For a technician, finding a system leak simply by looking for it with the naked eye can be slow and inaccurate. PMF explains how factors can save their customers time and money by supplying the Smoke Leak Detector (SLD) from Hella Gutmann Solutions.
Reducing vehicle exhaust emissions is an increasingly important global requirement and one that is central to the design criteria of every vehicle manufacturer, impacting the industry positively from manufacturers through to independent workshops.
System leaks can be difficult to spot with the naked eye, which is why a leak detection tool is so vital to any independent workshop. Moreover, having a high quality version ensures that workshops can detect them quickly and simply.
Clearly, correct fault diagnosis is a major benefit for the industry, as it leads to fewer returns for the factor, speeds up the investigative time for the workshop and ultimately lowers costs to the customer, in addition to reducing emissions entering the atmosphere.
Hella Gutmann Solutions, a specialist in diagnostic tools for the independent aftermarket, supplies a Smoke Leak Detector (SLD) that produces fast diagnosis of a wide range of leaks, including compressed air, water, vacuum, and exhaust or induction system.
This workshop tool enables fast and accurate diagnosis of engine leaks, including exhaust, EVAP, vacuum and vacuum subsystem, EGR, throttle body, MAP sensor, head gasket, wind/water and air system leaks. It can also check trailer air brake systems and ‘Suzie’ coils.
On top of this, the tool is also able to detect under dashboard, brake booster, turbo and supercharger, injector O-ring, air injection and oil leaks. The variety of leaks that can occur in vehicles demonstrates just how important it is for garages to detect them and resolve the issues quickly.
A significant development by the company is the fact that the SLD device uses OE manufacturer-approved technology and patented non- contaminating, non-permanent UltraUV dye, a non-toxic dye designed for both wet and dry systems, which is also approved by global vehicle manufacturers and is environmentally friendly.
To use the SLD tool, a technician starts by inserting the nozzle into the problematic system, whether this is the cooling or fuel tank – which will require inert gas, for example. Once the machine is switched on, it’s a case of waiting for the smoke, that the tool produces, to appear, which will highlight the place of the leak.
As well as being clearly visible in the smoke, the UV dye also provides a visual indication at the exact location of the leak, depositing a non-permanent mark that is easy to spot using the UV torch supplied with the device. The UV dye can easily be removed when the leak is detected and repaired.
In addition to its leak detection capability, the SLD tool also saves time and the possible expense of replacing components unnecessarily. This is why a smoke test should be the first thought in the fault diagnosis process because, in many cases, it will prevent the technician from being led down the wrong path, which ultimately saves labour time and the cost of installing unnecessary replacement parts.
Not only is the SLD effective in finding the leaks quickly and efficiently, it is also packed with features useful for a workshop, including Variable Flow Control and TEST mode, as well as being portable and easy to use. Variable Flow Control allows the user to adjust the precise amount of smoke required, while an on-board pressure and vacuum gauge monitors system pressure and performs a leak test in ‘Test’ or ‘Smoke’ mode, as well as pressure loss once the system has been filled. ‘Test’ mode delivers pressurised workshop air or nitrogen (without smoke) to determine if a leak exists, with the flow meter providing precise readings right down to 0.25mm, so even the smallest of leaks can be revealed.
