Avima Motor has recently attended Automechanika Shanghai, the most important trade fair of the automobile industry in China for the After-Market, which took place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center between 28 November and 1 December. During that week, all the elements of the automotive industry are shown in Shanghai: accessories, repairs, additional parts, services, as well as recycling and waste management processes. It is attended by the most important suppliers of workshop equipment and materials, as well as automotive parts.

Avima Motor, as one of the benchmarks in the remanufacturing sector for diesel and petrol engines, attended the fair to find out about the latest trends in the sector and to influence our internationalisation strategy.

Critical instructions for turbo replacement on the following models: Citroen, Peugeot, Ford, Fiat, Volvo, and Mazda.

If you’re fitting a replacement turbo to the 1.6HDi diesel engine used in Citroen, Peugeot, Ford, Fiat, Volvo and Mazda models from 2004 onwards, it is highly recommended that you read the following tech tip.

1.- Removal of carbon deposits

Although turbos are usually strong, reliable performers, the high return rate of turbochargers from the 1.6HDi diesel engines, is mainly caused by engine-related issues. The primary cause is carbon build-up – with carbon deposits circulating in the lubrication system, leading to premature failure.

2.- Follow the critical instructions

To minimise the risk, it’s vital you follow the procedure in the critical instructions, which are available from most manufactures websites.

3.- Talk to the customer

Ask what sort of journeys the customer usually takes. If it’s mostly stop-start driving, then the DPF might not be regenerating fully. This can quickly degrade the oil, so best to have their oil and filter changed, and engine flushed, before the recommended service intervals. Spending a little more on servicing is cheaper than a turbo!

4.- Assess the service history

Poor servicing or skipping recommended services means the oil is more likely to be degraded, putting the turbo at risk. Using the wrong grade of oil; not following the exact requirements for oil changes; exhaust gas or fuel contaminating the oil due to loose sealing washers or supply pipe nuts – they’re all potential turbo killers.

5.- Flush for success

The engine needs at least two oil flushing cycles to remove contaminants that could block the system. The first cycle may just soften the deposits, allowing them to work loose later.

Check the drained oil for cleanliness and measure the oil pressure with a gauge in the turbo supply line. It should be at least 1.3 bar at cranking speed, with the fuel injectors and turbo actuator vacuum pipe disconnected.

Also check for variations between oil pressure at the filter inlet and in the turbo supply line. With the injectors reconnected, run the engine for five minutes and watch the two readings. If the oil pressure at the turbo isn’t within ±0.4 bar of the filter inlet, you’ll need to investigate and remedy the problem.

Next, check the oil pressure again with the engine warm. It should range from 1.2 bar at 1,000rpm to 2.9 bar at 4,000rpm.

6.- If in doubt, chuck it out

If a component may harbour deposits that could find their way back into the system, clean it. If in doubt, replace it. This includes oil feed pipe. Make sure you order the pipes with the replacement turbo; failing to fit them could invalidate  warranty.

Other parts that should be changed include the oil pick-up pipe strainer, air filter, and the valve cover breathers. And of course you’ll need fresh oil, oil filter.

MOT test stations with an understanding of environmental impact will know that  by offering diesel particulate filter removal services is not the smartest of moves.

Two mechanics from Sheffield, took to advertising a service for removal of emissions filters this in turn has earned them a two-year MOT tester ban.

Since 2014, garages and testing stations have had to check for a diesel particulate filter in the inspection of the exhaust system as part of the MOT test (or annual test for heavy vehicles). In addition to this, the DVSA formally notified MOT garages that if they offered a DPF removal service, the agency would consider that this a conflict of test approval and the MOT Scheme would be bought into disrepute.

If a vehicle is modified in this way – i.e. if the DPF is removed – it will no longer meet the emissions standards the car achieved when it was approved for sale in the UK. This makes it an offence to drive this vehicle on UK roads, with drivers facing fines of up to £1000. This quick-fix mentality not only brings the MOT scheme into disrepute, but surely casts a shadow over the professionalism of the industry as a whole as well, reaffirming the public’s negative impressions of the mechanic. Government figures last year reported that over 1000 diesel cars had been caught without any essential pollution filter suggesting that this practise could well be more widespread.

Stopping MOT garages from removing diesel particulate filters is one of a number of measures the DVSA is taking to support the government’s strategy to improve air quality.

 

DVSA Chief Executive, Gareth Llewellyn, stated:

“DVSA’s priority is helping you keep your vehicle safe to drive. We take the quality of MOT testing extremely seriously, have carried out almost 10,000 visits, assessments and re-examinations and continue to work with the industry to improve test quality”.

“We’ll withdraw the right to provide MOTs, and even prosecute garages who fail to meet the required standards, including those who pose a risk to air quality by removing DPFs or installing other emissions ‘cheat’ devices.”

It’s unlikely that many drivers are aware of the hefty fine they may receive if caught driving a vehicle modified in this way, but if they are slapped with a £1000 fine, you can bet your bottom dollar who the DVSA will be visiting next.

As we already know, some customers will always choose the cheapest solution and others will be completely unaware of the issues affecting their cars. But, when it comes to issues with DPFs, we need to be able to educate, which in turn should turn a DPF removal request into a service (regeneration service) booking which should hopefully be far more profitable to your business.

We are launching a new stock policy with unbeatable conditions for all of our clients.

For a while now we have been trying to implement this initiative and it is now a reality and a great purchasing opportunity.

We have a wide variety of high turnover engines that clients can purchase and which they will receive within a period of just 24 hours from when they place their order, and at very competitive prices.

If, on the other hand, you need another type of engine, the conditions are also very advantageous as we commit to completing the repair directly on the same engine, in a period of 8-10 working days.

If you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact us via our website or by calling: (+34) 948 310 300