New Sensors Detect Diesel Fuel Dilution in Diesel Engines – Are They Reliable?
Diesel engines have long been a popular choice for their efficiency and power. However, one issue that has plagued these engines is diesel fuel dilution – the presence of diesel fuel in the engine oil. This problem can lead to reduced lubrication, increased wear and tear, and ultimately, engine damage.
To tackle this issue, new sensors have entered the market that claim to accurately detect diesel fuel dilution in diesel engines. But the question remains: are they reliable?
Traditionally, diesel engines fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) system have an oil quality sensor in the sump. However, these sensors can sometimes be faulty or require cleaning, leading to inaccurate readings. So, the introduction of new sensors that specifically detect diesel fuel dilution is seen as a potential game-changer.
Diesel fuel dilution can be a challenging problem to measure accurately. Viscosity, a key indicator of diesel dilution, is not a straightforward parameter to measure. In the past, researchers have explored measuring viscosity using methods like scanning digital photos of paper chromatograms, but practical implementation has been limited.
Recently, companies like Rheonics and Des-Case have introduced innovative solutions. Rheonics offers a viscometer that focuses on industrial process control, but its application in cars is not mentioned. Des-Case, on the other hand, claims to have a sensor that works on the dielectric constant and monitors wear, contaminants, and oxidation. However, its ability to provide specific monitoring for diesel fuel dilution remains uncertain.
Furthermore, there were reports of a hand-held device called Lubricheck that allegedly worked on dielectric constant, but its availability seems to have declined. Additionally, some dubious products have surfaced on platforms like Amazon, offering oil quality detection based on unclear principles or irrelevant parameters like oil color.
Despite these developments, there is no mention of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) offering sensors specifically designed to detect diesel fuel dilution. Therefore, it remains unclear if these sensors have been successfully implemented in real-world automotive applications.
In conclusion, the issue of diesel fuel dilution in diesel engines remains a concern, and the reliability of new sensors specifically targeting this problem is still questionable. While some companies offer potential solutions, the lack of information about their practical application in automobiles raises doubts. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it is essential that reliable and accurate detection methods for diesel fuel dilution are developed to protect engines and ensure optimal performance.
