of Kalimex the UK distributors for JLM Lubricants, observed: “The modern diesel engine incorporates a wide range of emissions control devices including the EGR, DPF, CAT and SCR in order to trap and reduce particulate and gas emissions. When functioning correctly the net result is that diesel emissions are lower than ever but the trade-off is that these emissions become trapped inside the engine, and within the emission control components, leading to blockages and potentially component failures.” Mike continued: “When any of these components begin to struggle or cause problems, the immediate reaction might be to replace the component but not only is this expensive, it is often unnecessary. Darren Darling, the founder of the DPF Doctor Network, explained this very well in his presentation on DPF maintenance and cleaning to the 2022 Garage Show in Birmingham. Using an overflowing wheelie bin as an example, Darren asked why the bin was overflowing. Either, it can’t cope with the level of rubbish being put in the bin, or the bin isn’t being emptied properly. The wrong solution would be to simply buy a new bin, this wouldn’t solve the problem. Darren emphasised that you must first understanding why the bin is overflowing, either reduce the amount of rubbish or find out why it’s not being emptied properly. Once you know that you can address the problem and, after a quick clean, the bin, i.e. DPF, will be fit for purpose again.” He added: “This is why JLM’s message to the trade is, don’t just throw bottle after bottle of cheap additive in the fuel tank hoping it will solve the problem. Identify the underlying issues, fix those and then use a quality additive to clean the system and help prevent the same problem recurring. The JLM DPF Cleaning toolkit is just part of a wide range of professional diesel cleaning solutions and additives trusted by the trade to work.” For more information, visit: www.jlmlubricants.com Remedy Launch Tech UK National Sales Manager Richard Collyer said: “We’re finding more demand for our DPF gun and cleaning foam. This allows technicians to spray a cleaning fluid straight onto the DPF via the pressure sensor or vacuum hole. The gun is filled with Launch DPF cleaning fluid and connected to a compressed air line, so the cleaning fluid can be sprayed at the DPF in-situ and at pressure. “The accompanying DPF cleaning fluid dissolves soot build-up in the DPF filter, even from DPFs that will no longer respond to a forced regeneration. The process will reduce soot levels, allowing the DPF software to force a regeneration and recover the DPF filter. With a blocked DPF, diagnostics equipment may fail to accurately find faults. Until the DPF is cleared of contaminants, sensor faults and air leaks often cannot be found, so it is best practice to ensure the DPF is cleaned out prior to starting diagnostic work. The DPF cleaning equipment is soaring in popularity as not only a remedy of fixing blocked DPFs, but also as a preventative measure to prevent emissions-related issues and avoid requiring removal of the entire part.” Future-proofing The cost of living crisis is impacting on how vehicle operators treat their diesels, as Phil Dowd, Managing Director at TerraClean distributor Randstad, observed: "We are finding that during the current economic climate, garages and fleets are futureproofing by taking out a TerraClean treatment on their vehicles, potentially avoiding inflated repair and servicing costs associated with a bigger issue.” The 2030 ban on new internal combustion engine vehicle sales, and the shift to EVs, is set to change the car parc, but as Phil is concerned, more could be done to make existing vehicles run as they should: “With charging infrastructure remaining a challenge, plus continued anxieties over range, compounded by increasing electricity costs, TerraClean argues that through regular preventative maintenance and the current annual MOT inspection, vehicle emissions can be more closely monitored. More can be done to embrace current technologies that can reduce vehicle emissions. The automotive aftermarket has solutions available now to help clean up the country's vehicle parc and reduce carbon emissions.” Demand Diesel drivers are keen to keep their cars on the road, and in some cases remanufcatured componenets are the ideal solution. Commenting on the trends in the market, Ivor Searle Commercial Director David Eszenyi said: “Demand from workshops for Ivor Searle’s OEM quality remanufactured engines, gearboxes and turbos for diesel applications continues to be strong. The LCV segmant is particularly active with best-selling diesel major units including the 2.0 litre, four-cylinder TDCI engine for Ford