5 Gas Diesel Emissions Analysers may not yet be part of the UK MOT test but does the modern diesel engine now demand a level of scrutiny beyond the capabilities of today’s diesel smoke meters?

From a diesel engine diagnostic perspective, the answer is a resounding yes.

Current MOT spec diesel smoke meters (DSMs) offer little in the way of diagnostic value providing a one-dimensional reading based on the quantity of light obscured by the exhaust smoke in a given volume of air. However, there is far more to diesel vehicle exhaust emissions than the thickness of the smoke cloud they produce at the tail pipe.

In addition to the carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxygen and hydrocarbons (CO², CO, O² and HC) measured by a conventional 4 gas petrol emissions analyser, 5-gas analysers will include the addition of nitrogen dioxide (NO²) detection - essential in determining the level of harmful and polluting nitrogen oxides (NOx) produced.

5 Gas Diesel Emissions Analysis can provide a wealth of valuable additional data that can be used for the diagnosis of:

EGR faults and failures
Oil burning from leaking seals / faulty turbos
Blocked air cleaners
Leaking injectors
Blocked (DPF) Diesel Particulate Filter
Mechanical misfire

With the additional assistance for:

Performance tuning
Environmental testing

Diesel emissions analysis at the tail pipe is still in its infancy and it will perhaps be a while before we see it introduced to the MOT test. As a diagnostic tool though, the benefits are clear today.

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