Burn off carbon build-up
DPF cleaner
Published: 24 September, 2013
If you are faced with a blocked DPF and unable to perform a forced regeneration, DPF Genie offers an alternative to using additives. The company based in North London has a special heat treatment oven to clean the system safely. You remove the filter from the vehicle, package it up and the firm has a nationwide collection service so once they have cleaned it, it is returned with a certificate which guarantees it has been thoroughly cleaned. Silicone carbide DPFs are not designed to have fluids pass through them so the company designed a special oven which uses only heat and air to remove build-up, it reaches 700ºC to burn off the blockage within the channels.
- Can you give a DPF a good clean?
As we know, DPFs are designed to meet emission legislation and when they become blocked with soot, regeneration should occur automatically if the vehicle is driven for longer periods in order to reach the right temperature for this to take place. Washing or removing the DPF are methods used by workshops on vehicles which are only used as local run-arounds but Delphi states that not all DPFs can be washed efficiently and that removing it can affect emissions, which could affect an MOT result. A problem DPF should be removed and inspected to see if the substrate is cracked, the firm says aerosols could cause more blockages if it is already full of ash. OE filters are made with Silicone Carbide, other manufacturers may use Cordierite which can melt after multiple regenerations. Delphi DPFs are produced to OE equivalent standards using Silicone Carbide and are supplied with fitting kit
- Need a lift?
The Technique T1001 is a 3.5 tonne capacity lift built by Rotary Lift for its UK distributor Trade Garage Equipment and is available to Aftermarket readers over the next few weeks at a special rate, with a free set of height adaptors and a three-year warranty on parts and labour thrown in. The T1001 hydraulic, two-post lift has three stage front and rear supporting arms which automatically lock into position during lifting. The lifting columns are powered by high pressure hydraulic cylinders and a safety latch is integrated into both.
- Probes, plates and beams
A range of MOT tools, ancillary items and spares for MOT lifts and emission gas analysers are available from Prosol. A range of turning plates includes the roller bearing type and stainless steel for most vehicle lifts. British made jacking beams are available with varying lifting capabilities and low profile options. The firm also provides gas analyser filters, oxygen and O2 sensors and probes for most manufacturers.
- Brakes and batteries
Two bits of news from Euro Car Parts this month - firstly, Ferodo brake pads have joined its inventory, the preferred choice by Fiat, Ford, Renault and Volkswagen. Also, in its capacity of sole UK distributor of Lion Batteries, it has announced two further additions to its AGM range, which now includes five references for numerous vehicles. One covers the Toyota Prius and Lexus CT200H, the second fits many applications for Ford, Vauxhall, VW and some Japanese models.
- Prevent blockages
A fuel additive has been developed by Liqui Moly to protect diesel particulate filters and is designed to be used before fuelling every 1,250 miles. The 250ml can treats 50 to 70 litres of fuel and is suitable for all vehicles fitted with a DPF unless they have an electronically additive tank system, as is the case with Citroen and Peugeot vehicles. "This additive is a practical new service for garages that can save their customers a great deal of expense," explains Liqui Moly spokesman Schönfelder. "And this will show competence to boot, which strengthens the relationship with the customer."
