AdBlue is an additive that’s added to the exhaust of diesel engines to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. However, it’s not uncommon for AdBlue to contaminate other fluids in the engine and this can have a negative impact on performance. In this blog, we explore what AdBlue contamination is and how you can prevent it from happening in your vehicle.
AdBlue is a blue-coloured liquid that’s added to the exhaust of diesel engines to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. It’s a mixture of urea and water that’s stored in a separate tank from the engine’s fuel tank, and is automatically dispensed into the engine where it has a chemical reaction with the fuel to reduce NOx emissions. AdBlue is an important part of many diesel engine emissions control systems, helping to comply with regulations on emissions and improving air quality. It’s used in all diesel-powered vehicles, as well as in some ships and trains.
Contamination can happen when gas and liquid are in close proximity to each other. In the case of AdBlue contamination, the liquid AdBlue is close to the engine’s diesel fuel and other engine fluids. AdBlue’s presence in these fluids can have a negative impact on the performance of the vehicle, and AdBlue contamination can be a very costly issue. When AdBlue is injected into the diesel engine, it is at a temperature of approximately 73°C (163°F). When it’s injected into the combustion chamber, the temperature can rise to over 1000°C (1832°F). This temperature increase can cause the AdBlue to vaporize and contaminate other fluids in the engine by coming into contact with them. AdBlue contamination can happen when the AdBlue is injected into the wrong part of the engine, or when it vaporizes, and then condenses in another part of the engine.
Several different fluids can be contaminated with AdBlue, and the impact of contamination will depend on the fluid. In the engine’s air filter, AdBlue can hurt the engine’s performance by reducing the amount of air that is drawn into the engine. Low air flow to the engine can cause reduced power and reduced fuel efficiency. In the engine’s oil, AdBlue can cause the oil to break down more quickly. Reduced oil flow can cause a loss of lubrication, which can result in excessive wear and tear on the engine and damage to other engine components. In the cooling system, AdBlue contamination can reduce the cooling efficiency, resulting in the engine overheating.
There are some steps you can take to prevent AdBlue from contaminating the engine’s other fluids. Firstly, make sure the vehicle is equipped with an AdBlue injection system and that it’s working properly. Check that the vehicle’s oil level is maintained at the recommended level and that the oil is replaced when the vehicle is due for an oil change. Make sure the air filter is changed when it’s dirty, so that air flows freely into the engine.
If AdBlue contamination is left unaddressed it can result in high repair costs and reduced engine performance. It is important to address AdBlue contamination by identifying the source of the contamination and repairing the damage caused by the contamination. If you notice reduced engine performance or overheating, or if you smell something unusual or unpleasant coming from the engine, you should have the vehicle checked. The mechanic will identify the source of the issue and repair the damage. If you want to prevent AdBlue from contaminating other fluids in your engine, make sure you have an AdBlue injection system installed, and properly maintained.
