Common Rail Diesel engines were introduced to meet the need for more stringent exhaust emission requirements. Fuel pumps, injectors, EGR valves, catalytic convertors and diesel particulate filters are all integral parts of the emission control system.

Most of the problems encountered can be corrected and controlled with the correct use of quality, purpose designed additives. Cost Effective Maintenance produce a range of products to manage CRD problems. Some of the problems regularly encountered include…

• Injector rattle and poor fuel economy. Injector response is impaired allowing over-fuelling and detonation rattle. System deposits and fuel lubricity issues are the most common causes. The high pressure/high temperature systems can result in diesel degrading in service, forming deposits and losing lubricity. It will also leave a black residue in fuel filters. CRD Fuel Enhancer restores cleanliness and lubrication to pumps and injectors. After this step, surprisingly few injectors are found to really need replacing.
• Sooty lube oil. This is usually related to injector malfunction, and can overload the oil, resulting in sludge and piston ring sticking problems. Full crankcase cleanliness can be restored safely using detergent based Flushing Oil Concentrate.
• Exhaust soot & smoke. Also caused by injector malfunction, but can be compounded by other factors, mentioned below.
• Coking of combustion and exhaust spaces (incl turbochargers). Poor combustion is also caused by injector malfunction, excessive short runs, light loadings, etc, and allows deposits to build up. FTC Decarbonizer added to the diesel will actively burn off combustion and exhaust carbon.
• EGR Valve sticking. Caused by excessive exhaust soot, and carbon build up. Excessive exhaust through the EGR causes additional soot and carbon in combustion and exhaust spaces. But inlet manifold deposits can also build to alarming levels as well. FTC Decarbonizer is used to burn off carbon and reduce exhaust soot production. Used regularly it will keep EGR valves cleaner and functioning properly. Inlet manifold build up should be manually cleaned, but repeat build up can be prevented with carbon control and/or injector control additives.
• Catalytic Convertors and Diesel Particulate filters. These can become contaminated and restricted due to the upstream effects already described. Regular use of FTC Decarbonizer. will clean up, and keep clean cat convertors and DPF’s.

Of course, over time, neglect of any of the emission control components will likely have a negative and compounding effect on multiple components, necessitating a multi-faceted approach. Use of purpose-designed additives can be extremely cost effective in correcting these problems, and avoiding some very expensive repairs.

Recommended products for managing common rail diesel emission control equipment…