How to prevent Ad blue system issues with crystallization? Ad blue crystal build up can cause various problems within in vehicle. Including more than just the Ad blue system. It can create engine damage, decreased fuel efficiency, and even complete system failure. So how can we prevent issues from arising?

Firstly its important when topping up your Ad blue to make sure you don’t spill the liquid. The entry point can vary between cars. Sometimes its above the fuel cap which is relatively accessible other times in can be in the boot which is much more difficult. If you spill the Ad blue it can crystalize around the area and ruin paintwork.

So why does Ad blue crystalize in the tank?

Usually Ad blue crystalizes due to temperature changes and poor storage conditions. Therefore it is imperative to source your Ad blue from a reputable supplier. It also helps to keep your Ad blue tank fully topped up. This helps to keep the solution insulated. It also helps stop crystallization from occurring on the walls of the half empty tank. There are people who want to advise taking apart the system and tank. However, this is a very labour intensive job as well as potentially affecting the many sensors in the area. We would advise using an Ad blue additive, we use Tunap 988. This product reactions with the urea to reduce the amount of crystals forming in the system.

There are people that get around Ad blue issues by having the feature mapped out of the vehicle. This is strongly advised against as it can cause further issues within the vehicle. AdBlue is an aqueous urea solution used in diesel vehicles to reduce the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The urea in AdBlue reacts with the NOx in the exhaust gases to form harmless water and nitrogen. AdBlue is much friendlier to our planet and helps minimise the number of harmful solutions released into our environment.

Its also essential to keep up with general maintenance and service requirements. By following these steps and practicing regular maintenance, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly and reduce emissions, all while ensuring a longer lifespan for your diesel vehicle.

Ad blue system issues with crystallization

What  do we need to know about Gen 5 Haldex servicing? It is slightly different to the Gen 1-4 servicing! The Gen 5 Haldex systems do not have a filter which needs to be replaced. Instead they have a gauze filter within the pump which filters out the debris. This debris is created via the mechanics of the Haldex and all wheel drive system.

Issues arrive when a Haldex service is carried out and the gauze filter is not cleaned as well as the pump! The pump needs to be removed and both parts cleaned to get rid of the grit and debris before filling with the clean Haldex oil!

We recommend every 20,000 miles for Gen 5 Haldex servicing. This vehicle on the images had its service carried out at 32,000 miles and the oil was full of metal fillings and the gauze filter was completely full, practically impossible for the Haldex oil to get through to the pump. As a result of the service being carried out 12,000 miles after it should have, the Haldex coupling has deteriorated in its abilty to work as it should. If the Haldex unit fails the vehicle will only work as a 2-wheel drive vehicle. This is a pricey repair and can be avoided if only sticking to regular servicing intervals!

Are there products to help limit the amount of swarf in the Haldex?

There are performance parts you can use to help limit the amount of metal fillings being pulled towards the pump. One of which is a Racingline magnetic Haldex sump plug! This Haldex plug will attract the fillings towards the plug as apposed to the pump filter. You can find out more information on the plug here. We carry these in stock, just ask to upgrade on your next Haldex service!

Gen 5 Haldex servicing starts at £130 inc VAT. To book in you can call us on 01642 613852. Email us at Northeastauttech@gmail.com or send us a message on our contact page ‘here‘.

Intake valve carbon clean

We carry out Intake valve carbon cleans on TFSI & TSI engines frequently due to build up within the valves. 90% of EU cars being manufactured now use Direct Injection to power the engine. There are so many benefits to manufacturers using Direct Injection, mainly fuel efficiency and power! The EU have more stringent emissions laws than the rest of the world, therefore manufacturers are using this method to push the limits of emission friendly cars to their max potential.

What is Direct Injection?

Most of us get into our cars and it gets us from A-B, and when something goes wrong, we take our car to the garage and trust our mechanic to fix the problem! However, in most cases its beneficial to learn why problems occur and how to stop more problems developing. Direct injection is where the fuel is injected from the HPFP to the injectors and into the combustion chamber. The ECU tells the injectors what intervals to spray the fuel in, at a precise time and position to atomise with the compressed air. This mixture then ignites and turns chemical energy into mechanical energy. At the end of the cycle, the exhaust valves open and release the excess gasses.

So, what are the draw backs?

Unfortunately, Direct injection vehicles are prone to carbon build up, HPFP failure and PCV failure. The PCV valve takes the oil vapours and recycles it into the air intake to give a more environmental burn. However, this is where the mixture can partially end up back into the intake valves resulting in the carbon built up. Sadly, it’s not a 5 minute job to check how built up the valves are with carbon. Therefore, we need to know the warning signs! The build-up of carbon essentially restricts the air flow and stops the vehicle being able to breathe. Signs you need an intake carbon clean include; Noticeable loss in performance, Check engine light on/won’t pass emissions, Poor fuel economy and Rough running. If you’re experiencing these problem and the vehicle has hit the 30,000 miles mark we would advise an intake valve clean. After that first clean, it shouldn’t need carrying out again until 40-50,000 mile intervals.

What method do we choose to clean?

There are a number of ways to clean your intake valves however we prefer methods that don’t damage the valves. If you choosing to manually scrape off the carbon built up your going to scratch the metal which could cause more problems. We choose to use walnut shell. It is soft enough to do no damage, but blasted into the valves at high pressure it removes the carbon built up safely. After your intake valve clean you should immediately see the benefits. These should include, smoother idle, lower fuel consumption and smoother throttle response.

We also advise having your injectors tested and cleaned at the same time as your intake valve clean. You can read our blog outlining the benefits of this ‘here’.

To book in or get a quote call us on 01642 613852. Use our contact form ‘here’ on contact us on Facebook.

Adding a Racingline Carbon Fibre brace?

So this one is specifically for the MQB vehicle owners! (Golf 7 & 7.5 / Leon / Octavia). This may not be a mod you have even seen before, never mind knowing the benefits to your vehicle and overall drive! The Racingline Carbon Fibre Rear Brace reinforces the bodyshell at its weakest point for a more precise and pleasurable drive.

The MQB platform vehicles have a pretty stiff bodyshell. Between the front end suspension the chassis is very rigid however, at the rear the chassis has much more flex. This means that with hard driving the handling of the vehicle is much harder. You can upgrade the suspension underneath and try to strengthen and secure however it won’t affect the flex of the body up top! VW have acknowledged this and the Clubsport  S Golf gets a factory rear brace!

How does it work?

Adding a Racingline carbon fibre brace creates a stronger, stiffer rear body. It solves this issue by locking the crucial hard points together. Despite the added stiffness, this improved handling performance comes without sacrificing any ride quality or introducing any additional noise, vibration, or harshness into the cabin. Solid billet aluminium mounts are used and secured into beautiful, ultra-stiff carbon fibre link bars drastically stiffening the rear of the chassis.

Easy to fit?

All you need to fit the brace is a set of triple square drive sockets! The brace comes in pieces, with instructions on how to put together and fit to the vehicle. That’s another pro of this performance part, you can easily fit it yourself! The clever design means that installation is simple, using existing body mounting points with no drilling and no removal of trim required, and is completely reversible. You can use the brace with the back seats up or down and it doesn’t really take up any boot space!

You can purchase the Racingline Carbon Fibre Rear Body Brace here at our sister company. ‘VAG performance’ You also have the option to pay conveniently with Klarna!

If you have any questions regarding the fitment or whether its for you, pop us a message ‘Here’. We always have someone available and happy to help with any queries.