The braking system is one of those things that is very important to take care of because you really want it to work properly in an emergency situation.

Brake fluid is one of those things that you need to replace every one or two years, otherwise it can cause rust inside the braking system and damage other parts.

There are two general types of brake fluids: silicone-based or glycol-based. Dot3 and Dot4 are popular glycol-based brake fluid options available for many vehicles. While Dot3 is popular with regular drivers, Dot4 is more common in newer car models.

But what is the difference between them and can you mix them with each other?

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Modern cars are increasingly advanced, and nowadays, you can’t even replace your brake pads on your own vehicle without a computer.

At least, that’s what our customers tell us. But is it true? Has it really come to the point where you need a computer to replace your rear brake pads?

In this article, you will discover how you can replace your parking brake with or without a tool.

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So you want to get rid of your old R12 AC system and be able to fill it with R134A?

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When your car’s heating or air conditioning is activated, the fan turns on and blows air out of the car’s vents. The motor that spins the fan is called the blower motor.

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Since oil is the lifeblood of your car, you need to ensure the blood doesn’t boil. Discover how an oil cooler prevents this from happening.

When winter is deep, you struggle to clear ice from the windshield and your breath fogs up even inside the car, an oil cooler for your engine oil might be the last thing you think your car needs. But regardless of the weather, engine oil gets very hot inside your engine.

The constant movement of pistons and other moving parts that keep the engine running creates a lot of heat through friction, and it’s part of the engine oil’s job to remove this heat. Although oils are very well designed to do this, especially fully synthetic engine oils with additives, they can take all the help they can get, and that’s where the car oil cooler comes into play.

By helping to keep the oil and your engine cool, this device is a key part of the car’s cooling system, and although most drivers never interact with their oil coolers, keeping them in working order will ensure they last longer. Like any other component, they wear out over time, so use our guide to find out what an oil cooler is and how to maintain it properly. You might even consider upgrading your oil cooler!

WHAT IS AN OIL COOLER IN AN ENGINE?

The first question many people ask is, “Is an oil cooler a radiator?” Essentially, yes, it’s a small radiator that does the same job as a normal radiator for oil. The purpose of the oil cooler is to allow the engine’s cooling system to remove excess heat from the oil. They look like small cross-flow heat exchangers, and the location of the oil cooler may differ depending on the car you have, although they are all used to maximize cooling efficiency. Since oil flows mainly through the engine block, the steering system, and a turbocharger in turbocharged vehicles, the oil can gain heat very quickly, especially during intense driving.

In most cars, engine oil is routed to the oil coolers from an adapter located between the engine block and the engine oil filter. The oil then flows through the cooler tubes while engine coolant circulates around the tubes. The heat from the oil is transferred through the tube walls to the surrounding coolant, similar in many ways to how a residential indoor air conditioning unit works. The heat absorbed by the engine cooling system is then transferred to the air as it passes through the vehicle’s radiator, which is located in front of the engine behind the vehicle’s grille.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KEEP ENGINE OIL COOL?

Oil circulates around the engine block to ensure that moving parts are lubricated and can move freely and also to remove the heat produced by friction. Before the oil enters the oil pan or oil reservoir after it has been around the system and is being returned, it must be cooled so that the oil does not reach an unusable viscosity. Viscosity is a measure of how easily a fluid flows, and as oils lose and gain heat, their viscosities increase and decrease respectively. So, thick, lumpy oil has high viscosity, and smooth, thin oil flows more easily and therefore has lower viscosity.

Automotive oils are specially designed to fall within certain viscosity ranges. Therefore, if too much heat is transferred to the oil, its viscosity decreases to a point where it would struggle to properly lubricate the required systems. So it becomes a balance; you want it sticky enough to cling to gears and moving parts, but free enough to circulate through the system and keep it cool. Since temperature is a major factor in oil viscosity change, cooling becomes an essential process.

HOW LONG DOES AN OIL COOLER LAST?

An oil cooler is designed to last the lifetime of a car. This doesn’t mean, however, that it will last that long in reality, as there are a few things that can go wrong. It’s important to keep an eye out for any of the symptoms listed below. In some situations, the cooler may need to be replaced, but it’s hard to say exactly when. The sooner you spot faults, the less damage will need to be repaired.

If you have your car serviced, they will also check the oil and filter. Make sure they check the oil cooler at the same time.

WHY ELSE ARE OIL COOLERS IMPORTANT?

Oil coolers are extremely important for cars equipped with turbochargers. One of the most common reasons for turbocharger failure is inadequate lubrication. If the turbocharger doesn’t receive oil, the high speed will cause a lot of damage in a very short time. The oil must remain precisely at the right viscosity, so it must be kept cool and at the right temperature.

Some turbochargers opt for a water-cooling system that enhances mechanical durability and extends the turbocharger’s lifespan. Many turbochargers are designed without water cooling ports and are sufficiently cooled by air and the lubricating oil that passes through them. Some even have both and are cooled by oil and water. Either way, it’s important to keep the turbo cool for it to function. The oil cooler temperature must remain as stable as possible.

WHAT ARE COMMON OIL COOLER PROBLEMS?

There are a variety of different problems you might encounter with an oil cooler, and most of them will require replacing some components or even the cooler itself.

One problem you might encounter is that the oil cooler adapter, which connects the cooling lines to the cooler itself, fails. The rubber gasket or O-ring in the adapter can become hard and inflexible over time, meaning it doesn’t act as an effective seal.

The lines themselves or the oil cooler can also fail and start to leak, which would result in a loss of engine fluid. This can happen as a result of general wear and tear.

It’s also possible for coolant to be forced out of the cooling system into the oil pan if the engine isn’t running and the cooling system is under pressure.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF OIL COOLER FAILURE?

Common symptoms of oil cooler failure are usually related to fluid leaks. If the oil cooler adapter fails as mentioned above, engine oil can be forced out of the engine. If it’s just a small oil cooler leak, it might be a puddle of engine oil on the ground under your vehicle, or if it’s larger, it could be a stream of oil on the ground behind your vehicle. If either of these is the case, you should have it checked at a garage as soon as possible. When oil leaks, the engine loses its ability to lubricate itself. This could lead to increased engine temperature and premature wear of parts due to increased friction from lack of proper lubrication.

Another fluid that the cooling system can lose is engine coolant. Similar to an oil loss, engine coolant can leak from an oil cooler if the cooler body is damaged. Whether the coolant leak is large or small, the engine will overheat after a while if not repaired promptly. If the leak is small, you might notice puddles of coolant on the ground under your vehicle. If the leak is large, you’ll likely notice steam coming from under your vehicle’s hood. If enough coolant leaks from the radiator or oil cooler, it can lead to engine overheating issues and mechanical component failure, so have it checked as soon as possible!

Mixing of fluids can also be a sign of a problem with the oil cooler. If the oil cooler adapter fails internally (rather than externally, as mentioned above), you might notice engine oil in your cooling system. This happens because when the engine is running, oil pressure is higher than cooling system pressure. Oil is forced into the cooling system. This will eventually lead to a lack of lubrication and can seriously damage your engine. This can also happen in reverse, and coolant can get into your oil supply. For both, the cooling system and the engine both need to have all fluids flushed. If your oil cooler adapter is faulty, it will need to be replaced. The oil cooler itself will, of course, need to be replaced if it’s leaking.

If you need to repair your oil cooler or are not satisfied with its performance, you might consider an oil cooler upgrade. There are a variety of aftermarket kits available.

OIL COOLER UPGRADES

Most cars won’t need an oil cooler upgrade. For daily use, cars will never need more than the natural cooling effects of the oil being in the sump or passing through other lower-temperature areas to stay within the required viscosity limits.

If you plan to take your car to a track day, set it up for proper racing, or do a lot of off-roading, you might want to think about changing your oil cooler for something better. Most normal road cars aren’t designed to be beaten on a track lap after lap. Engine modifications can also bring the need for an oil cooler to the forefront of the shopping list. As an engine produces more power, it naturally creates more thermal energy, which will then be transferred to the oil. If this level of heat transfer is greater than what the original engineering was meant to handle, measures will need to be taken to remove this extra heat from the oil system.

You have a few different options here, but a front-mounted oil cooler is probably the simplest addition to your car. Sitting in or next to the radiator, a small heat exchanger should be able to cool the oil in an average sports car without taking too much away from the water cooling system.

Since their very first iterations in the early 20th century, cars have evolved significantly. From changes in engine operation to better braking systems, everything has developed to improve the driving experience for drivers. One of the most significant changes we have seen in recent years has been the development of vehicle transmissions and how power is distributed to the wheels. While these early cars were mostly rear-wheel drive, many modern drivetrains are either four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Thanks to the evolution of clutches and couplings, some vehicles are equipped with systems that allow power to be transferred between the front and rear wheels, or to engage all wheels if necessary, to maximize a vehicle’s potential and make driving easier.

Thanks to these systems that allow users to choose (or dictate situations) whether power should be transferred to four wheels or only two, car owners benefit from better safety and improved fuel economy. They can, for example, benefit from the economy of a front-wheel drive vehicle in everyday driving conditions and the performance and handling advantages that come from a four-wheel drive car when things get tricky. One of the most well-known coupling systems is Haldex. While there are many all-wheel drive systems (all-wheel drive), for example Audi’s quattro or Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive, the name Haldex appears more than any individual system.

You may have heard of Haldex AWD before and you will certainly have heard of some of the cars equipped with it, for example the Audi S3, the Volkswagen Golf R, or the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG. Although each of these companies has its own name for its drivetrain systems, they are all related to Haldex. So, what is this AWD system, how does it work, and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

WHAT IS HALDEX AND HOW DOES THIS SYSTEM WORK?

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Haldex Traction is a product of the Swedish company HaldexAB, which has specialized for many years in converting front-wheel drive systems into all-wheel drive systems. Haldex 4WD typically takes a front-wheel drive configuration, like that found in the VW Golf or Audi A3, and converts it into an all-wheel drive system, normally using electronic sensors and differentials to redirect power to the rear wheels when needed.

A “Haldex” system is present on the majority of small and medium-sized four-wheel drive vehicles. Basically, it uses an oil pressure-activated clutch coupling system on the rear differential to allow the car to instantly switch from FWD to 4WD as the ECU deems necessary, without driver intervention.

Haldex AWD is not actually a “proper” all-wheel drive, because in all-wheel drive vehicles, the standard drivetrain configuration drives all the vehicle’s wheels. Haldex is technically a four-wheel drive system because the default configuration for Haldex AWD only drives the front wheels, so it should really be called Haldex four-wheel drive. It is only when wheel slip is detected that the Haldex computer systems redirect torque to the rear wheels to compensate for the loss of traction at the front, driving all four wheels. Under normal driving circumstances, vehicles equipped with Haldex will operate only in front-wheel drive. Because this change happens without the driver doing anything, the system detects it itself, the system is often described as an automatic all-wheel drive system. Essentially,

The Haldex 4WD coupling is mounted on the rear axle differential and is driven by the driveshaft. Engine torque is transmitted to the driveshaft via the gearbox, the front axle differential, and the front axle drive. The driveshaft is connected to the input shaft of the Haldex coupling. Torque can only be transmitted to the rear axle differential when the Haldex clutch discs are engaged.

DIFFERENT GENERATIONS OF HALDEX

Haldex itself has evolved significantly since its inception and there have been 5 different generations to date.

Haldex gen 1 is the model for all other Haldex generations. The main components of the system are a mechanical-hydraulic pump activated when the wheels slip, a wet multi-plate clutch, working pistons, and a controllable throttle valve.

The unit is essentially a hydraulic pump with two connected shafts, one leading to the front axle and the other to the rear (input and output shafts). These two shafts are connected via the wet multi-plate clutch pack and this clutch is normally “unloaded,” meaning no torque is transferred between the two. When both shafts rotate at the same speed, the pump is inactive.

When a speed difference between the wheels on each axle is detected, between the input and output shafts, the input shaft pumps a piston and creates oil pressure in the pump. As the oil pressure is diverted via an oil channel to the working piston, this forces the working piston to compress the clutch disc pack. The input shaft and the output shaft of the clutch are now interconnected, and thus the front and rear axles are connected. We now have all-wheel drive!

Under normal driving conditions (driving at constant speed without slipping), the torque distribution is 90/10 front to rear. When the clutch is locked, torque is evenly distributed between the axles (50/50).

Haldex gen 2 still uses the mechanical hydraulic pump and works exactly the same way as generation 1, with some minor improvements. This system is still reactive.

The biggest change for Haldex gen 3 and Haldex gen 4 is that they are proactive systems rather than reactive. This means the ECU electronics can “pre-tension” the clutch and activate all-wheel drive before wheel slip occurs, making it much more effective and also increasing driver safety. Generation 4 does not use a mechanical pump, but instead uses a feed pump.

In 5th generation Haldex couplings, a new electro-hydraulic clutch actuator uses a centrifugal overflow valve to help accurately distribute power between the front and rear axles. Makes the system smoother and eliminates the need for some components, streamlining the process. To assist, there is also an integrated electronic control unit.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HALDEX?

Haldex offers several advantages, especially for manufacturers without an unlimited budget. Rather than researching and developing their own all-wheel drive systems, they can simply use Haldex systems. They can be fitted to almost any front-wheel drive vehicle and, as such, are popular with many manufacturers because FWD is the standard drivetrain system. This allows companies to easily produce a more sporty all-wheel drive model of a car that was previously only front-wheel drive.

One of the main advantages for drivers is that Haldex offers greater energy efficiency because it only drives 2 wheels for a large portion of the vehicle’s use, resorting to 4-wheel drive only when circumstances require extra traction.

The system of course makes driving much safer. With the same kind of operating principle as ABS systems, recognizing when a wheel is slipping can mean a car has better traction on slippery surfaces and eliminates some of the risks when driving on difficult terrain. This is true for all 4WD or AWD systems, but many of them must be activated by the driver. Since Haldex is automatic, as the Haldex controller decides when the system should be activated, it makes it stress-free and better at coping with unexpected changes in road surface.

WHAT ARE THE NEGATIVES OF HALDEX?

Because the Haldex system is rather complicated in its nature – using a specific oil, relying on high tolerances, and generating a buildup of friction particles over time – it must be maintained in the best condition and requires special oil and maintenance. Haldex repairs are difficult to do yourself (and not recommended!), so regular maintenance can be expensive.

No old oil can be used in the system; you should ideally only use the original VAG Haldex oil designed for your specific vehicle and this can be costly. Haldex oil is a non-lubricating oil to promote friction of the clutch discs and using any other oil can result in a total loss of drive to the rear, effectively converting your car to front-wheel drive. This means Haldex oil changes are extremely important for the proper functioning of the system.

There are also performance issues for cars equipped with Haldex systems. Since Haldex is primarily front-wheel drive, under heavy loads, vehicles equipped with Haldex tend to understeer massively, as the computers are often too slow to distribute torque to the rear axle, and because the default torque distribution remains biased towards the front wheel. This was a common problem with vehicles such as the Audi RS3, known for its chronic understeer.

Because the oil is specifically designed to promote friction between the clutch discs, this friction causes the slow buildup of more material particles in the oil and means it can quickly become ineffective, potentially requiring more frequent, costly changes.

WHEN SHOULD I HAVE MY HALDEX SERVICED?

On vehicles equipped with a Haldex filter, i.e., first and second generations, it is wise to change the oil and filter every 20,000 miles. For vehicles that do not have a filter, changing the oil every 10,000 miles is a good idea, as the pump strainer can become blocked, eventually leading to pump failure. A garage will be able to run a more comprehensive and accurate Haldex diagnostic test for you.

 

6 Easy Steps 

 

IS THIS CONTROVERSIAL PRODUCT GOING TO DAMAGE OR RESTORE YOUR ENGINE?

To successfully maintain a car, it is essential to know how to keep your engine in order and functioning properly. That’s why there is such a variety of engine oils, degreasers, sealants, cleaners, starting fluids, and antifreezes, to name just a few.

Another product that is quickly gaining popularity among motorists is engine flush. However, it is far from clear whether this product will help improve your engine’s performance and protect it, or if it risks causing serious damage to your engine. Does engine flush work and is it good or bad?

WHAT IS ENGINE FLUSH?

Engine flush is a chemical product intended to remove sludge, deposits, and other dirt accumulated during your engine’s combustion process. Engine flush, like synthetic or semi-synthetic engine oils, contains additives designed to clean the internal moving parts of the engine and improve performance. The basic theory is that running the flush through your engine will clean the deposits left in the engine by the combustion process and thus result in a clean and more functional engine. Engine additives are simple to use: they are added to the car’s oil fill port and the car’s engine is left to idle for 10-15 minutes (many major brands boast that it is effective after just this short period of time). Afterward, you can change the oil and replace the oil filter.

Modern engine oils today already come with sets of detergents and dispersants that perfectly clean lubricated surfaces and keep sludge deposits away. But these additives only last so long. If you do not change your oil as often as you should, it can also lead to oil sludge heading to places you don’t want it. If this is the case, engine flush might be the best option for you.

WHY MIGHT ENGINE FLUSH BE IMPORTANT?

Deposits and sludge accumulate in the engine for several reasons, one of the most common for most drivers being the frequency of short trips. Making many short trips and stop-and-go driving is surprisingly hard on the lubricating oil, as the moisture that accumulates in the oil during the previous rest period will not have time to evaporate and leave the oil. This means the oil dilutes and increases in viscosity, and in the end, it also does not lubricate the engine’s moving parts well, leading to increased wear.

Hot and dusty environments are also harsh on engine oil because airborne dirt particles can be absorbed. Like increased moisture, high heat breaks down engine oil, and deposits of burned oil byproducts can accumulate very quickly. As they settle, all this engine sludge can clog narrow oil passages or the screen on the oil pickup tube, limiting oil flow to vital parts of the engine, especially the upper valve train.

All this sludge and dirt mean a very dirty engine, and that’s not good news for the engine’s thermal efficiency. Since engine oil acts as a coolant for the engine, as the oil turns to sludge, the oil gets hotter, and the engine risks overheating. Deposits on the pistons and in the combustion chambers will also increase hydrocarbon emissions. In gasoline engines, catalytic converters will have to work harder to remove waste and may break down or need to be replaced sooner. Deposits can also cause piston rings to stick, reducing engine compression and overall engine power, which directly impacts the car’s performance.

The real problems of an unclean engine are therefore a more inefficient and ineffective engine in which serious damage could be caused and which risks breaking down. It is truly vital to keep it clean, but will engine flush work in your engine?

BENEFITS OF ENGINE FLUSH

Engine flush companies claim that “engine flush is specially formulated to quickly dissolve harmful engine deposits and maintain effective oil circulation throughout the engine, thus helping to protect the engine’s vital wear surfaces throughout the flush.” In theory, this sounds ideal. A good engine flush can help loosen deposits and dissolve sludge, returning your engine to a like-new condition. So, it could be the first step in helping to restore a previously neglected vehicle to its original state.

Another benefit of engine flush is that it could improve your fuel economy. Contaminants circulating in your engine can lead to oil degradation and increased viscosity. Furthermore, sludge and deposits that build up on engine parts can increase resistance, which wastes fuel. Cleaning your engine with an engine cleaner can help parts move more efficiently, maximizing your fuel economy and saving money.

An advantage that will only increase in the coming years is that engine flush can help minimize emissions. The risk of piston ring sticking that we mentioned earlier means that oil can enter the combustion chamber and burn. The result is harmful deposits, and this will increase exhaust emissions when the burned oil exits the exhaust pipe. The best oil flush treatment helps free stuck rings and minimize oil consumption, thus reducing your emissions.

DANGERS OF ENGINE FLUSH

That said, there are potential dangers associated with using engine flush, and many have claimed that engine flush can damage an engine.

Ford’s view on engine flush products is that they should not be used: “Do not use oil additives or other engine treatments. Under certain conditions, they could damage the engine. If you use one and there is a subsequent engine problem, your warranty will no longer be valid.” This could be one of the most concerning things. Even if an engine is not damaged, your warranty could be voided, and if something else, completely unrelated to your engine, goes wrong with your car, you might have lost your right to have it repaired under manufacturer warranty due to the use of an engine flush.

The reason many car manufacturers do not recommend using engine flush is that they fear the chemicals could react with the engine’s rubber or plastic components at the same time as they remove dirt and sludge, causing degradation and premature engine failure.

Other car enthusiasts worry that engine flushes could dislodge critical chunks and deposits from the engine, forcing them to move to other, even more critical areas and cause greater damage. Some are also convinced that an engine flush treatment may not completely dissolve sludge and instead break it down. The sludge could then be distributed more widely around the engine, rather than being localized only in certain areas, and could lead to an even greater reduction in engine performance.

The real danger of using engine flushes might be when they are used in high-mileage cars. For cars that have already had a long life, the engine seals may be worn and leaking. In these cases, the combination of oil and sludge acts almost like a sealant, essentially keeping them viable and masking their true condition.

If this is the case for your engine, it is certainly not worth using an engine flush. It would be better to leave well enough alone and not disturb the sludge that might be the only real barrier preventing oil from leaking past the old engine’s seals. If you use it in this situation, you could end up with a leaking engine or worse.

SO IS ENGINE FLUSH WORTH IT?

The importance of having a clean engine cannot be overstated, so any product that actively tries to clean the engine’s moving parts is clearly well-intentioned. But, using a product that manufacturers do not recommend is always a risk, especially when it involves something as critical as your engine.

Many drivers report substantial gains when using engine flush products and swear by them, but others claim to have noticed no change in performance. While engine flush cannot replace a regularly well-maintained, regularly cleaned, and oil-changed engine, it might be the right product for an engine that needs some attention.

FUEL RESIDUE DEPOSITS ARE A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR FUEL INJECTORS AND THESE CLEANERS COULD BE THE SOLUTION

It’s almost impossible to surf the internet or walk down the street without coming across an advertisement for a new miracle cure or a new product that will change our lives like nothing else. The world of automotive products is unfortunately no different – new “must-haves” that boldly claim to increase performance or reduce fuel consumption are constantly being pushed on us.

It can be difficult to know if it’s the real deal or not. One such product that consistently has a question mark hanging over it is the fuel injector cleaner. What do these fuel additives do and do fuel injector cleaners work?

WHAT IS INJECTOR CLEANER

Fuel injector cleaners are made up of various solvents and are designed to clean the fuel lines of diesel and gasoline engines. They are incredibly simple to use and can be added directly to the fuel mixture. They do not need to be drained or removed afterwards; the solvents are combustible and will therefore be eliminated with the rest of the fuel mixture and should not leave additional deposits.

They are designed to restore your car’s fuel injection system to its original state, removing anything that might prevent it from reaching its full functionality. Producers claim that their products can disperse moisture and dissolve gum, varnish, and other fuel residues from the entire fuel system, from the fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel injectors, valves, rings, and pistons, essentially cleaning the entire fuel system.

The highest-end and potentially most effective cleaners often contain polyisobutylene (PIB), polyether amine (PEA), and polyisobutylene amine (PIBA) as active ingredients. PIB is an effective detergent for removing gum, carbon, and other deposits from the fuel system and works with PEA to break down the hardest deposits in the fuel injection system. PIBA does not remove deposits and is more effective at removing moisture in the fuel system and may not be included in all injector cleaners. Some lower-end products instead contain solvents like toluene (used in the manufacture of paint thinner) and acetone (found in ordinary cleaning products found in the home and similar to nail polish remover), which might be less effective than those containing PIB and PEA. Some of the most popular injector cleaners are: 12 Chemtool Fuel Treatment, Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner, and LUCAS LUC10013 10013 Fuel Treatment.

WHY DO WE NEED INJECTOR CLEANER

Fuel injectors have the essential role of spraying the optimal amount of fuel into your car’s engine. If the incorrect amount of fuel enters the cylinders, it will likely cause errors in the combustion process and your engine may start to stutter and lead to inefficient fuel consumption. Fuel consumption will increase accordingly, as will your car’s emissions.

These injectors can become blocked by deposits that have built up over time. While most of these fuel residues slowly evaporate, some of the fuel is always left in the injectors and the injectors themselves. The residue in the fuel that does not evaporate and is baked onto the sides of the fuel injectors or cylinders turns into a hard varnish which is the beginning of a deposit. These deposits eventually clog the injector nozzles as well as the injectors themselves, and cause the engine to no longer get the exact required air-to-fuel ratio. This is when it can cause serious problems.

This is often a problem for older vehicles and for drivers who frequently make short trips, as any moisture in the oil does not have time to evaporate when.

DOES INJECTOR CLEANER WORK

Alongside this improvement in fuel supply, the car will also produce fewer emissions when the injectors are cleaned. Carbon deposits and other impurities in the fuel injection system can impact the optimal fuel and oxygen mixture, leading to more harmful emissions. Reducing your emissions could also help older cars, which are more likely to be affected by fuel injector problems, pass their technical inspection or maintenance check.

Similarly, one of the additional benefits related to this is the reduction in fuel consumption. As the fuel injector cleaner removes deposits in the fuel system, your diesel engine’s fuel consumption level can return to its optimal state, which will make things much cheaper for you and means your car’s mileage will likely increase.

Some car owners have reported increased power after using their injector cleaner. They reported recovering up to 40% of their engine’s power by applying a high-end diesel fuel injector cleaner. Blockage of the fuel injection system reduces your car’s power and acceleration due to a sub-optimal mixture of fuel and oxygen in the fuel system. If your truck or cars are old, you should consider using a good fuel injector cleaner to remove deposits from the injection system. You might be surprised to recover lost power and acceleration in your car.

As mentioned above, higher-level injector cleaners will include PIBA and facilitate the removal of water from the fuel system. This can improve your engine’s performance and also helps prevent rust and corrosion in the engine in conjunction with other cleaning additives.

Experts have noted that incidents of engine misfires can also be avoided by using a fuel injector cleaner. The buildup of burned and cooked fuel can prevent pistons from operating at the right time and in sync with the valves and other moving components of the engine – if one cylinder misfires, the others can and will continue to operate normally, but you will notice a certain collapse in your engine’s operation. If the fuel injectors are cleaned and free of blockage, this will not take place and everything should run properly again.

However, there are potential issues with fuel injector cleaners. As always, it still depends on the quality of the product you choose. There may be a weak, or even no, effect if lower-end products, which do not include the highest-end chemical solvents, are used. Burned fuel is much more resistant than average household grease and paint, so using products mainly composed only of acetone and toluene might not be as effective.

That said, this does not mean that products containing these powerful chemicals are automatically better. Many of them are not suitable for diesel engines due to their strong nature and could cause serious and lasting damage to your engine. Overuse of certain types of diesel fuel injectors can damage your equipment’s fuel injection system. Some fuel injector cleaners can be used multiple times without adverse effect, but should only be used intermittently and according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is always best to check product labels and consult an expert or your vehicle’s manufacturer before using any type of injector cleaner.

Similarly, older vehicle models manufactured before the 1990s may use a carburetor instead of a fuel injection system. This means that these injector cleaners will not be suitable and might not have the desired effect or even any effect at all. These vehicles may require different, more specific cleaners or a different maintenance schedule altogether. Otherwise, it could damage the engine or even cause the buildup of larger deposits.

There are also some questions about the duration of the effect of fuel injector cleaners. Some will only protect your fuel lines for a short period, while others will keep your fuel system clean for more than 2 years. Again, this varies from product to product and is very difficult to predict.

INJECTOR CLEANER: IS IT WORTH IT

As with many aspects of car maintenance, there is no clear answer as to whether injector cleaner works or not or when to use injector cleaner. It is clear that having injectors clogged with burned fuel or leftover residue will hinder your car’s performance due to a sub-optimal air-fuel mixture and that, in theory, removing these deposits will greatly benefit your car’s overall performance and condition. However, there is a risk, albeit small, that you could damage certain engines by using injector cleaners. Overall, it seems that they are going to be better for your engine than bad for it, but it is always important to check if the product you are going to put in your fuel tank is compatible and recommended by experts or your manufacturer.

Modern air intake systems can operate for a long time without maintenance. However, it is still necessary to take preventive measures every 120,000 km to ensure their proper functioning. In particular, it is worth cleaning a throttle body. You will be able to handle this task yourself after spending only 10 to 20 minutes. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of a contaminated throttle and explain how to clean it yourself.

WHAT IS A THROTTLE BODY?

This component is an element of the air intake system that controls the amount of air supplied to the combustion chambers. It has a direct effect on the air-fuel mixture formation process. It can have mechanical or electric actuation. It is installed in a housing connected to the hoses of the cooling, crankcase ventilation, and evaporative emission control systems, sensor connectors, etc. The throttle shaft is equipped with a position sensor that measures the opening angle and speed of the throttle. The readings from this sensor are used by the engine control unit to adjust injection and ignition.

In mechanical components, the throttle plate is connected to the accelerator pedal with a cable or lever: when the pedal is pressed, the plate opens to a corresponding angle.

Electrically actuated assemblies include an electric motor that is responsible for opening the air passage; the engine control unit gives commands to this motor based on readings from various sensors.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A CONTAMINATED THROTTLE BODY?

HOW TO CLEAN A THROTTLE BODY WITHOUT REMOVING IT FROM THE VEHICLE?

1. Park your car on a flat surface to have access to the engine compartment from all sides. It is best to work outdoors or in well-ventilated rooms.
2. Secure your vehicle with wheel chocks.
3. Open the hood. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
4. Locate the throttle body. It should be somewhere between the air filter and the intake manifold. If you have trouble finding the component, ask your companion to press the accelerator pedal to see how the throttle opens.
5. Identify the tools you need to detach the air filter hose. Prepare them. In addition to tools, you will need gloves and protective glasses, paper towels, a little engine oil, a small soft brush or a soft cloth, masking tape or special adhesive tape, and a can of throttle cleaner.
6. Using masking tape or adhesive tape, mark all the hoses you will need to remove to access the throttle body and the air duct.
7. Using a screwdriver or wrench, loosen the clamp that secures the air duct.
8. Carefully detach the hose. Be sure not to damage the gasket if there is one. Perform the work carefully so as not to disconnect electrical connections and hoses. If the throttle body is connected to air ducts on both sides, it is sufficient to remove only one.
9. Put on your glasses and gloves.
10. Spray the throttle cleaner on the internal surface of the component. Let the compound penetrate for 5 to 10 minutes.

11. Remove dirt with a soft brush or cloth. Caution: some throttle bodies have a special molybdenum coating. You must clean them with particular care.
12. Use paper towels to remove the residue of the cleaner with dissolved deposits. If necessary, treat the surface a second time.
13. Wipe the assembly dry.
14. Apply a drop of oil to the throttle shaft. Spread it with a cotton swab, for example.
15. Attach the intake manifold hose and tighten the clamp with approximately the same force as it was originally tightened. Put all removed hoses back in their place.
16. Start the engine. Let it idle for a few minutes.
17. Take a test drive. If the engine problems were caused by a dirty throttle body, they should disappear.

HOW TO CLEAN A THROTTLE BODY WHEN REMOVED FROM THE CAR?

Disassembling the component allows you to clean it as thoroughly as possible. However, this will take more time.

Proceed as follows:

1. Repeat steps 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 from the previous list. Keep in mind that you may need more tools because you will have to remove the entire assembly. Additionally, it is advisable to prepare a clean container for draining the coolant and also fresh coolant, identical to what you are currently using.
2. Remove the air filter housing, if necessary to access the throttle body.
3. Loosen all clamps, then detach all electrical connectors, hoses, and pipes from the throttle body. Be especially careful when removing the cooling system hose, especially if the engine was running before this: the coolant may be hot.
4. Unscrew the throttle body fasteners and remove it from your car. In some vehicles, there is an additional fastener – a bracket. If the throttle is mechanically actuated, you will need to disconnect the throttle cable.
5. Cover the intake manifold opening to prevent dirt from entering inside the unit.
6. Detach the idle air control valve from the throttle body. It must also be cleaned.
7. Apply some cleaner to the surface of your car’s throttle body and treat all hard-to-reach cavities with it. Remove contaminants with a brush and paper towels or a soft cloth.

8. Dry the cleaned elements.
9. Clean the throttle body mounting seat and install a new gasket.
10. Put all components back in their place in reverse order.
11. Check the coolant level. Refill if necessary.
12. Readjust the component. Read on to find out how.

READJUSTING A MECHANICALLY CONTROLLED THROTTLE

1. Remove the battery terminals for 15 minutes. Then, reconnect them. If you already removed them while cleaning the device, you can skip this step.
2. Start the engine. Let it idle for 10 minutes. Remember not to turn on any additional consumers.
3. Turn off the engine for about 10 seconds. Start it again.
4. Wait for the power unit to reach operating temperature. After that, you can start using the vehicle.
5. Note: you may need to drive 150 to 200 km until the idle stabilizes.

READJUSTING AN ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED THROTTLE

The readjustment process may vary by vehicle. Therefore, before starting the procedure, consult the vehicle manual for the exact sequence of steps.

The general algorithm is as follows:

1. Study the procedure and try to remember it. You will need to act quickly so you don’t have time to check the details.
2. Start the engine. Warm it up to operating temperature.
3. Turn it off for 10 seconds.
4. Turn the ignition on for 3 seconds.
5. Quickly press the accelerator pedal 5 times. One depression should take one second.
6. Press the accelerator pedal to the floor for 7 seconds. Hold it down until the “Check Engine” light burns steadily and hold it for 3 more seconds.
7. Release the accelerator pedal and start the engine.

HOW TO PREVENT THE THROTTLE BODY FROM GETTING DIRTY?

Conclusion

Engine stability and performance depend on the proper functioning of associated assemblies. Therefore, cleaning the throttle body is one of the mandatory maintenance procedures of the intake system. Our tips will help you do it yourself and save on repair shop services.