Delphi offers diesel fuel analyzer for first level fuel diagnostics

As a leading OE manufacturer of advanced diesel fuel injection systems, Delphi has been quick to recognize the increase in fuel related issues. Until now, options have been limited, with most workshops choosing to send samples to a specialist laboratory for analysis, costing both time and money. Delphi’s revolutionary new fuel analyzer, the first of its kind, is set to provide workshops, garages and fleets with real time analysis of fuel content at an affordable price. The new solution, which uses patented electronic technology for a competitively superior product, will be launched at the 2010 Automechanika show.

“Independent research has revealed that up to 80 per cent of diesel engine problems stem from contaminated or poor quality fuel,” explains Philippe Desnos, Global Marketing Director, Delphi Product & Service Solutions, Diesel. “Running vehicles on sub-standard fuel can lead to performance issues such as filter plugging, injector coking, piston ring sticking and breaking. Such problems need to be identified at the earliest possible opportunity in order to minimize longer term damage to the engine. Immediate and accurate analysis of the fuel is therefore critical.”

Using the new Delphi Fuel Analyzer, part number YDT553, technicians will be able to quickly identify impurities in the fuel and assess whether contaminated fuel is the root cause of a potential fuel injection issue. Similarly, commercial vehicle fleets can use the tool to analyze the quality of fuel before refueling, reducing the risk of fuel-related engine damage. Until now, samples were ordinarily sent to a specialist laboratory for analysis, costing both time and money.

Incorporating patented electronic technology, the hand-held unit is designed to provide workshops and garages with real time analysis of fuel content at an affordable price. It specifies the level of biodiesel in the fuel sample and identifies impurities, such as non-refined vegetable oils and petrol, giving immediate and accurate results via a digital display screen. The volume of fuel required to undertake the analysis is only 46ml, which can be retrieved from the fuel pump or filter.

This will allow technicians receiving only system components to diagnose impurities just as easily as those working directly on the vehicle. Using the data gathered, technicians can quickly establish whether there is an unacceptable amount of biodiesel or any impurities present that will impact on the fuel injection system.

The complete fuel analyzer kit from Delphi also includes a USB cable, a mains adapter, three 50ml measuring tubes, a ‘Quickstart Guide’ and a CD with a complete user manual and reporting software, available in 10 languages. The kit is presented in a lightweight carry case that can be used independently without the need to link to additional equipment.

“We are already planning important future developments for the Delphi fuel analyzer,” concludes Desnos. “The USB connection will soon be able to enable software downloads. We would recommend that  technicians and fleet operators purchasing the tool register online to receive the updates as they become available.”