Aug 20, 2019 Diesel advice, ADCO Motus, Landrover Jaguar experience, diesel
Specialist facilities for special vehicles
ADCO a unique workshop franchise for diesel fuel injection specialists, recently hosted a number of journalists to a diesel education day. With a guided tour through one of their 38 franchisees, offering an insight into the diesel fuel injection and related services on offer through the ADCO network of professional technicians with guaranteed workmanship nationwide.
The ADCO brand strength is directly linked to the specialised product brands it represents like Bosch, Denso, DELPHI, Hartridge, IHI Turbo, Stanadyne, Yanmar and Zexel. Its outlets nationwide specialise inDiesel pump sales and services, Turbocharger sales, Injector sales and services as well as Diagnostics applicable to relative pump repair.
The decision on where, when and simply how to have diesel vehicles serviced is something that most owners of diesel-powered vehicles are asked to make. The choice is to follow the ‘easy’ route of having your local technician service and maintain the vehicles. However, before taking this step, four issues should be considered, namely; technical expertise, specialist facilities, properly trained technicians and quality.
At ADCO, says Hugo Grobler, National Franchise Manager, the difference in diesel service begins at the door of a franchised facility and the financial commitment it has made in technology. Typically, he says, this investment at an ADCO franchise could be up to R20 million or even more for state-of-the-art facilities.
“Diesel technology, like many other technical sectors, is constantly evolving. Emission controls have become increasingly important, fuel quality has improved, and engines have been revolutionised. The best indicator of this is common rail pressures that have increased from 1350 bar at the beginning of the century to more than 2400 bar today. Given the changes, spending the money to obtain the benefits from fuel economy to reliability, torque and longevity, and then taking a vehicle to a technician who can only do a basic service could be expensive in the long run.”
The primary difference in quality engine maintenance lies within the facilities and diagnostic equipment available. Only specialist facilities have clean rooms where injectors, the heart of any diesel engine are finely calibrated. Add expertise in the represented brands with professional technicians specialising in fuel injection and related services, and it soon becomes apparent why going to experts reaps dividends.
“It is crucial for motorists opting for diesel power to understand that components, and not just fuel, are consumables. Crucial parts have service intervals, and pumps and injectors should be removed, cleaned and calibrated so that the possibility of breakages and replacements is avoided,” says Grobler.
“Adjusting and calibrating pumps and injectors to take up wear that has occurred will ensure longer component life and performance that meets expectations. This is a basic rule of diesel engine maintenance and should be followed whether the vehicle concerned is a tractor, agricultural machine or one of the most advanced turbo diesel injection systems available. Whether they are common rail units or electronically controlled, correct maintenance is always the key to sustainable service life.”
“One of the keys to reduced environmental emissions, reduced engine wear and reliability has been the evolution of fuel. Sulphur is a lubricant used in diesel fuel and is vital to lubricating engine components. The reduction of sulphur in fuel has meant the addition of other additives to replace it.”
Contamination of fuel through the entry of dirt and moisture is a risk for pumps-the reason why maintenance and regular inspection of this component is vital to longevity and optimal performance.
“Older mechanical diesel systems could tolerate a small amount of contamination before requiring servicing and repair. Today, however, the differences in tolerances between the old and the new have forced a new approach. A common rail system is now running at about 2400 bar, and the tolerances involved are measured in microns. Any contamination infiltrating the system, therefore, has the potential to cause significant, or even irreparable damage. Cleanliness is essential.”
Injectors have different spray patterns and angles that are all engine-dependent — the fuel sprays from the injector into a ‘bowl’ located at the top of your engines pistons. Incorrect heights and timing of this spray can cause the emission of either white or black smoke from the engine. “ Diesel that is not completely burned can then run down the side of a piston, wash the engine oil away and result, ultimately in ring and sleeve damage.”
Turbos, although common in most cars, are also serviceable parts, stresses Grobler. Service interval recommendations made by manufacturers should be adhered to..
“Smoke belching from an exhaust, regardless whether it is white or black, should be regarded as a warning sign of serious things to come. Immediate action by specialists can avoid major damage and large repair bills.”
“Diesel engines are reliable and capable of powering a vehicle for hundreds of thousands and even millions of kilometres. Like most systems, however, when it requires repair and maintenance, cutting corners and costs by not consulting specialists can end up being prohibitively expensive,” concludes Grobler. For more information visit http://www.adco.co.za/
Having completed the tour and learnt a little more about the diesel injection system, guests were invited to sample the abilities and capabilities of the modern diesel powered vehicles at the Land Rover Jaguar experience – putting the range of vehicles through their paces on the 4X4 and handling tracks.
The ADCO brand of franchisees is owned by Motus Aftermarket Parts (MAP) who trade in the replacement automotive parts industry, marketing and distributing quality automotive parts or components, DIY, DIFM (do-it-for-me) and leisure travel products.
MAP trades in the replacement automotive parts industry, marketing and distributing quality automotive parts or components, DIY, DIFM (do-it-for-me) and leisure travel products.
It distributes all leading OE (Original Equipment) brands as genuine replacement parts and offers the customer the option of guaranteed, quality brands. MAP is accountable for the strategy and implementation of the Motus positioning within the aftermarket parts sector and owns other well-known brands such as:
Midas
Alert Engine Parts
Beekman
Motolek
Auto Care and Diagnostics
CBS
And Silverton Radiators.
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