By utilizing a high-pressure diagnostic leak detector in routine preventive maintenance, subtly cracked, flawed and worn components can be located and replaced before they fail, potentially leaving a loaded truck stranded on the roadside, costing the operator lost revenue, says Alex Parker, executive vice president of Redline Detection (www.redlinedetection.com) a manufacturer of diagnostic leak detection equipment.
Failing components can include defective and or leaking charge air coolers, exhaust gaskets, flange gaskets, intake ducting and worn turbo shaft seals.
Additionally, high pressure diagnostic leak detection can help address a rising concern among both drivers and fleet operators: exhaust vapors in the driver’s cab due to exhaust and cab leaks, she notes.
Drivers can be exposed to carbon monoxide from truck exhaust fumes and system leaks. This is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death when a person is overexposed to it.
It is critical to repair exhaust leaks immediately to eliminate danger for drivers, especially when they are sleeping in their trucks with the engine running, he says. Dangerous fumes can leak inside the cab if it is not entirely sealed.
In addition to leaks from their own truck, exhaust fumes from other trucks could make their way into the cab through leaks.
Exhaust leaks can also play havoc with the regen of the diesel particulate filter, necessitating costly repairs, adds Parker. By testing with a high pressure diagnostic leak detector, such as Redline’s HD Power Smoke, small exhaust and cab leaks can be quickly located and repaired.
FUEL ECONOMY
Another proactive maintenance measure that leak detection equipment can be used for is to help improve fuel economy, Parker says.
This equipment can locate miniscule intake leaks that can cause the engine to lose efficiency and run richer – causing a boost in horsepower, which results in more fuel being consumed for the same performance.
By routinely testing, locating and repairing small intake leaks, fuel economy, and profitability, can be “substantially improved,” she says.
